The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has taken a significant step toward empowering female entrepreneurs across the nation. During the 2024 MSME Conference, SMEDAN solidified its commitment to enhancing opportunities for women in business by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Enterprise Development Center. This partnership aims to train 10,000 female entrepreneurs from diverse industries, including the creative, agricultural, and technology sectors.
SMEDAN’s initiative is designed to bolster Nigeria’s economy by fostering the growth of women-led businesses. Recognizing the invaluable contributions of female entrepreneurs, the program offers comprehensive training sessions tailored to equip participants with practical skills for starting and scaling successful businesses. Charles Odii, the Director-General of SMEDAN, emphasized that this initiative is part of SMEDAN’s ongoing mission to support grassroots entrepreneurship and build resilient communities.
“We are committed to ensuring that women across Nigeria receive the support they need to excel in their entrepreneurial pursuits,” Odii stated. “Through this program, we aim to bridge knowledge gaps and empower these women with tools that will sustain their businesses and foster economic growth.”
The training initiative is open to female entrepreneurs and business owners aged 18-35 who wish to develop and scale their businesses. Registration for this free training is ongoing, with SMEDAN encouraging interested participants to register via the link provided on its official social media pages.
The training program offers a wide range of benefits such as Entrepreneurial Knowledge, Data-Free Access, Mentorship and Opportunities, Personalized Support, Certificate of Completion.
This initiative is part of SMEDAN’s broader agenda to fortify Nigeria’s MSME sector by integrating more women into the entrepreneurial landscape. The partnership with the Enterprise Development Center signifies a robust alliance focused on facilitating growth and removing barriers for female business leaders. The goal is not just to train but to build a network where women can collaborate, share resources, and support each other beyond the program.
SMEDAN is urging women in the targeted age group to seize this opportunity for growth and development.
The free nature of the training eliminates the financial burden often associated with such programs, making it accessible to a broader range of participants. The organization is also encouraging participants to share this information within their networks to ensure that more female entrepreneurs benefit from the program.
“Opportunities like these are rare and essential for equipping our female entrepreneurs with the necessary tools for success. I encourage every eligible woman to register and become a part of this transformative program,” Odii added.
According to data from Nigeria’s MSME sector, women-owned businesses face unique challenges, including limited access to funding, mentorship, and training resources. By targeting these issues through the training program, SMEDAN is actively working to dismantle the barriers that have hindered the progress of female entrepreneurs for years.
The partnership aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic objectives to foster inclusive growth and promote gender equity in the business environment. With this initiative, SMEDAN is not only equipping women with skills but also catalyzing a ripple effect of innovation and economic development.
The move by SMEDAN to collaborate with the Enterprise Development Center and empower 10,000 female entrepreneurs underscores its dedication to shaping a robust, inclusive economy. By providing women with essential training, mentorship, and resources, SMEDAN continues to pave the way for a thriving business landscape that celebrates and supports female entrepreneurship.
