Entrepreneurs across Nigeria can now register their businesses free of charge through the SMEDAN-CAC partnership.
The Federal Government has commenced the registration of 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under a special partnership between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
The initiative is designed to help small business owners formalize their businesses at no cost, removing the usual registration fee and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to access government support, grants, business development services, training, and other financial opportunities.
According to SMEDAN, the programme is open to eligible nano, micro, and small businesses that are not yet registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Business owners who are already registered on the SMEDAN database but do not have CAC registration may also qualify for the free registration programme.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official SMEDAN registration portal: portal.smedan.gov.ng
- Create an account using your full name, email address, phone number, and password.
- Complete the MSME registration form with accurate business information.
- When asked if your business already has a CAC registration number, select “No” if your business has not been registered.
- Review your information and submit your application.
- Wait for confirmation from SMEDAN. Successful applicants will receive further instructions to complete their free CAC Business Name registration.
The programme operates on a limited allocation of 250,000 slots, and interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the available spaces are exhausted.
The SMEDAN-CAC collaboration forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s MSME sector by encouraging more businesses to operate within the formal economy, thereby improving access to finance, government interventions, and business growth opportunities.
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