Apply Now: SMEDAN–Zoho Digital Credits for 25,000 Nigerian MSMEs (Up to ₦20 Billion)
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), in partnership with global technology company Zoho, has opened applications for a digital support programme.
This initiative offers up to ₦20 billion in software credits to 25,000 Nigerian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The initiative is designed to help Nigerian business owners adopt modern digital solutions, improve productivity, manage business operations and reduce the cost of accessing essential technology.
Under the partnership, eligible businesses will receive Zoho Wallet Credits to access a range of cloud-based business applications, including accounting software, customer relationship management tools and workplace collaboration solutions.
Beyond providing access to technology, the programme will also offer capacity-building opportunities, practical learning sessions, workshops, one-on-one consultations and technical support to help participating businesses maximise the benefits of digital adoption.
The initiative aligns with SMEDAN’s GROW Nigerian agenda, which focuses on helping small businesses formalise, improve productivity, access new markets and build sustainable enterprises.
What the SMEDAN–Zoho Programme Offers
The digital credits will provide eligible MSMEs with access to Zoho’s business management applications, including:
- Zoho Workplace: Provides professional business email, document management, file storage, team communication and online collaboration tools.
- Zoho Books: Helps businesses manage accounting, generate invoices, track expenses, monitor cash flow and maintain financial records.
- Bigin by Zoho CRM: Enables entrepreneurs to organise customer information, manage sales leads, monitor business opportunities and improve customer relationships.
Participating businesses can select the software solutions that best suit their operational needs.
The partnership also provides training, workshops, business consultations and technical assistance to help entrepreneurs understand and effectively use the available digital tools.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Requirements)
The opportunity is open to Nigerian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises interested in improving their business operations through digital technology.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Own or operate a micro, small or medium-sized business in Nigeria.
- Have a valid 16-digit SMEDAN Certificate ID.
- Successfully verify their SMEDAN registration through the official onboarding portal.
- Complete the Zoho registration process to access the available software credits.
Businesses that have not registered with SMEDAN can obtain their certificate ID by completing the agency’s free business registration process.
How to Apply for SMEDAN–Zoho Digital Credits
Interested business owners can follow these steps to apply:
- Register with SMEDAN: Visit https://smedan.gov.ng/ and register your business if you do not already have a valid SMEDAN Certificate ID.
- Visit the application portal: Go to the official SMEDAN–Zoho onboarding website at https://smedan.gov.ng/zoho/.
- Enter your SMEDAN ID: Provide the 16-digit certificate ID issued by SMEDAN in the designated field for verification.
- Verify your eligibility: The portal will check your business details against SMEDAN’s registration records.
- Select your preferred software: Once verified, choose from the available Zoho applications, including Zoho Workplace, Zoho Books and Bigin by Zoho CRM.
- Complete registration: Follow the instructions to complete your Zoho onboarding and access the available digital credits.
Application Deadline
SMEDAN has not specified an official closing date for the programme. However, the initiative is expected to accommodate up to 25,000 eligible Nigerian businesses.
Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to complete their registration and onboarding through the official portal.
Application Fee: Free.
Official Application Portal: https://smedan.gov.ng/zoho/
SMEDAN Registration: https://smedan.gov.ng/
Important Note: The ₦20 billion represents the total value of digital software credits available under the partnership. It is not a direct cash grant or loan to participating businesses. Applicants should use the official SMEDAN portal and avoid individuals requesting payment to facilitate registration.
