SMEDAN free Business Name registration has been launched.
However, lately, we’ve been getting this question a lot: “If SMEDAN is offering free business name registration in partnership with CAC, why should I still pay Qrafteq to do it for me?”
It’s a fair question. Times are tough, entrepreneurs are watching every naira, and “free” always sounds better than “paid.” But the truth is that what you choose depends entirely on your goals.
Are you simply chasing a CAC certificate to tick a box? Or are you trying to build a structure that will help your business grow, scale, and attract bigger opportunities?
This post compares SMEDAN vs Qrafteq in the light of which is preferable when it comes to SMEDAN free Business Name registration in 2025. Let’s break it down.
What SMEDAN + CAC Are Offering (and Why It Matters)
In 2025, SMEDAN, in collaboration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), launched a scheme to provide free business name registration for 250,000 nano, micro, and small enterprises nationwide.
That’s a big deal. It lowers the barrier for entrepreneurs who’ve been stuck in the informal sector because of costs, bureaucracy, or lack of awareness. Once your name is registered:
- You’re in the government database.
- You can print an official CAC certificate.
- You’ve got legitimacy to show customers, partners, or even your landlord if they’re skeptical about your hustle.
For many small businesses, that’s more than enough. And if you fall into that category, then honestly? Take advantage of it. Head to the SMEDAN portal, sign up, and claim your slot while it lasts.
But… that’s where it usually ends.
The Limitations of SMEDAN’s Free CAC Registration
While SMEDAN is helping you take the first step of formalisation, there are real gaps to think about:
- You’re on your own figuring out the right business structure (Business Name vs Ltd).
- You don’t get a digital presence (email, website, branding) to make your business discoverable online.
- There’s no hand-holding for taxes, compliance, or scaling support.
- You don’t get growth tools or templates to run the business better.
So yes, it’s free, but it’s also barebones.
Read Also: Free CAC Registration Is Just the Beginning, Here’s 4 Things Smart Entrepreneurs Would Do Next
Where Qrafteq Comes In (And Why People Pay Us)
At Qrafteq, we’re not in the business of handing you a paper and waving goodbye. We exist to help entrepreneurs move from “just registered” to “ready to grow.”
Here’s what makes working with us different:
1. Speed & Support
Government schemes can be slow and bureaucratic. With us, you skip the waiting game. We handle your paperwork end-to-end, update you at every step, and resolve issues quickly. You’re not stuck figuring things out on your own.
2. Tailored Business Advice
We don’t just register your business name. We help you decide: Should you be a business name, limited liability, or incorporated trustees? Which structure protects you best, especially if you want to scale? Free schemes don’t give you that clarity.
3. Brand Identity Setup
Your business isn’t just a name on CAC’s portal. We help you move immediately into branding — logo, colours, messaging, and the look-and-feel that customers take seriously. This is the part that actually attracts clients.
4. Visibility From Day One
We plug you into digital presence:
- Domain name + professional email setup.
- Guidance on your first website.
- SEO positioning to make sure people can find you.
SMEDAN gives you a certificate. Qrafteq gives you a certificate + visibility tools.
5. Growth Systems
This is the game changer. We set up the systems that help you grow:
- Marketing funnels.
- Customer management basics.
- Advice on compliance, taxes, and scaling.
So while others are celebrating their new CAC paper, you’re already moving with systems that actually make money.
6. Ongoing Partnership
We’re not a one-off transaction. Qrafteq works with you across Start → Build → Grow. That means even after registration, you have a partner to support branding, digital marketing, PR, and scali
In short: while SMEDAN is giving you a seat at the table, Qrafteq helps you actually eat from the table.
Who Should Go with SMEDAN (SMEDAN free Business Name registration)
SMEDAN’s free registration is perfect if:
- You’re testing an idea and want the cheapest possible entry.
- You’re a solo hustler with no immediate scaling plans.
- You just need CAC papers to show credibility quickly.
- Your budget is literally zero, and free is your only option right now.
If that’s you, by all means, grab it. Register through SMEDAN, get your certificate, and when you’re ready to go beyond survival mode, you’ll know where to find us.
Who Should Go with Qrafteq (Paid Route)
Qrafteq is the right fit if you:
- Have a vision beyond “just surviving.”
- Want to secure grants, loans, or investor funding.
- Need professional branding and digital presence from the start.
- Don’t want compliance headaches or structure mistakes.
- Prefer expert guidance instead of going it alone.
Our clients aren’t just registering names, and seriously, they’re building businesses designed to last.
Final Word
At the end of the day, the CAC certificate is just paper. What matters is the engine you build around it. That’s where we shine.
So the question is simple:
👉 Do you just want a certificate?
👉 Or do you want a business built for growth?
If your answer is the latter, let’s talk.
Ready to go beyond free registration?
Book a call with Qrafteq today and let’s build your business the right way.
