SMEDAN rolls out N100m giveaway for small businesses

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) is targeting the creation of 100 millionaire entrepreneurs through business training, grants and access to markets.

The initiative will be launched at the GROW Nigerian Conference 2026 in Lagos, featuring practical business training and the N100m Zero to 100 Pitch Competition.

SMEDAN Director-General, Charles Odii, said the programme was designed to help small business owners overcome financial and managerial challenges that often prevent their businesses from growing.

He explained that while many Nigerians had business ideas and practical skills, lack of capital and business management knowledge remained major obstacles.

Odii said the grants would be presented at the Lagos conference and another event in northern Nigeria, with the final prize presentations scheduled for November 10.

The conference will also feature the Nigeria First Fair, where local entrepreneurs will showcase their products and sell directly to consumers.

SMEDAN said the gathering would connect small businesses with investors, financial institutions, regulators and potential customers.

A separate summit organised with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on November 9 will address registration challenges and introduce business owners to its NAPAMS platform.