What We Do at SMEDAN News

At SMEDAN News (smedan.org), our mission is to keep Nigerians informed about important government programs that can truly make a difference. One key area we focus on is the Federal Government’s Student Loan Initiative — a program created to help students access higher education without worrying about the cost.

We break down complex details into simple updates that students and families can easily understand. Whether it’s explaining who qualifies, how to apply, when payments begin, or what the latest announcements mean — we’re here to make things clear.

Although we are not the official website, our goal is to guide you with accurate, helpful, and timely information. Every article we publish is well-researched and includes links to the official sources for further reading.

If you want easy-to-follow updates that you can trust, SMEDAN News is here for you — every step of the way.

Major Programs Helping Small Businesses Succeed in Nigeria

Across Nigeria, small businesses are getting stronger, and behind that support is one agency making it possible through targeted schemes—Smedan. From helping women farmers in rural areas to training young people with digital skills, these programs are creating real change for entrepreneurs.

Below are some of the most impactful Smedan programs currently running:

GROWHer (Accelerator Programme): This is built for women-led businesses in Nigeria. Women aged 18 to 50 get mentorship, business training, networking, and a chance to pitch for funding. To qualify, the business must be registered, operating for 3 years or more, and co- or fully owned by a woman.

Cluster Development Support (CDS): Focused on business groups in one area (called clusters), this scheme improves their infrastructure, tech, and productivity. MSME clusters or industry groups benefit from better tools, technical help, and access to new markets.

PAMES (Products and Marketing Enhancement Scheme): Aimed at making Nigerian products look better and sell more, this helps businesses improve packaging, branding, and marketing. It’s a big step for small companies wanting to compete in larger markets.

AWAKE (Women in Agriculture): This supports women in farming, agro-processing, and cottage businesses. It offers finance, training, tools, and a push toward leadership roles. Women in agriculture get a chance to grow their businesses with real tools and guidance.

NBCAF (Business Development Support Certification): This certifies trainers and consultants who help small businesses. With this, entrepreneurs know they’re getting help from qualified experts, and BDSPs gain credibility too.

Digital Academy for MSMEs: Business owners, managers, and workers can take online courses in digital marketing, cybersecurity, social media, and e-commerce. This helps small businesses stay competitive in today’s digital economy.

MSEP (Mind Shift Entrepreneurship Programme): This is designed for people with new business ideas. It helps them turn ideas into real businesses by offering startup support, training, and networking opportunities.

Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS): Nigeria’s tiniest businesses—like traders and artisans—can get ₦50,000 grants, but only if they promise to hire someone. It supports nano-enterprises with working capital and also helps them register formally.

Auto Mechanic MSME Support (CEIAM): Small garages and workshops get training in modern auto repairs and better management. It’s all about helping local mechanics compete in a changing car industry.

NBSDI (Business Skills for Youth): This gives young people hands-on business training and startup kits like sewing machines or carpentry tools. It targets unemployed youth and very small businesses trying to grow.

Garment and Textile Cluster Scheme (GCSS): This supports tailors and fashion designers to improve their skills, upgrade tools, and sell in wider markets. It helps fashion clusters grow stronger and more competitive.

ADEP (Agri-Business Development): This boosts farmers and agribusinesses with training, financial help, and support for selling products. It promotes better yields, better profits, and better farming methods.

WISE-P (Women in Self-Employment): Women who run small businesses or want to start one get training, mentorship, and sometimes financial help. This program encourages women to become independent earners.

OLOP (One Local Government One Product): Each local government area picks one product they’re known for, and Smedan helps them develop it. From food items to handcrafts, this program creates jobs and supports rural growth.

SMEDAN Select Programme (SSP): High-potential MSMEs from any sector can apply. Selected businesses get training, mentorship, market access, and sometimes investment connections. It’s like a fast track for serious entrepreneurs.

Through these schemes, Smedan continues to strengthen the backbone of Nigeria’s economy—small businesses. Whether you’re a young person with an idea or a rural woman running a farm, there’s likely a program ready to support your next step.

Eligibility Criteria for Participation in SMEDAN Programs

If you run a business in Nigeria—or even have plans to start one—you might already be qualified to benefit from Smedan’s wide range of support programs. But before you apply, it’s important to understand who these programs are actually made for.

To put it simply, your business must fall under the MSME category. That includes micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises. These are businesses that are:

• Owned by Nigerians
• Operate within Nigeria
• Have between 1 and 249 employees
• Earn less than ₦100 million in annual revenue

Whether you’re selling handmade clothes, running a salon, farming, offering tech services, or producing local food items—your sector does not limit you. As long as your business fits the MSME profile, you’re eligible to register and engage with Smedan.

That said, some programs are more focused and come with their own rules:

• Women-focused schemes like GROWHer or WISE-P are only for businesses that are owned or led by women.
• Youth programs may require applicants to be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Agriculture-based initiatives (like ADEP) need your business to be in farming or agro-processing.
• Cluster development schemes are for people who are part of a cooperative or group within a specific industry, such as fashion or auto-mechanics.

There are also micro-grant programs, such as the Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS), which aim to uplift local traders, artisans, and other very small businesses. But one condition often applies—for example, in CGS, you might need to hire one extra person to qualify for the ₦50,000 grant.

Even if your business isn’t officially registered yet, don’t worry. You can still enter Smedan’s MSME database and get a unique Smedan Number. This number can give you access to many of their programs, even ones that offer funding or tools to help you grow.

So before applying, make sure to read the details of the program you’re interested in. But generally, if you’re a Nigerian entrepreneur—big or small—you’re already one step closer to tapping into Smedan’s support.

Registration Process with SMEDAN (MSME Registration)

If you own a small business in Nigeria or plan to start one, registering with Smedan can open the door to free government support, grants, training, and more. The registration is easy, free, and done entirely online. Once registered, you’ll receive a special ID number called the Smedan Unique Identification Number (SUIN) and a certificate you can use for business opportunities.

Here’s a simple guide to get your business registered on the official MSME portal:

Step 1 – Go to the Official Portal:
Visit the registration website by typing this link in your browser: portal.smedan.gov.ng. You can also reach it by clicking the “Register” link on the homepage of the Smedan official site.

Step 2 – Create Your Account:
Sign up by entering your full name, a working email address, and a password. Click submit to complete your account setup. Some users may be asked to confirm their email before continuing.

Step 3 – Fill In Your Business Information:
After logging in, you’ll be asked to share key details about your business. This includes your business name, address, type (like sole proprietorship or limited company), what sector you work in (e.g. fashion, agriculture, retail), and your contact number. You may also need to say whether your business is already registered with CAC.

Step 4 – Provide Personal Details:
You will also need to enter your full name, birth date, and at least one valid ID—like a National ID card, voter’s card, or international passport. In some cases, the system might ask for your Bank Verification Number (BVN) just to confirm your identity safely.

Step 5 – Submit Your Application:
Before submitting, review all the details you’ve entered. Make sure everything is correct. Once you’re confident, click submit. The system will process your form right away.

Step 6 – Download Your Smedan Certificate:
If your application is complete, you’ll get your SUIN instantly, and a downloadable PDF version of your Smedan registration certificate. You’ll also receive a confirmation email. Keep the certificate saved or printed—it may be required later when applying for programs or funding.

Final Tip:
Registering gives your business formal recognition and can help you access more opportunities—especially government-backed ones. Even if your business is still small or unregistered with CAC, you can still sign up and be part of the national MSME database.

Documents/Information Required

If you’re planning to register your business with Smedan, the good news is that the process is simple and does not require any scanned document uploads. Everything works based on the details you fill in online. But it’s still important to gather the right information before you begin.

Here’s what you should have ready before you register:

• Your full name and personal ID details (such as NIN, Voter’s Card Number, or International Passport Number)
• Business name, type, location, and the kind of products or services you offer
• A working email address and phone number
• If your business is already registered with CAC, keep the CAC number handy (this part is optional)

Smedan made the process easy so that even small or informal businesses can register. You do not need to upload any documents just to get your Smedan Number or certificate.

However, if you want to apply for a special program later—like a grant, loan, or training—you might be asked to submit extra documents. Each program will have its own list of what’s needed.

For example, you might need to provide:

• A copy of your CAC registration certificate (if your business is formally registered)
• A valid government-issued ID (passport, national ID, or driver’s license)
• A short business plan or proposal (usually 1–2 pages)
• A bank statement from the last 6 months
• Product samples, a brochure, or photos (if the program is focused on business visibility)
• Any special form provided by the program itself

Let’s say you are applying for something like the GROWHer Accelerator. In that case, you may be asked to email your CAC document, proof of ownership, ID, financial records, and even a simple product brochure or business plan.

Important Tip:
Before you apply for any program, always read the official call or announcement carefully. It will clearly list what documents you need to submit. Being prepared will help you avoid delays and increase your chances of being selected.

SMEDAN Certificate: Purpose and Benefits

Once you register your business with Smedan, you will get a digital certificate with a special number known as your Smedan Unique Identification Number (SUIN). This document is more than just a certificate—it proves your business is officially listed in the national MSME database.

Having the Smedan certificate gives you many benefits that can help your business grow faster and stand out.

1. Easier Access to Grants and Loans
Many government and private funding programs ask for proof that your business is registered with Smedan. Without this certificate, you may not qualify. For example, if you’re applying for the Conditional Grant Scheme that gives ₦50,000 to micro businesses, your Smedan number is required. Other business loans and support funds often give priority to those already in the Smedan database.

2. First in Line for Trainings and Support
Smedan offers regular workshops, training, and skill-building programs for business owners. Those who are registered and have the certificate usually get picked first or even get exclusive invites. This includes sessions on business planning, digital tools, management, and entrepreneurship.

3. SUIN – Your Business ID in the MSME System
With the certificate comes your SUIN, which is like your official ID for business purposes. If you apply for funding, mentorship, or even business insurance, you can use this number to prove your business is real and recognized by the government. Even banks and private investors may use this number to check your registration status.

4. Builds Your Business Reputation
Being in the national MSME database gives your business more credibility. It tells people—whether they are customers, suppliers, or partners—that your business is genuine. Sometimes, registered businesses are also featured in Smedan programs like “Smedan Select,” giving you more publicity and chances to attend trade fairs or networking events.

5. Access to Special Services Like Insurance
Over time, businesses with a Smedan number may be included in group insurance plans or other special services made for small businesses. While not every service is available at once, having your registration completed means you’re ready whenever such offers come up.

Final Note:
The certificate does not replace formal registration with CAC, but it adds a strong layer of recognition. It plugs your business into the national system, where real help and support programs are available. Getting the certificate is free and easy—just register online as explained earlier. For any serious business owner, this certificate is a smart step forward.

Recent Initiatives and Partnerships by SMEDAN

Over the past year, Smedan has rolled out several powerful initiatives and built new partnerships to support small businesses across Nigeria. These recent efforts aim to connect more entrepreneurs with funding, skills, markets, and national or global opportunities. Here are the major updates and programs launched lately:

Talent Hunt Initiative (2025)
Smedan launched a youth-focused program inviting Nigerians between 18 and 35 years to share fresh, innovative business ideas. Winners received mentorship, startup support, funding, and industry exposure. It ran in key cities like Lagos and Abuja and targeted ideas from sectors like tech, agriculture, and the creative economy. The goal was to help smart ideas become successful businesses.

Founder Academy – With ALX
In partnership with ALX, a tech and leadership group, Smedan introduced an accelerator to help founders launch and grow their startups. Entrepreneurs joined training programs, received expert mentorship, and joined a peer community. This program focused on modern, digital-first business models and gave access to real startup resources.

African Trade Gateway – MANSA and Afreximbank
To help Nigerian SMEs trade across Africa, Smedan joined hands with Afreximbank’s MANSA platform. Businesses could register and get a compliance code, making it easier to build trust and export under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This opened more doors for Nigerian MSMEs to grow across the continent.

AGOA Masterclass for US Export
Smedan also hosted a special class teaching MSMEs how to sell their products in the United States under the AGOA program. Topics included export laws, product standards, and how to connect with US buyers. This gave local producers a way to enter international markets with the right knowledge.

NJFP Talent Empowerment Program
Through its partnership with the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, Smedan helped place skilled young graduates into MSMEs across Nigeria. These fellows supported operations, marketing, and other departments in small businesses while gaining job experience themselves—creating a win-win situation for both.

₦5 Billion Loan Fund with Sterling Bank
To fix the funding gap for small businesses, Smedan worked with Sterling Bank to offer affordable business loans. The fund offers low-interest credit to MSMEs registered in their database. The process focuses on data-backed assessments to lower risks and increase loan approval chances.

SME Digital Academy
A new online learning portal was launched offering courses in business planning, social media, finance, and more. The platform helps entrepreneurs build skills at their own pace—even those who cannot attend physical workshops.

Cybersecurity Toolkit for SMEs
To keep businesses safe in the digital space, Smedan shared a free cybersecurity toolkit in partnership with the Global Cyber Alliance. It includes tips and tools for secure passwords, data backup, antivirus protection, and more—helping businesses stay safe online.

Climate and Green Energy Desk
A newer initiative encourages small businesses to use solar and other eco-friendly solutions. Through a special portal, MSMEs can find support for going green and possibly receive funding to shift towards cleaner energy.

National Council on MSMEs
In late 2023, the government restarted the National Council on MSMEs to bring different agencies together. Smedan was named the secretariat, placing it in a central role to make sure policies are better aligned and more support reaches small businesses quickly.

Impact Update:
As of early 2025, Smedan reported it had created over 90,000 jobs and empowered more than 116,000 entrepreneurs through its programs and partnerships. These numbers show the agency’s continued work in building Nigeria’s MSME economy.

These latest moves confirm that Smedan is not only keeping up with current trends but is also finding smarter ways to support every kind of entrepreneur—young or old, online or offline, local or international.

SMEDAN Contact Details

If you need more details or support from Smedan, there are several trusted ways to reach out. Whether you’re applying for a program, trying to register your business, or just looking for guidance, these are the official contact options you should use.

Head Office Address – Abuja
The current Smedan head office is located at:
Zone C16, Industrial Area 1 Extension, Plot 900, Chris Chigbo Road, Idu, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
(Note: Their old office was in Garki Area 11, but all operations have moved to the Idu Industrial Area.)

Email Support
For general inquiries, send an email to: [email protected]
This is the official contact email where you can ask questions about programs, registration, or events.

Phone Contact
Call +234 706 300 9496 during working hours for direct support. You may also find phone numbers for state-level offices on their website.

Website
Visit the official site: www.smedan.gov.ng
The site gives full details on programs, MSME registration, news, and more. You can also use the “Contact Us” form to send a message directly from the website.

Social Media Handles
Follow Smedan on platforms like Twitter/X and Facebook. You can find them by searching @SMEDANGov. These pages share important updates like program deadlines, application links, and success stories.

State and Zonal Offices
Smedan has a presence in all 36 states of Nigeria. To get local help, visit the Smedan office in your state capital. A full list of zonal and state office contacts is available on the website under the “Contact Us” section. You can select your region to find the exact location and phone number of the nearest officer.

Always use the official contacts listed above to avoid misinformation. Whether you’re an entrepreneur just starting out or already running a business, Smedan has the tools and programs to help you succeed.