Federal Government Opens Free CAC Registration for 250,000 Small Businesses

The Federal Government has commenced applications for the free registration of 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under a partnership between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

The initiative, approved by President Bola Tinubu, is aimed at eliminating the cost of business registration for eligible nano, micro and small enterprises, making it easier for entrepreneurs to formalise their businesses and participate in Nigeria’s formal economy.

Under the programme, successful applicants will receive free Business Name registration through the Corporate Affairs Commission, with the Federal Government paying all statutory registration fees.

In addition to free registration, beneficiaries will have access to business development support, technical training and other opportunities designed to strengthen business operations, improve sustainability and promote long-term growth.

How to Apply

Interested business owners are required to:

• Visit the SMEDAN portal at portal.smedan.gov.ng.
• Create an account using their name, email address, phone number and password.
• Complete the MSME registration form with accurate business details.
• Select “No” when asked if the business already has a CAC registration number.
• Review the information provided and submit the application.
• Wait for notification from SMEDAN if the application is successful.

Businesses already registered on the SMEDAN database but without Corporate Affairs Commission registration may also qualify automatically for the programme.

Successful applicants will be contacted with further instructions for completing their free CAC Business Name registration.

The initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding between SMEDAN and the Corporate Affairs Commission aimed at formalising 250,000 nano, micro and small enterprises across Nigeria.

The programme was announced during the 8th National MSME Awards held at the State House in Abuja and forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to remove financial barriers facing small businesses while expanding their access to formal banking, government support programmes and regulatory services.