FG Opens Free CAC Registration for 250,000 Small Businesses, Simple Steps to Apply

• The Federal Government has opened applications for the free CAC registration of 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with successful applicants receiving Business Name registration through the Corporate Affairs Commission at no cost.

The Federal Government has commenced applications for the free registration of 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under a new formalisation programme being implemented by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in partnership with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

The initiative, approved by President Bola Tinubu, is aimed at helping nano, micro and small businesses join Nigeria’s formal economy without paying business registration fees.

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

The scheme was unveiled during the 8th National MSME Awards held at the State House, Abuja.

In addition to free CAC registration, beneficiaries will also receive technical training, business development support and access to opportunities designed to help their businesses grow and become more sustainable.

How to Apply

Interested business owners can apply by following these steps:

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

According to the government, businesses already registered on the SMEDAN database but without CAC registration may automatically qualify for the programme.

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

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

The Presidency said the programme is designed to remove financial barriers for entrepreneurs while integrating more businesses into Nigeria’s formal banking and regulatory system.