Kathmandu. NMB, Lakshmi Bank, Swiss Government Development Assistance (SDC) and One to Watch have announced the Covid-19 MSME Fund. The main objective of this fund is to support small and medium enterprises affected by COVID-19.

The fund will provide short-term loans to businesses as well as provide business-friendly counseling and training to help sustain the business's longevity and secure employment. The fund is expected to support about 100 businesses and save about 1,000 jobs.

Businesses affected by Covid-19 but able to do business will also be given unsecured loans and interest for up to 18 months, according to the release. Similarly, the entrepreneurs who have been selected from the businesses will also get their business-friendly advice, the organization said.