The Petty Traders Grant Support Initiative represents a grassroots financial inclusion program dedicated to empowering micro-entrepreneurs throughout Nigeria. This scheme particularly targets people who depend on small-scale trading for their income, including market sellers, street hawkers, stall operators, and emerging entrepreneurs with viable concepts but limited startup funds.
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The initiative acknowledges that countless Nigerians possess the ability to operate successful enterprises if provided with even modest financial assistance.
Through seed funding between ₦10,000 and ₦100,000, participants can launch new ventures or expand their current trading operations.
What sets this program apart from conventional grant or lending schemes is the elimination of obstacles like mandatory business incorporation, security deposits, or extensive paperwork, ensuring accessibility for community-level entrepreneurs nationwide.
Goals of the Initiative
- To combat joblessness by promoting economic independence through micro-enterprise development.
- To strengthen regional economies by supporting informal and small-scale commercial communities.
- To deliver straightforward, efficient, and practical financial assistance without administrative complications.
- To uplift women, young people, and disadvantaged persons whose livelihoods depend on trading activities.
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Intended Recipients of the Grant
- This financial support is designed for ordinary Nigerians involved in petty commerce or planning to launch small businesses, including:
- Retail of groceries, consumables, produce, or domestic supplies.
- Operation of marketplace booths, street-side shops, or mobile trading.
- Provision of essential services such as dressmaking, footwear mending, prepared food sales, or airtime distribution.
- The program also welcomes jobless youth, homebound individuals, or persons with sound business concepts lacking initial investment.
Program Advantages
- Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) incorporation is not mandatory – accessible to informal and non-registered enterprises.
- Startup capital ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦100,000 for business launch or growth.
- Streamlined application procedure with limited documentation.
- Countrywide eligibility for Nigerians in metropolitan and rural locations.
- Zero repayment obligation or security deposit – this is a grant, not financing.
Qualification Criteria
Candidates must:
- Fall within the 18 – 55 age bracket.
- Reside within Nigeria.
- Be a prospective or current petty trader.
- Possess a business concept or operating enterprise.
- Supply a valid National Identification Number (NIN documentation).
- Maintain an active 10-digit banking account.
- Furnish guarantor/emergency contact details and phone number.
- Include a confirmable home address.
- Fill out and submit the authorised application document.
- Submit application once only (duplicate submissions lead to elimination).
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Important Timeline
- Application Launch: 1st October 2025
- Application Deadline: 19th December 2025
- Confirmation & Distribution: December 2025 – January 2026
Click HERE to apply.
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