SMEDAN unveils ‘GROW Nigerian’ strategy to boost MSME growth and job creation

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has launched a new strategic framework aimed at fostering job creation and boosting revenue within the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.

The Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, announced the new initiative, titled “GROW Nigerian”, during a meeting with the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria in Abuja.

Mr Odii explained that the GROW framework is structured around four key pillars — Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce Support — which collectively form the acronym “GROW.” This strategy seeks to address the long-standing challenges encountered by small businesses operating in various economic sectors.

Through the GROW initiative, SMEDAN intends to offer bespoke services to MSMEs, providing professional guidance, mentorship, and business strategy support to help small businesses overcome obstacles and discover new pathways for growth. Mr Odii emphasised that the scheme would also grant access to essential resources, including financing opportunities, infrastructure, and modern technology, all of which are vital for enhancing productivity and sustaining long-term business viability.

Beyond resources, the new framework also aspires to establish new platforms for market access and greater visibility, allowing entrepreneurs to expand their customer base and broaden their business operations within and beyond Nigeria.

Reflecting on the agency’s recent accomplishments, Mr Odii revealed that SMEDAN had successfully created over 90,000 jobs in the first quarter of the year alone, demonstrating the positive impact of its sustained support for small businesses nationwide.