Federal Government CAC Free Registration for Entrepreneurs 2025

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has unveiled a nationwide initiative to offer free business registration to 250,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

This initiative aims to boost the formalization of MSMEs, reduce barriers to business growth, and strengthen Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The program was officially announced in Abuja, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CAC and SMEDAN.

Benefits of the Federal Government CAC Free Business Registration Program

By registering under this free CAC business registration initiative, entrepreneurs will enjoy far-reaching benefits beyond formalization. The database will serve as a gateway for registered businesses to access exclusive government and private-sector support opportunities.

Some of the key benefits include:

• Access to Grants and Funding Opportunities: Registered MSMEs will be eligible for various government and donor-funded grants, loans, and financial support programs designed to promote business growth.
• Capacity-Building and Training Programs: Beneficiaries will be invited to entrepreneurship and business management workshops aimed at improving their operational efficiency and innovation capacity.
• Technical and Advisory Support: Businesses will receive guidance on compliance, branding, record-keeping, and digital transformation to enhance their competitiveness.
• Market Linkages and Networking: Registration opens doors to national and international markets, enabling MSMEs to connect with larger corporations, investors, and trade platforms.
• Formal Recognition: A CAC certificate offers legal identity and credibility, allowing businesses to open corporate bank accounts, apply for tenders, and build customer trust.

How to Apply for the Free CAC Business Registration

If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner interested in benefiting from the Federal Government’s free CAC registration initiative, follow these simple steps to apply:

1. Visit the SMEDAN portal: Go to portal.smedan.gov.ng.
2. Create an account: Sign up and complete your registration on the SMEDAN platform.
3. Indicate your registration status: When asked if you already have a CAC number, select “No.”
4. Provide your business details: Fill in all required information accurately and submit your application.
5. Await confirmation: After completing your registration, SMEDAN will contact you with instructions on how to finalize your free CAC registration and receive your business certificate.

Note: Ensure that all your contact details (especially your phone number and email address) are correct, so you don’t miss important updates or verification messages.

This process is completely free, transparent, and designed to make business formalization quick, simple, and accessible to all Nigerian entrepreneurs.