SME global certification grant program gets overwhelming response

2026-02-24 - 17:54

The SME Certification & International Accreditation Grant Program has received an overwhelming response from entrepreneurs across Pakistan. Having 70% of the cost from the grant program, the SMEs will have to bear 30% cost by themselves to cover the certification cost up to Rs800,000 and related consultancy cost up to Rs200,000 under the project. The program has gained traction as entrepreneurs from several parts of the country have shown interest in obtaining globally recognised certifications to enhance their competitiveness and export potential. The grant program has been launched under the Prime Minister’s vision for enhancing the exportability of SMEs in the world market. The program is focused on helping SMEs get key international certifications by reducing the financial and technical barriers associated with compliance. The initiative is part of the Ministry of Industries and Production’s strategy to strengthen small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by enabling them to formalise and access the markets for enhancing export capabilities. SMEDA, through this highly significant project, offers matching grants and advisory support to entrepreneurs to enable them to meet global standards related to quality, safety, environmental management and operational systems. The response from entrepreneurs has been quite encouraging, and the Authority aims to support more than 100 SMEs in the current fiscal year. According to officials, several SMEs expressed their willingness to avail themselves of the certification grant at the recent ‘Made in Pakistan – SME Cluster Showcase Expo 2026.’ With an increasing number of applications and approvals already underway, they say, the programme is expected to be a key instrument in the government’s drive to formalise the SME sector, boost exports and build a more competitive and resilient economy. SMEDA makes sure special emphasis is placed on encouraging participation from start-ups, women-led enterprises and businesses located in underserved areas. With a simplified application process, it is actively guiding applicants through awareness sessions, media engagement and digital campaign highlighting certification requirements and procedures, say officials. SECP’s take on 125 foreign companies exiting Pakistan