Today, we signed a partnership agreement with God is Good Logistics (
@giglogistics
) to offer our registered SMEs a 20% discount on their logistics services.
This collaboration, which follows our recent partnership with NIPOST, further underscores our commitment to reducing
We're thrilled to announce the SMEDAN Speed Pitch Competition, designed to improve financial literacy for SMEs and facilitate access to crucial opportunities like finance. It's your chance to shine and propel your business to new heights!
The first edition takes place in Lagos
Miss Imade is a member of the
@officialnyscng
and fashion entrepreneur serving in Abuja. In her free time, she uses our Garment and Textile workshop in Idu to make bespoke outfits for her business.
The workshop has increased her clientele and sales, providing discounted access
Small businesses across Nigeria are already benefiting from the SMEDAN-Sterling N5 billion single-digit interest rate loan.
Beneficiaries are recording significant growth and operational improvements after accessing this affordable financing option.
We will continue to work
Furthering our partnership with a productive meeting this week, we made good progress in our collaboration with
@TheREANigeria
to provide affordable and tailored energy solutions for small businesses in key clusters across the country.
Our objective remains to reduce production
At the
#GROWCrossRiver
Summit in Calabar yesterday, the Cross River State government demonstrated its adoption of our
#GROWNigerian
strategy with the relaunch of the Entrepreneurship Development Center in the state and awarding of certificates to a cohort of 500 graduates.
We
Today, we are proud to support and participate in The Ikoyi-Obalende Small Business Empowerment Program, with our Director General,
@TheCharlesOdii
, serving as the Special Guest.
This initiative aligns with our mission at SMEDAN, as it aims to support and empower 1000
As a small business owner, social media is a powerful sales-generating platform that can't be ignored. By establishing a strong presence on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you can effectively market your products and reach a vast audience. In fact, many of today's most
Favour Olanrewaju, a promising fashion designer, graduated from our NBSDI training program with enhanced entrepreneurial skills.
She learned essential principles like book-keeping, an important step in building a strong credit history and unlocking new opportunities.
To
Empowering small businesses is at the heart of what we do. Through key programs like the National Business Skills Development Initiative (NBSDI), we're giving entrepreneurs the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
For a caterer/baker like Sophia Gimba Emmanuel, that meant
Mr. Ma'Mar Ibn Sha, a beneficiary of our National Business Skills Development Initiative (NBSDI), testified to its transformative impact on his small business.
Like several other participants, he received comprehensive business management and technical training, and we supported
As we begin another productive week, here are the highlights from last week: we strengthened and formalized partnerships with key collaborators to improve resources for SMEs to grow sustainably.
#GROWNigerian
#HereForProsperity
The SMEDAN x NJFP Talent Empowerment Program matches small businesses to talent, at no cost. This unique initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), supports small businesses with skilled individuals, at no cost for 12 months. Use this opportunity to grow your
We recorded notable achievements last week. We made progress with our public and private stakeholders on initiatives and programs to expand SME access to finance, reduce the cost of doing business through renewable energy, and offer training and development opportunities to
To celebrate the International Youth Day (IYD 2024), we launched our Creative, Innovation, Intellectual Property, and Digital (CIID) desk to support young entrepreneurs in the creative and digital industries.
Watch highlights from our stakeholder dialogue, where we connected
At the ARE Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF 2024) in Lagos, DG
@TheCharlesOdii
participated in a panel discussion titled "Renewable Energy for SMEs and Other Productive Loads."
The panel explored how renewable energy technologies can help small and medium-sized enterprises
Yesterday, DG
@thecharlesodii
visited the Kugbo Furniture Market in Abuja to engage with woodworkers.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to learn directly from skilled professionals about their challenges, both in the market and nationwide, given their membership in
The Director-General,
@TheCharlesOdii
was present at the 4th Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF)
@RoyalAfricanYLF
, where he was recognized with an award by His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi
@OoniAdimulaIfe
. The event showcased the innovative spirit and
Behind every small business, there are dreamers, risk-takers, and passionate individuals pouring their heart and soul into making a difference.
These businesses are a formidable force in the Nigerian informal sector.
Recognising their importance and reaffirming our unwavering
We gave grants to furniture makers in the Kugbo furniture market, where our DG/CEO,
@TheCharlesOdii
led a training on utilizing the Business Model Canvas to streamline operations and identify growth opportunities.
This woodworking hub, like others across the country, is crucial
Join our free virtual training for agric and creative entrepreneurs and learn how to master e-commerce from industry experts like Mr. Isaac Newton Acquah, Tech Sector Growth Lead at the United Nations International Trade Centre.
You'll gain essential digital skills to scale your
The hair industry in Nigeria is one of the fastest-rising industries, with a large number of businesses dedicated to hair care.
Tifehairline, founded and run by Boluwatife Ojori, a student of
@UnilagNigeria
is one of the promising small businesses in the industry. The brand
We are happy to announce a special opportunity to export your goods to the U.S market through the AGOA program and also pitch your business to foreign investors!
To benefit from this, simply submit a pitch deck including your business’s unique value proposition, the section it
Mr. Murtala Nasir, a fashion entrepreneur from Kaduna State, is among many others benefiting from our fashion and textile hub to access modern machines and supporting infrastructure at discounted rates.
By utilizing the hub, Mr. Nasir has significantly reduced his production
Furthering our
#GROWNigerian
Strategy was the major focus of events and engagements in the past week. We made deliberate efforts to support the production and sales of made-in-Nigeria goods, hosted the Indian High Commissioner to explore new opportunities for collaboration
We had a productive week supporting promising small businesses and entrepreneurs across various sectors, providing essential resources, including knowledge and finance, to drive sustainable growth.
#DirectorsCut
#MSMEProsperity
#GROWNigerian
Odunsi Faaidah, founder of Fadidi Bags, was one of the winners at the special edition of the SMEDAN Speed Pitch Competition, held at
@unilagnigeria
in collaboration with
@FemmeAfrica
, as part of the hall week celebrations.
Her fashion brand, offering high-quality, unique tote
The
#GROWCrossRiver
Summit marks a turning point for small businesses in Cross River state, as we strengthen our partnership with the state government and the Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) to provide important resources, including finance, ensuring that
We collaborated with
@FemmeAfrica
to host a special edition of the SMEDAN Speed Pitch competition at
@UnilagNigeria
's Fagunwa Hall Week.
Dees Hair Care Empire, a haircare brand catering to women, men, and children, emerged as one of the winners with their impressive pitch.
We
Hidden costs are overlooked expenses that slip under your radar, eating away at your profits. They're subscription services you forgot you signed up for, which continue to renew every month, and data charges for phone lines that are no longer in use.
As a small business owner,
What will 1 million naira do for your business as a woman entrepreneur in Lagos? If the answer is 'a lot' and you can show why in a compelling 1-2 minute video, apply to the
#SMEDANSpeedPitch
Competition for a chance to win the sum in a grant!
In your video, share your business
Small businesses are the silent engines driving our daily lives. From the corner fruit seller providing breakfast to the early riser, to the local tailor crafting garments with care, entrepreneurs create jobs, support families, and enrich our communities. Though small, they leave
From all of us at SMEDAN, we wish you a joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration, filled with peace, prosperity, and abundant blessings. Barka da Sallah!
#Eid2024
#HereForProsperity
Today, we pay tribute to the dedicated individuals who drive small businesses across Nigeria. Your tireless efforts and commitment to excellence bring color and ease to our lives.
From the diligent staff at grocery stores who ensure we're always stocked with essentials, to the
The Garment and Fashion Industry is one of the most significant contributor to the Nigerian economy, providing employment opportunities and generating revenue.
To further boost this industry, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) offers duty-free access to the US market
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) offers a tremendous opportunity to tap into the lucrative US market and increase your earnings. You too can earn export revenue and build an international customer base.
To learn how to get started, register for our AGOA masterclass
To mark Workers' Day, we gave five phenomenal women-led businesses an opportunity to take the stage at the first-ever SMEDAN Speed Pitch Competition, sponsored by 7-fifteen foundation.
With expert judges and an audience of over 1,000, they pitched their visions and won big – in
The DG,
@TheCharlesOdii
, recently held a productive meeting with the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein.
The discussion reaffirmed our dedication to transparency and accountability in financial management.
The meeting also facilitated the
Last week, we shed light on the informal sector and strategies to encourage formalization, with the launch of the Informal Economy Report 2024 in partnership with Moniepoint. Additionally, we courted investments and expanded talks with critical stakeholders on providing
To improve access to affordable finance, an important need reiterated by SMEs during the Director General’s
@TheCharlesOdii
engagement with them at the event, we have also signed a ₦1 billion counterpart funding agreement with the state government to be made available to small
We caught up with Kanyinsola Demola-Seriki, founder of
@Sheatribe
and winner of our first-ever Speed Pitch Competition. We were thrilled to learn that the one million naira prize has had a transformative impact on her business, improving operations and enabling her to invest in
Last week, we supported efforts to enhance SME development in strategic states, including Katsina and Ekiti, where a dedicated growth fund and the 3rd edition of the Expanded National MSME clinics were launched respectively.
#GrowNigerian
#HereForProsperity
#SMEDAN
Last week was productive as we addressed major barriers stifling small business growth and productivity, including limited access to essential equipment and machinery, exorbitant logistics costs, and persistent financial gaps.
Our efforts focused on providing solutions to these
AGOA is an important trade initiative that gives your business access to the lucrative US market. It’s an opportunity to GROW and we stand ready to help you tap into it!
#HereForProsperity
#smedan
#GROWNigerian
#AGOA
The Director General,
@TheCharlesOdii
was present at Ikoyi-Obalende Small Business Empowerment Program held yesterday which witnessed the launch of the ‘Empowering Her Fortune Initiative 2.0’ program aimed at supporting women-owned small businesses in the LCDA with a N50 million
Nigeria's informal economy contributes largely to the country's GDP, and small businesses like yours are the driving force behind it.
A recent report by
@moniepoint
in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment and SMEDAN has shed light on the inner
As part of our commitment to supporting small businesses, we recently launched the Informal Economy Report in partnership with
@moniepoint
and the Honourable Minister of Industry Trade and Investment,
@DrDorisAnite
.
This comprehensive report provides a detailed overview of the
Jethro Musa is one of the tailors taking full advantage of the Garment and Textile Workshop at our Common Facility Centers in Abuja, where we offer discounted access to modern equipment and essential infrastructure, including power and logistics.
With plans to replicate these
A month after the first-ever edition of the SMEDAN Speed Pitch Competition, we sat down with Ahmod Mistura Agbabiaka, founder of Jumish ICT Services and second runner-up, to gain insights into her business's progression since the competition. She shared with us how the
Today, we received Khalid Al Mannaei from the UAE Vice President's Office for Political Affairs, Abdulla Alwahshi from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Nasra Al Rahma at our headquarters to discuss strategic collaboration and investment opportunities in support of Nigerian
Following our visit to the Kugbo Furniture Market, we extended an invitation to select members of the Furniture Makers Association to tour the Furniture Multipurpose Workshop at our Headquarters located in Idu. They attested to the massive improvement this workshop will bring to
We have entered into a transformative collaboration with
@Mastercard
to advance small businesses in the digital payment, innovation, and tech spaces.
This partnership leverages
@Mastercard
’s expertise to enhance payment systems, expand credit access, and drive digital
Today, the Director-General,
@TheCharlesOdii
delivered a keynote at the Middle East Investors Expo, outlining the
#GROWNigerian
Strategy's 5 key areas of support for SME growth: internet, power, food, water, and work.
The strategy empowers SMEs with resources, capacity
To successfully market a business, stand out with a unique product or great customer service; build trust by being reliable, transparent, and customer-focused.
This makes it easy for customers to buy by using clear calls-to-action and a smooth checkout process.
We had an amazing time witnessing the passion and brilliance of women entrepreneurs at the MSME Stakeholders Engagement Series in Lagos yesterday, where we hosted the first ever
#SMEDANSpeedPitch
Competition.
Shea Tribe emerged first, but all the other participants - Eco Haven,
Adeola Goodness Ogunkoya, founder of Eco Haven, won the second prize of H500,000 at the first edition of SMEDAN Speed Pitch Competition! She impressed both the judges and the audience with her business's remarkable contributions to environmental sustainability and its creative
Yesterday, we attended the Nigerian Research and Innovation System for Africa (RISA) Project and Nigeria Enterprise Support Organizations (ESO) Collaborative launch, hosted by the Impact Investors Foundation. This partnership addresses one of the biggest challenges for small
Congratulations to the
#SMEDANSpeedPitch
Finalists!
We thoroughly enjoyed reviewing all the entries across social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and X! The passion and business potential displayed by all participants were truly impressive. However, we had to