DiginApply For SMEDAN Empowerment Programmes 2025 Training and funding Small Business Owners
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has launched a variety of strategic programmes to support entrepreneurs, drive economic growth, and strengthen the capacities of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. These initiatives span various sectors from agriculture to fashion, women’s entrepreneurship to local production providing a comprehensive suite of support for Nigerian business owners.
Below is a summary of SMEDAN’s flagship programmes and how they empower individuals, businesses, and communities:
CGS – Conditional Grant Scheme for Micro Enterprises
What is it about?
This government scheme supports nano businesses by providing conditional financial grants for workforce support and equipment procurement.
Eligibility
Nano businesses at the Local Government Area (LGA) level.
Benefits of CGS
- Participants in the Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS) for micro enterprises receive financial assistance tailored to their business needs.
- These nano businesses get a sum of ₦50,000 grant on the condition of employing one person in order to encourage job creation.
Apply Here
ADEP – Agri-business Development and Empowerment Programme
What it’s About:
ADEP is designed to enhance the growth and sustainability of agri-businesses by supporting agricultural production, processing, and marketing. The program promotes food security, job creation, and rural economic development.
Who it’s For:
Farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, cooperatives, associations, and agribusinesses—both small-scale and large-scale.
Key Benefits:
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Financial assistance
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Technical training and capacity building
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Market access and sustainable farming support
Apply Here
WISE-P – Women in Self-employment Programme
What it’s About:
WISE-P aims to empower women through self-employment and entrepreneurship. It equips women with business training, financial support, and mentorship to establish and grow sustainable businesses.
Who it’s For:
Women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners from both rural and semi-urban areas.
Key Benefits:
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Financial support and business training
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Mentorship and networking opportunities
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Market access and economic empowerment
Apply Here
CEIAM – Capacity Enhancement Initiatives for Auto-mechanics Based MSMEs
What is it about?
CEIAM aims to improve the technical skills, efficiency, and capabilities of small-scale auto repair and maintenance businesses.
Who is it for?
Auto-mechanics and individuals in the automotive repair sector, with access to training, workshops, and technical support.
What do I get?
Participants gain updated industry skills, attract new clients, and expand their businesses through improved operational standards.
Apply Here
CDS – Cluster Development Support for MSMEs
What is it about?
The CDS program is a government-led initiative aimed at enhancing the growth and competitiveness of MSME clusters. It provides targeted interventions and support mechanisms tailored to the specific needs of MSME clusters, fostering productivity, innovation, and market access.
Eligibility:
Designed for MSMEs organized within geographic clusters or industrial hubs, as well as industry associations, government agencies, and development organizations involved in MSME development.
Benefits
Participants receive access to infrastructure, technology, skill enhancement, market linkages, access to finance, and support in branding, marketing, and certification.
Apply Here
PAMES – Products and Marketing Enhancement Scheme
What is it about?
PAMES aims to improve product quality, packaging, branding, and market access for MSMEs. The initiative provides training, technical assistance, and market research.
Who is it for?
Targets micro, small, and medium enterprises seeking to enhance their product marketing capabilities and expand their market reach.
What do I get?
Support includes training, market research, branding, packaging, and assistance with product development and visibility.
Apply Here
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MSEP – Mind Shift Entrepreneurship Programme
What is it about?
This program cultivates entrepreneurship by offering training, mentorship, funding opportunities, and networking events to help individuals build viable business models.
Who is it for?
Aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas looking to acquire skills, mentorship, and networks to launch and grow their ventures.
What do I get?
Access to entrepreneurial training, funding opportunities, mentorship, and guidance in navigating the startup ecosystem.
Apply Here
NBSDI – National Business Skills Development Initiative
What is it about?
NBSDI enhances the number of start-ups and boosts existing MSMEs by providing necessary business training and equipment.
Who is it for?
Unemployed youth and existing nano businesses.
What do I get?
Training in business planning, opportunity identification, marketing, customer care, accessing finance, and regulatory compliance.
Apply Here
OLOP – One Local Government One Product
What it’s About:
OLOP drives local economic development by identifying and promoting one unique product or industry in each local government area. It aims to boost local capacity, leverage community strengths, and create jobs.
Who it’s For:
Local authorities, community groups, entrepreneurs, MSMEs (especially in agri-business), and government agencies.
Key Benefits:
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Technical assistance and capacity building
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Product development and market linkage
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Local industry promotion and economic revitalization
Apply here
Also Apply: Apply For FG YouthCred Financial Empowerment 2025 For Nigerian Youth
GCSS – Garment and Textile (Tailors and Fashion Designers) Cluster Growth Support Scheme
What it’s About:
GCSS is a government-backed initiative focused on enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of garment clusters. It supports MSMEs involved in garment and textile production to improve product finishing and expand market access.
Who it’s For:
Fashion designers, tailors, manufacturers, exporters, associations, entrepreneurs, and garment workers.
Key Benefits:
- Skill development for workers
- Capacity building for industry associations
- Improved market readiness and access
Apply Here
SSP – SMEDAN Select Programme
What it’s About:
The SMEDAN Select Programme is tailored to empower MSMEs across all sectors through training, market linkages, funding opportunities, and mentorship.
Who it’s For:
Nigerian citizens who own or manage MSMEs in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, services, and tech.
Key Benefits:
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Entrepreneurial training and mentorship
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Local, regional, and international market access
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Sector-specific capacity building
Apply Here
6. GROWHer – Women-Led Business Accelerator Programme
What it’s About:
GROWHer is a high-impact accelerator for women-led businesses designed to scale enterprises, access funding, and expand market reach. It empowers female entrepreneurs with tools and resources for sustainable growth.
Who it’s For:
Women-led businesses (founded/co-founded by women aged 18–50) that have been operational for at least 3 years and are based in Nigeria.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Market-ready product or service
- Registered and operational in Nigeria
- Active business account
Key Benefits:
- Mentorship from industry leaders
- Strategic business training
- Investor networking
- Access to funding and expanded markets
Apply Here
Also Apply: NELFUND: Link to Apply for Nigerian Student Loan 2024/2025 Academic Session
NBCAF – National BDSPs Certification And Accreditation Framework
The National BDSPs Certification and Accreditation Framework establishes standardized criteria to assess and accredit organizations providing business development services to entrepreneurs and businesses.
It ensures that BDSPs meet defined standards of quality, professionalism, and effectiveness, enhancing the credibility of services offered.
Certification and accreditation under this framework offer benefits such as increased recognition, credibility, and access to partnerships and funding opportunities.
Eligibility:
- The National BDSPs Certification and Accreditation Framework primarily targets business management consultants across various sectors.
- It is designed for training institutions, consultancy firms, mentorship programs, and other entities involved in providing support to enhance entrepreneurial skills and business growth.
- Entrepreneurs seeking reliable and credible business development services can benefit from utilizing BDSPs accredited under this framework.
Benefits
- Accredited organizations receive recognition for meeting rigorous standards of quality and professionalism in providing business development services.
- Accreditation enhances their credibility and reputation among clients, stakeholders, and potential partners.
- Accredited BDSPs gain access to networking opportunities, partnerships, and funding avenues, thereby expanding their reach and impact in supporting entrepreneurship and business growth.
Apply Here
MDA – MSMEs Digital Academy
The MSME’s Digital Academy is a platform offering tailored digital skills training for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
It equips participants with essential knowledge in digital marketing, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and more. The academy provides comprehensive training to help MSMEs leverage digital technologies for business growth and competitiveness.
Eligibility:
The MSME’s Digital Academy targets entrepreneurs who run Micro, Small, and Medium Businesses, seeking to enhance their digital capabilities.
It is designed for business owners, managers, and employees looking to leverage digital technologies for growth. Individuals interested in mastering digital marketing, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and other digital skills can benefit from the academy.
Benefits of MDA
- Participants in the MSME’s Digital Academy receive comprehensive digital skills training tailored to the needs of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- They gain expertise in areas such as digital marketing, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and more. The academy provides practical knowledge and tools to enhance online presence, marketing strategies, and business operations.
- Participants also benefit from networking opportunities and access to resources to stay competitive in the digital era.
Apply Here
AWAKE – Advancement for Women in Agriculture, Agro-allied and Cottage Enterprises Program
What is it about?
The AWAKE program promotes agro-processing among women-owned businesses and groups. It enhances women’s participation, skills, and leadership roles within agriculture, agro-allied industries, and cottage enterprises. Through training, access to finance, markets, and technology, the program fosters economic empowerment and gender equality.
Eligibility:
Women in rural areas involved in farming, processing, and entrepreneurship within agriculture and related sectors. AWAKE targets those facing gender-based barriers and supports their leadership and capacity development.
Benefits:
Participants benefit from training, workshops, mentorship, leadership development, access to finance and markets, and technology support. The program creates a network of empowered women driving growth in agriculture and related industries.
Apply Here
Digin
Kabir Mustapha
