The United Nations Development Programme/Global Environment Facility-Small Grants Programme (UNDP/GEF-SGP) says it has empowered more than 6,000 enterprises nationwide under its Support to Potential and Established Nature-Positive MSMEs (SPENM) project.

Ibirounke Olubamise, national coordinator of UNDP/GEF-SGP, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during the unveiling of the Nature Positive Organisation Online Directory.

Ms Olubamise said the project, implemented by the International Trade Facilitators Association (ITFA), had enabled beneficiary enterprises to transition from donor dependence to sustainable, market-ready businesses.

She said the initiative supported the federal government’s efforts to create an enabling environment for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to thrive.

According to her, the SPENM project aims to build local capacity, improve market access, and prepare eco-conscious businesses for international trade.

She said this was being achieved through compliance with green standards and sustainability requirements, helping MSMEs move beyond dependence on grants.

Ms Olubamise described SPENM as a post-grant sustainability initiative designed to address the short-lived impact of many interventions targeting non-governmental organisations and MSMEs.

She said the project was launched with a catalytic $50,000 seed grant from the UNDP-administered GEF-SGP, complemented by an equivalent value of in-kind contributions.

According to her, the initiative equips environmentally friendly enterprises, NGOs, and community-based organisations with skills, market access and global certification pathways needed to remain viable beyond donor funding.

She said the project targets grassroots enterprises, including farmers, processors, and nature-positive MSMEs engaged in renewable energy, waste reduction, and environmental conservation.

Ms Olubamise identified grant dependency, funding constraints, market barriers, and infrastructure deficits as major challenges facing the programme.

Speaking, Collins Ezeiruaku, trade ambassador of ITFA, said the newly unveiled online directory would connect businesses with buyers and improve access to genuine products.

He described the platform as a global showcase for Nigerian businesses, providing visibility, credibility, business information, and continuous training for participating enterprises.

Mr Ezeiruaku said businesses listed on the platform would also gain access to markets and opportunities from organisations seeking credible enterprises to support.

He said the directory would serve as a continuous link with grassroots businesses while providing other entrepreneurs with an opportunity to register their enterprises free of charge.

According to him, all products displayed on the platform will be verified to ensure authenticity and provide consumers with reliable information.

Mr Ezeiruaku said the directory was targeting 400 registered entities and had so far enrolled 189 businesses.

He urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to take advantage of the free registration window.

(NAN)