The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has launched the SUPA Business Incubation Programme, a new initiative designed to help skilled Nigerian artisans transition from technical workers into business owners and employers of labour.
The programme, introduced under the leadership of ITF Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, is focused on entrepreneurship development, enterprise support, and long-term business sustainability for beneficiaries across the country.
According to the Fund, the initiative is aimed at empowering artisans with the tools, training, and support systems needed to build sustainable businesses capable of creating jobs and contributing to national economic growth.
The programme targets beneficiaries of the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) initiative and will provide practical entrepreneurship training using the SIYB (Start and Improve Your Business) methodology alongside structured incubation and enterprise development support.
Participants are also expected to benefit from mentorship and coaching from experienced professionals to help them scale and manage their businesses effectively.
ITF said the programme will further support beneficiaries with certification and licensing assistance to help formalise their operations and improve credibility in the business environment.
One of the major highlights of the initiative is access to productive equipment under structured repayment arrangements designed to promote ownership, accountability, and sustainability among participants.
The Fund explained that the equipment provided under the programme is not a grant, noting that beneficiaries will access the tools through repayment plans aimed at encouraging long-term commitment and responsible enterprise management.
The programme also includes a five-year monitoring and evaluation framework that will track business survival, growth, employment generation, and economic impact.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Ogun said the future of skills development goes beyond technical training alone.
“The future of skills development lies not only in training artisans but in empowering them to become successful entrepreneurs, employers of labour, and contributors to national economic growth,” he said.
He added that the programme would provide the support structure needed to ensure beneficiaries build businesses capable of transforming communities and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
ITF noted that the SUPA Business Incubation Programme aligns with the Federal Government’s broader goals around youth empowerment, MSME growth, poverty reduction, and economic diversification.
The Fund also stated that the national rollout of the programme is expected to attract key stakeholders including government officials, development partners, financial institutions, private sector operators, MSME ecosystem leaders, and industry stakeholders.
According to ITF, the initiative is built around transparency and inclusiveness, with nationwide awareness campaigns and a transparent selection process expected to ensure broad participation across Nigeria.
The Fund described the programme as part of its commitment to equipping today’s artisans to become tomorrow’s industry leaders while supporting enterprise growth, job creation, and national development.
