2026 Petty Traders Grant Support Programme Now Accepting Applications
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially opened the application window for the 2026 edition of the Petty Traders Grant Support Programme. This significant initiative is designed to provide financial assistance to petty traders and aspiring entrepreneurs across the nation, offering grants ranging from N10,000 to N100,000 to help start or expand small-scale businesses.
Programme Overview and Financial Support
The Petty Traders Grant Support Programme represents a crucial effort to bolster Nigeria's micro-entrepreneurial sector by providing seed capital with no repayment required. This grant targets individuals engaged in petty trading activities, such as buying and selling goods or offering basic services, who require modest capital to either launch new ventures or scale existing operations.
Eligible applicants can receive financial support between N10,000 and N100,000, which serves as start-up or expansion capital aimed at building sustainable income sources. The programme emphasizes accessibility with a straightforward application process that requires minimal documentation and does not mandate business registration.
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
To qualify for the Petty Traders Grant, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Be Nigerian residents between 18 and 55 years old
- Be existing business owners or individuals planning to start businesses
- Have a clear business idea or existing enterprise
- Possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip
- Provide contact details for one referee
- Have a traceable residential address
- Own a valid 10-digit bank account number
- Complete and properly submit the application form
Step-by-Step Application Process
Prospective applicants should follow these essential steps:
- Registration: Fill in personal and business information through the designated application form
- Onboarding Completion: Provide accurate details to avoid disqualification during screening. Double-check all information before submission as edits will not be permitted afterwards
- Disbursement Stage: After applying, applicants may be contacted for clarification. Shortlisted candidates will be published on the programme's website, with successful applicants notified once eligibility is confirmed
Important Deadlines and Additional Information
All applications must be submitted before the March 31, 2026 deadline. Applicants are advised to monitor the programme's website regularly for updates regarding shortlisted candidates and disbursement timelines.
In related developments, the Nigerian government is preparing to launch additional support programmes including MarketMoni and TraderMoni, which will provide market women, small-scale traders, and artisans with access to zero-interest loans of up to N100,000. These initiatives will feature zero collateral requirements, a three-month moratorium before repayment begins, and nationwide coverage across all six geopolitical zones.
The Petty Traders Grant Support Programme represents a significant opportunity for micro-entrepreneurs across Nigeria to access crucial funding without the burden of repayment, potentially transforming countless small businesses and contributing to economic growth at the grassroots level.
