ITF To Launch Business Programme For Artisans

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is set to launch the Business Incubation Programme for Artisans under the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme.

The programme is a transformative initiative designed to support graduates of the SUPA Programme in establishing and growing sustainable businesses across Nigeria.

A statement issued in Jos by the Director,  Press and Public Relation Units, Thomas Ngor  said the initiative represents a major step in the Federal Government’s commitment to skills development, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship promotion, and inclusive economic growth.

According to the statement, the programme is specifically designed to bridge the gap between skills acquisition and enterprise development by providing selected artisans with the tools, training, mentorship, business support services, and market access required to build successful and sustainable businesses.

“Under this initiative, beneficiaries will undergo comprehensive entrepreneurship and business management training, including the internationally recognised Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Programme.

Participants will also receive support in certification and licensing processes to enhance their professional standing and competitiveness.

“As part of the incubation framework, selected beneficiaries will be provided with tools, equipment, and start-up support packages under clearly defined participation and repayment arrangements.”

He explained that, this approach is intended to promote ownership, accountability, and sustainability while enabling beneficiaries to establish viable enterprises capable of creating employment opportunities for others.

Speaking on the initiative, the Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun stated that the programme is a strategic intervention aimed at transforming skilled artisans into successful business owners and employers of labour.

According to him, the programme goes beyond skills acquisition by providing a structured pathway for artisans to transition into entrepreneurship and contribute meaningfully to national economic development.

“The ITF Business Incubation Programme for SUPA Artisans is designed to ensure that the skills acquired through the SUPA Programme translate into sustainable livelihoods, thriving enterprises, and increased economic opportunities for Nigerian youths. Our goal is to nurture a new generation of artisans who will drive MSME growth, create jobs, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrial development,” he said.

Meanwhile, dignitaries expected at the launch include Vice President Kashim Shetimma, the ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and  Senator John Owan Enoh, Special Adviser to the President of MSMEs, Mr Tola Johnson, Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odili, development partners, financial institutions, artisan associations, members of the National MSME Council, and other stakeholders in the entrepreneurship and enterprise development ecosystem.

The event will provide an opportunity to present the programme framework, implementation strategy, expected impact, and support mechanisms available to beneficiaries.

It will also showcase selected participants and highlight the Fund’s commitment to empowering artisans through sustainable enterprise development.

To ensure accountability and long-term success, the programme will incorporate a robust monitoring, supervision, and evaluation framework.

Beneficiary businesses will be monitored regularly, while periodic impact assessments will be conducted over a five-year period to measure business growth, enterprise sustainability, job creation, youth empowerment outcomes, and contributions to national economic development.

Expected outcomes of the programme include the creation of sustainable artisan-owned businesses, increased employment opportunities, accelerated growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), enhanced youth economic inclusion, improved business survival rates among SUPA beneficiaries, and strengthened contributions to Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.