SMEDAN’s Latest Opportunities for Youths & Business Owners in Nigeria (2025)

Nigeria’s economy thrives on the creativity, resilience, and drive of young entrepreneurs and small business owners. To support this energy, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has rolled out several groundbreaking initiatives in 2025. These programs are designed to create jobs, equip entrepreneurs with essential skills, and provide access to funding and infrastructure.

If you’re a student, youth, or aspiring business owner, these opportunities could be your game changer.

SMEDAN’s Recent Impact

• Over 90,160 Jobs Created in the first quarter of 2025.
• 116,661 Entrepreneurs Empowered through training, funding, and tools.
• More than ₦11 Billion Mobilized in SME support funds over the last two years.
• Over 123,700 Work Tools Distributed including sewing machines, laptops, tricycles, generators, and more.

SMEDAN Opportunities You Can Apply For

1. Entrepreneurship Training & Work Tool: Thousands of young Nigerians have already received vocational and business training, plus free tools like laptops, tailoring machines, and brick-making equipment.

2. ₦11 Billion SME Funding: Over ₦11 billion has been secured to help businesses grow. This funding supports innovation, job creation, and expansion across Nigeria.

3. Talent Hunt Initiative: SMEDAN awarded ₦5 million to three young Nigerians for innovative solutions tackling agricultural post-harvest losses. Future rounds will support even more youth-led ideas.

4. NBSDI (National Business Skills Development Initiative)

Currently training over 1,000 youths in:

• Business plan writing
• Customer service
• Financial literacy
• Vocational skills like tailoring, photography, block making, GSM repairs, and more.

5. GROWHer Accelerator for Women Entrepreneurs: Exclusive to women-led businesses ready to scale, offering mentorship, funding, and a support network.

6. Makerspace & Solar-Powered Mini-Grid: In partnership with UNDP, SMEDAN launched a 120KVA solar mini-grid and modern makerspace in Abuja. SMEs now have access to steady power and world-class equipment.

Why This Matters to You

These opportunities mean:

• Access to funding for your startup or existing business.
• Vocational training that turns skills into income.
• Free work tools to boost productivity.
• Mentorship and global exposure for women entrepreneurs.
• Shared spaces and reliable energy for SMEs to cut costs and scale faster.

Whether you’re a student dreaming of launching a side hustle or an entrepreneur looking to expand, SMEDAN has a program for you.

How to Get Started

• Check SMEDAN’s Website & Social Media: stay updated on openings.
• Prepare Your Application: polish your business plan, gather required documents, and refine your pitch.
• Apply Early: most programs have limited slots, and demand is high.
• Stay Consistent: training and mentorship programs reward commitment.

PressPayNg will keep you updated every step of the way. Stay connected, stay prepared, and grab your chance!