SMEDAN Launches BRYNE Project to Empower Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has launched a new entrepreneurship initiative, the Building Resilient Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs (BRYNE) Project, aimed at expanding support for young Nigerians who want to start, grow, or scale their businesses.
The programme was unveiled on 14 August 2026 as part of activities marking International Youth Day 2026.
BRYNE is designed to address a major challenge faced by young entrepreneurs: gaining access to the right support at the right stage of business development.
Through the initiative, young Nigerians will be connected to opportunities in entrepreneurship training, incubation, mentorship, finance, market access, business formalisation, investment, and business development support.
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Four Major Components of the BRYNE Project
1. SMEDAN Incubation Programme
The incubation programme will support 600 young entrepreneurs annually, with a particular focus on sectors such as fashion, woodwork, and agriculture.
The programme will leverage SMEDAN’s Industrial Development Centres to provide entrepreneurs with enterprise development support and other resources needed to strengthen their businesses.
2. Campus Enterprise Engagement Platform
SMEDAN plans to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Education to bring entrepreneurship support directly to tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Participating students will have access to:
- Practical business workshops
- Business advisory services
- Networking opportunities
- Exhibitions for student-owned businesses
The programme is expected to target up to 3,000 participants per participating campus.
3. BRYNE Digital Connect
The digital component will provide entrepreneurship education through online platforms while supporting innovation, youth-led businesses, and grassroots enterprises.
It will also help young entrepreneurs gain access to wider markets, connect with other business owners, and participate in online business communities.
4. Weekly Startup Hackathon
The programme will feature a weekly startup hackathon targeting 5,000 young entrepreneurs.
A total of 52 winners will be selected, with each winner receiving ₦250,000 in seed funding to support their business.
Who Can Benefit?
The BRYNE Project is designed to support young Nigerians at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey, including those who:
- Have a business idea but need help turning it into a viable business.
- Already operate a business and require funding or additional support.
- Need mentorship and business development assistance.
- Want improved access to markets, investors, and business networks.
- Require support with business formalisation.
- Want access to relevant business information and export opportunities.
Through SMEDAN and its partners, beneficiaries may also gain access to funding opportunities, investors, markets, mentorship, formalisation services, and export opportunities.
Also Apply: Call for Applications: Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded
Important Notice for Interested Applicants
The information currently available describes the launch and structure of the BRYNE Project. It does not yet provide a specific application deadline or a general BRYNE application portal.
Young Nigerians interested in participating should therefore be cautious of unofficial links, individuals, or websites requesting payment to access the programme.
When SMEDAN announces specific BRYNE application windows, interested applicants should apply through official SMEDAN channels and verify all application information before submitting their details or making any payment.