Are you a small business owner in Nigeria looking to formalize your operations without the usual costs? Great news!

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has teamed up with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to offer free business name registration for up to 250,000 nano, micro, and small enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

This exciting program is designed to break down barriers like high fees and bureaucracy, helping entrepreneurs like you access better financing, markets, government grants, and growth opportunities.

Launched as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the initiative covers the typical ₦11,000 registration fee (with CAC forgoing around ₦3 billion in total), making it easier for informal businesses to go legit and thrive.

Once registered, you'll be added to SMEDAN’s MSME database, unlocking aftercare support, capacity-building programs, technical assistance, and market linkages.

Who Is Eligible?

This program targets nano, micro, and small enterprises that aren't yet registered with CAC.

If your business is already in SMEDAN’s database but lacks a CAC number, you automatically qualify. It's open to MSMEs nationwide, across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Even if you're not tech-savvy, SMEDAN offers help through their state offices and events like Business Clinics.

No strict deadlines have been announced yet, but with spots limited to 250,000, it's wise to act fast while the program is rolling out.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply

Applying is straightforward and can be done online. Here's a clear, step-by-step breakdown based on the official process:

1. Visit the SMEDAN Portal: Head over to portal.smedan.gov.ng This is your entry point to start the process.

2. Sign Up and Register Your Business: Create an account if you don't have one. Fill out the registration form with your business details, such as name, phone number, email, and other basic info. Make sure to complete all required fields accurately.

3. Indicate No CAC Number: When the form asks if you have an existing CAC registration number, select "No." This flags your application for the free program.

4. Submit Your Details: Review everything for accuracy, then submit the form to complete your SMEDAN registration.

5. Wait for Contact and Next Steps: Once submitted, SMEDAN will review your application. You'll be contacted with instructions on how to finalize your free CAC registration. This might include additional verification or document submission.

That's it! The process is user-friendly, and if you encounter issues, reach out to SMEDAN via their website or state offices for support.

Why Participate?

Formalizing your business isn't just about compliance—it's a game-changer. You'll gain credibility, eligibility for loans and grants, and protection from informal sector risks. Plus, with upcoming tax reforms raising exemption thresholds in 2026, there's less worry about added burdens.

This partnership between SMEDAN and CAC is a golden opportunity to level up your business at zero cost.

Don't miss out—register today and join the thousands of entrepreneurs building a stronger Nigerian economy!