SMEDAN BRYNE Programme: How 100,000 Young Nigerians Can Access Business Training, Funding and Mentorship 

SMEDAN is targeting more than 100,000 young Nigerians every year through a new entrepreneurship programme designed to help young people turn business ideas into sustainable enterprises. Known as the Building Resilient Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs Project (BRYNE), the initiative combines entrepreneurship training, incubation, mentorship, finance, market access and business development support. 

The programme is particularly important for young Nigerians who have business ideas but lack the skills, funding, networks or guidance needed to grow. 

What Is the SMEDAN BRYNE Programme? 

The BRYNE programme is an initiative of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) designed to bring different forms of entrepreneurship support together. 

According to the information provided by SMEDAN, the programme will use physical and digital platforms to reach young entrepreneurs across Nigeria. 

SMEDAN’s broader mandate already includes capacity building, access to finance, market opportunities and entrepreneurship development for Nigerian MSMEs. 

“We want more young Nigerians to have a fair chance to build businesses that can survive, grow and create jobs.” — Charles Odii, SMEDAN Director-General/CEO 

What Benefits Can Young Nigerians Get? 

The programme is structured around different stages of entrepreneurship. This means you do not necessarily need to already own a successful business before looking for support. 

1. Business Training 

Young people can gain practical knowledge in areas such as business planning, marketing, financial management, digital skills and entrepreneurship. 

SMEDAN already operates programmes that provide business and digital training to entrepreneurs, including its MSMEs Digital Academy, which covers areas such as digital marketing, e-commerce and cybersecurity. 

2. Incubation Support 

SMEDAN plans to support 600 young entrepreneurs annually through its incubation programme, covering areas including agriculture, fashion and woodwork. 

This can be particularly useful for people who have an idea but need practical guidance to turn it into a functioning business. 

3. Campus Entrepreneurship Opportunities 

The Campus Enterprise Engagement Platform will take entrepreneurship support directly to tertiary institutions. 

Students with businesses or business ideas could benefit from workshops, advisory sessions, networking and exhibitions. 

4. Digital Entrepreneurship Support 

Through BRYNE Digital Connect, young Nigerians will be able to access entrepreneurship education through digital platforms while connecting with other entrepreneurs and potentially reaching wider markets. 

5. Startup Hackathon and Seed Funding 

One of the most attractive components is the proposed weekly startup hackathon, targeting thousands of young entrepreneurs. 

According to the programme details provided by SMEDAN, 52 winners will receive ₦250,000 each in seed funding. 

This means young Nigerians with innovative business ideas should pay close attention to official SMEDAN announcements for application and competition dates. 

How to Benefit From the SMEDAN Programme — Step by Step 

Step 1: Identify Your Business Stage 

First, determine where you are: 

• Do you have only a business idea? 

• Have you started selling but need training? 

• Do you already operate an MSME and need funding? 

• Do you need mentorship or market access? 

• Are you a student running a business? 

Knowing your stage will help you identify the most relevant SMEDAN opportunity. 

Step 2: Register With SMEDAN 

Visit the official SMEDAN registration portal and register your business where applicable. 

SMEDAN says registration can provide access to government and private-sector benefits, including training, funding opportunities and other business support. 

Step 3: Prepare Your Business Information 

Before applying for opportunities, prepare important information such as: 

• Your full name and contact details 

• Business name 

• Business location 

• Description of your product or service 

• Business plan or business model 

• Estimated revenue and expenses 

• How much funding you need and what it will be used for 

• Evidence of business activity, where applicable 

If your business is registered, keep your CAC documents and other relevant records ready. 

Step 4: Follow SMEDAN’s Official Announcements 

Do not rely on random social media posts or unofficial agents. 

Regularly check the official SMEDAN website and its official communication channels for BRYNE application dates, eligibility requirements, registration links and selection announcements. 

SMEDAN’s programmes page also lists available initiatives and support opportunities. 

Step 5: Apply for the Opportunity That Matches You 

When applications open, select the opportunity that fits your business stage. 

For example, entrepreneurs seeking business skills may benefit from training programmes, while established MSMEs may find opportunities through programmes focused on market access, funding, mentorship and business growth. 

SMEDAN’s Select Programme, for example, provides capacity building, networking, market linkages and other forms of MSME support. 

Step 6: Take Training Seriously 

Getting selected is only the beginning. 

Use the training to improve your pricing, bookkeeping, marketing, customer service, digital presence and business strategy. 

Do not attend entrepreneurship programmes simply to obtain certificates. Apply what you learn to your business. 

Step 7: Build Your Network 

Take advantage of mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, investors, exhibitions and networking opportunities. 

Sometimes the most valuable benefit of an entrepreneurship programme is not immediate cash but the connections and knowledge that can help a business grow. 

Step 8: Prepare for Funding Opportunities 

If funding is offered, have a clear plan showing exactly how the money will improve your business. 

For example: 

₦250,000 seed funding → ₦100,000 equipment + ₦75,000 raw materials + ₦50,000 marketing + ₦25,000 business operations. 

A clear plan can demonstrate that you understand how capital will translate into business growth. 

Don’t Wait for BRYNE Alone 

Young Nigerians should also explore other SMEDAN opportunities while waiting for BRYNE application announcements. 

SMEDAN currently lists programmes covering business skills, digital training, MSME support, women entrepreneurship, agriculture, clusters and market development. 

For example, the National Business Skills Development Initiative targets unemployed youth and existing nano businesses and provides training in business planning, marketing, finance and other areas. 

Important Warning for Applicants 

Do not pay anyone claiming to guarantee selection into a SMEDAN programme. 

Always verify application links through SMEDAN’s official website and official communication channels. Requirements, deadlines and application procedures can change from one programme or cohort to another.  

The SMEDAN BRYNE programme could become a major opportunity for young Nigerian entrepreneurs, particularly those who need more than just money to build a sustainable business. 

The biggest advantage is the combination of training + mentorship + incubation + funding + market access. 

If you are a young Nigerian with a business idea or an existing enterprise, start preparing now. Register your business, organise your documents, improve your business plan, build your skills and monitor official SMEDAN announcements. 

The opportunity may not automatically make your business successful—but being prepared could put you in a much stronger position when applications open.