Small Business Start-up Support

At The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Nigeria (TMDCN), we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose, and financial independence.

Through our Small Business Start-up Support programme, we provide modest grants to eligible individuals living with muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions to help them start or grow small businesses. The programme aims to reduce financial hardship, promote self-reliance, and create sustainable sources of income.

Support may be used to purchase essential business equipment, tools, materials, or stock needed to establish a small enterprise. In some cases, beneficiaries may also receive guidance or signposting to additional resources that can help strengthen their business.

By investing in entrepreneurship, TMDCN helps people living with disabilities build confidence, achieve greater independence, and participate more fully in their families and communities.

Please note: Funding is subject to eligibility criteria, available resources, and a successful assessment of each application. As resources are limited, submitting an application does not guarantee funding. Priority may be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need, a viable business idea, and the potential for long-term sustainability.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for funding, applicants must:

  • Be living with muscular dystrophy or another eligible neuromuscular condition.
  • Be registered with The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Nigeria (TMDCN) or be willing to register.
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Submit a viable business plan that clearly outlines the proposed business, how the funds will be used, and how the business will generate sustainable income.
  • Show the willingness and ability to manage or actively participate in running the business.
  • Not have received a TMDCN Small Business Start-up Grant within the previous two years (unless exceptional circumstances apply).
  • Agree to use the funds solely for the approved business purpose.
  • Be willing to provide receipts or evidence of how the funds were spent, if requested.
  • Agree to participate in reasonable follow-up monitoring and provide updates on the progress of the business.

Please note: Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding. Applications are assessed competitively, and grants are awarded based on available resources, demonstrated need, and the potential impact and sustainability of the proposed business.