TVET, SUPA, YEIDEP, BOI YES or PCGS? Choose the Right Support for Your Business

Nigeria has introduced multiple empowerment programmes aimed at reducing unemployment, boosting entrepreneurship, and supporting nano and micro-businesses. Below is a detailed comparison to help you determine which programme best suits your background and goals.

1. Quick Comparison Table

Programme	Type of Support	Amount/Value	Target Group	Requirements	Best For
TVET Grant	Monthly stipend and tuition-free training	₦45,000/month plus skills	Students in technical colleges	Enrolment in NBTE-accredited TVET school	Young students learning vocational trades
SUPA	Skills training and toolkits	Value varies (tools/startup kits)	Informal artisans (tailors, barbers, welders, etc.)	Registration with SUPA portal, NIN	Artisans needing certification and tools
YEIDEP	Grants, training, and mentorship	₦50,000–₦500,000	Youth entrepreneurs aged 18–35	Sector-aligned business idea, BVN/NIN	Startups in agriculture, ICT, fashion, etc.
BOI YES	Loan, business training, and mentoring	₦5–₦10 million	Educated youth (OND and above)	Business plan, training, application	Formally structured, scalable startups
PCGS	One-time grant (non-repayable)	₦50,000	Nano and micro-business owners	ID, proof of business, verification	Petty traders and small-scale vendors

2. Detailed Breakdown

TVET Monthly Grant (Technical and Vocational Education & Training)

1. What you get: ₦45,000 monthly allowance, free technical education, and paid industrial training supervision.
2. Eligibility: Enrolment in a public TVET institution accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
3. Best suited for: Students seeking hands-on vocational skills in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical works, and welding.

SUPA (Skill-Up Artisans Programme)

1. What you get: Free vocational training, business support, and toolkits (depending on the trade).
2. Eligibility: Informal artisans and workers in trades like tailoring, mechanics, barbing, hairdressing, welding, and more.
3. Best suited for: Individuals already practicing a skill who need certification or tools to operate more professionally.

YEIDEP (Youth Economic and Innovation Development Empowerment Programme)

1. What you get: Non-repayable grants ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦500,000, with added mentorship and training.
2. Eligibility: Nigerian youths aged 18–35 with a viable business idea in agriculture, ICT, creative industries, fashion, etc.
3. Best suited for: Young entrepreneurs with existing businesses or strong ideas aligned with national economic priorities.

BOI YES (Youth Entrepreneurship Support Programme)

1. What you get: ₦5–₦10 million in low-interest loans, formal training, and mentorship.
2. Eligibility: Applicants must be aged 18–35, possess a minimum of OND/NCE, and submit a structured business plan.
3. Best suited for: Educated youths ready to launch or scale a structured, job-creating enterprise.

PCGS (Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme)

1. What you get: ₦50,000 non-repayable grant.
2. Eligibility: Nigerian micro-traders, rural entrepreneurs, women, widows, elderly citizens, and persons with disabilities. Must provide proof of business and ID.
3. Best suited for: Informal traders and nano-business owners in need of small capital to restock or expand basic operations.

To apply for any of the empowerment programmes mentioned, visit the official portals: for the BOI YES Programme, go to https://www.boi.ng/yes; for the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), visit https://fedgrantandloan.gov.ng; for the YEIDEP Programme, formerly NIYEEDEP, apply at https://www.yiedep.com.ng; for the TVET Support Grant, updates are available through the official NELFUND portal at https://www.nelf.gov.ng; and for the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), applications can be submitted at https://supa.itf.gov.ng.

3. Which One Should You Pick?

1. Choose TVET if you are a student in a vocational or technical school seeking industry-level skills and monthly financial support.
2. Choose SUPA if you are an informal artisan or skilled worker who lacks tools or training to grow your trade.
3. Choose YEIDEP if you are a youth with a business idea in priority sectors and need a grant rather than a loan.
4. Choose BOI YES if you have higher education, a structured business model, and need large capital with mentorship.
5. Choose PCGS if you are a small-scale trader or vendor who simply needs basic financial support to stabilize your business.

4. Final Tips Before Applying

1. Review all eligibility criteria carefully and prepare your documents in advance.
2. Always use official application websites or portals to avoid falling victim to scams.
3. Apply early, as most programmes have state-by-state quotas or batch-based selection.
4. Ensure your NIN, BVN, and bank details are accurate and up to date.
5. Perform well in any mandatory training, as it can affect your chances of approval.