Top 15 Federal Government and SMEDAN Empowerment Programs for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs and small business owners across Nigeria have access to several government-backed initiatives designed to boost economic growth, support innovation, and promote self-employment. In collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), these programs offer training, funding, and capacity-building opportunities across key sectors.

Top 15 Federal Government and SMEDAN Empowerment Programs for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

Here are 15 major empowerment programs you can take advantage of:

1. Conditional Grant Scheme for Micro Enterprises (CGS)

This program supports micro-businesses with grants and training to help them grow and formalize their operations.
Learn more: smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/cgs

2. Garment and Textile Cluster Growth Support Scheme (GCSS)

Focused on the textile industry, GCSS provides equipment, training, and support to boost production and market access.
Learn more: smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/gcss

3. Agri-business Development and Empowerment Programme (ADEP)

ADEP helps agricultural entrepreneurs scale their businesses through access to funding, modern farming techniques, and value-chain support.
Learn more: smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/adep

4. Women in Self-Employment Programme (WISE-P)

This initiative promotes self-employment among women through skills training and access to micro-enterprise support.
Learn more: smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/wisep

5. One Local Government One Product (OLOP)

OLOP aims to encourage locally made products by empowering communities to develop and scale unique offerings.
Learn more: smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/olop

6. SMEDAN Select Programme (SSP)

This program showcases selected high-quality Made-in-Nigeria products to promote local manufacturing excellence.
Learn more: smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/ssp

Federal Government SMEDAN AgriBusiness Empowerment and Development Program 2025: How to Apply

7. Accelerator Programme (GROWHer)

GROWHer is tailored to support growth-stage businesses owned by women, offering them tools to scale and access markets.
Learn more: smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/growher

8. Cluster Development Support for MSMEs (CDS)

This program enhances the productivity of MSMEs within industry clusters by providing infrastructure, equipment, and business services.
Learn more: smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/cluster-development-support-for-msmes

9. Products and Marketing Enhancement Scheme (PAMES)

PAMES improves the market competitiveness of small businesses by supporting branding, packaging, and marketing efforts.
Learn more: smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/products-and-marketing-enhancement-scheme

10. Advancement for Women in Agriculture and Cottage Enterprises (AWAKE)

This initiative supports women-led agricultural and cottage industries through training, empowerment, and financing.
Learn more: smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/advancement-for-women-in-agriculture-agro-allied-and-cottage-enterprises-program

11. National BDSPs Certification and Accreditation Framework (NBCAF)

NBCAF promotes professional business support services by certifying Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs).
Learn more: smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/mefp

12. MSMEs Digital Academy (MDA)

An online platform offering digital literacy and business management training to micro and small businesses across Nigeria.
Learn more: smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/mda

13. Mind Shift Entrepreneurship Programme (MSEP)

MSEP promotes entrepreneurial thinking and capacity-building among Nigerian youth.
Learn more: smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/msep

14. Capacity Enhancement for Auto-mechanics Based MSMEs (CEIAM)

This program improves technical skills and business practices among automotive repair entrepreneurs.
Learn more: smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/ceiam

15. National Business Skills Development Initiative (NBSDI)

NBSDI offers practical training and starter kits to new and existing entrepreneurs to promote job creation and self-reliance.
Learn more: smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/gcss-2

Conclusion
These programs reflect the Federal Government and SMEDAN’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs across Nigeria. Whether you’re a woman in agriculture, a digital entrepreneur, or a micro-business owner, there is a tailored opportunity for you to grow. Visit the links provided to apply or learn more.