Africa’s first public sector grading system
The Business Grading System is a SMEDAN initiative, in collaboration with Credit Rating Analytics, that has created the first public sector small business grading system in emerging markets. It aims to open up both business and funding opportunities for small businesses in Nigeria.
Why a grading helps
Standardised assessment
A reliable evaluation of an nMSME's performance and potential.
Showcases your business
A comprehensive, independent picture of what your business does and how well it does it.
Improved opportunities
Better access to finance and to new business opportunities.
Enhanced credibility
Build trust with investors, customers and partners through a transparent assessment.
A system designed for emerging markets
The grading system was designed and implemented by Credit Rating Analytics (CRA), a specialist advisory firm. CRA developed the emerging market public sector model within a project for the World Bank Group, and refined it further for the Nigerian market.
The system was created primarily to open up business opportunities for SMEs that want to boost sales and broaden their markets or market share.
A secondary benefit of the grading system is access to funding, from both traditional lenders such as banks and microfinance institutions, and non-traditional investors such as private equity and venture capital.
The nMSME grading academy has been created to upskill businesses in the areas they are graded on. The courses are free, and completing them will boost grading scores.
Created and managed by SMEDAN
The project has the buy-in of key internal stakeholders, which increases the acceptance and credibility of these gradings. SMEDAN created and manages the grading system, which is currently a free service to Nigerian businesses. Please reach out to SMEDAN if you are charged for a grading.