Empowering Dreams: OASIS Small Business Loan Support Initiative Brings Hope to Local Entrepreneurs
In a time when rising costs and shrinking margins have left many small business owners struggling to survive, OASIS Foundation continues to bring light and hope through its Small Business Loan Support Initiative — a compassionate program designed to strengthen families and empower everyday entrepreneurs.
The initiative offers interest-free small business loans ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦500,000, targeted at men and women already running small enterprises but needing a little capital push to grow.
Unlike most lending schemes, the OASIS initiative carries zero interest, with beneficiaries only paying a 1.6% bank disbursement charge. Each recipient also enjoys a three-month moratorium before repayment begins and a six-month repayment period, giving a total of nine months from disbursement to full repayment.
“The goal was to give grace, not burden,” said an OASIS Foundation representative. “We understand that people are trying their best. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of breathing space and faith in their potential.”
Stories of Strength and Determination
Among the inspiring stories emerging from the program are four remarkable women — all mothers, entrepreneurs, and symbols of unwavering determination.
(Names changed to protect privacy.)
MRS C – The Caterer with a Calling
A mother of four teenagers, Mrs C has long run a modest catering business from her kitchen. Between paying school fees and meeting household needs, she often struggled to keep her business afloat. With her OASIS loan, she purchased a bigger oven, new cooking utensils, and enough stock to cater for corporate events. Today, her business is expanding faster than she imagined, and her teenage children now proudly assist her during busy weekends.
MRS G – The Seamstress with a Vision
Mrs G, a mother of five teenagers, runs a tailoring and fabric shop in her neighborhood. Her dream was to begin producing ready-made outfits but lacked funds for equipment. With the OASIS zero-interest loan, she bought industrial sewing machines, hired two apprentices, and added new lines of men’s and ladies’ wear. Her family income has grown, but even more importantly, her confidence has too.
MRS M – The Provisions and Household Goods Trader
Mrs M, a single mother of four, runs a small provisions and household accessories stall. Before receiving her OASIS loan, her shelves were half-empty, and customer demand far outpaced her supply. With the ₦250,000 support, she restocked consumables, kitchen accessories, and daily essentials. Business has since tripled, and she’s begun saving towards renting a larger space in the local market.
MRS B – The Boutique Dreamer
Mrs B, a mother of three and caregiver to her late sister’s two teenage children, manages a small fashion boutique selling men’s and ladies’ wear. Her store was struggling to keep up with changing trends due to limited stock. The OASIS support enabled her to refresh her inventory, introduce local fabrics and casuals, and boost her social media marketing. Her shop is now one of the most visited in her area, and she’s employing a part-time assistant.
Stories of Hardworking Men with Big Dreams
While many beneficiaries are women, OASIS is also transforming the lives of hardworking men determined to create more for themselves and their families.
MR T – The Civil Servant with a Side Hustle
Mr T, a mid-level civil servant and father of three, was barely making ends meet on his modest government salary. Determined to improve his family’s situation, he started a small poultry and feed supply business on the side — but lacked the funds to scale it. With an OASIS loan, Mr T was able to purchase additional birds, feed stock, and a small generator for his farm. The results were immediate: his profits grew, his household gained financial breathing room, and he’s now teaching other civil servants how to start side enterprises of their own.
MR E – The Aspiring Scholar and Teacher
Mr E, a young teacher passionate about education, was caught between caring for his family and chasing his dream of higher learning. His goal was to gain admission into a university program that would enable him to qualify for better teaching positions in the future. But financial strain made the dream seem distant. With an OASIS support loan, he paid his admission fees, bought essential materials, and began classes. His evenings are now spent between marking scripts and studying for exams — a powerful testament that when given a chance, ambition can rewrite any story.
Growing Small Businesses, Strengthening Families
Through these stories — of mothers, fathers, and young dreamers — one truth echoes clearly: empowerment multiplies.
Each loan does more than fund a business; it restores dignity, sparks courage, and uplifts entire households. By offering interest-free support and flexible repayment terms, the OASIS Foundation ensures that small entrepreneurs have the time and space to stabilize, reinvest, and grow.
This initiative is a living expression of the Foundation’s mission: to empower families, inspire enterprise, and nurture hope through compassion in action.
How It Works
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Loan range: ₦100,000 – ₦500,000
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Interest: 0%
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Bank charge: 1.6% (for disbursement only)
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Grace period: 3 months (no repayment)
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Repayment period: 6 months
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Total duration: 9 months from disbursement to full repayment
Applicants must operate a verifiable business or provide a clear, practical plan showing how the funds will improve their productivity, education, or livelihood.
A Ripple of Hope
Every story — from a caterer expanding her kitchen to a civil servant feeding his city — represents a step toward a stronger community.
Through initiatives like this, OASIS Foundation continues to transform compassion into empowerment, proving that when you lift one person, you lift a family; when you lift a family, you strengthen a nation.
Small loans. Big impact. Endless hope.