The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), in partnership with Canva, has announced a support programme designed to help 5,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Lagos improve their branding, marketing and digital skills.
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The initiative combines practical training with three months of Canva Business access for applicants who meet the requirements and are selected. The package includes premium templates, Brand Kit tools, artificial intelligence features and team collaboration options.
Participants will also receive ready-to-edit templates for flyers, menus, price lists, social media posts, proposals and pitch decks. Training sessions are scheduled every two weeks over three months, with at least four practical sessions planned.
A joint LSETF and Canva certificate is available to participants who meet the attendance and output requirements. They must attend at least three of four sessions, participate live for at least 30 minutes per session, use Canva for their business and produce three business outputs.
It is intended for businesses in sectors including fashion and beauty, food and agriculture, creative services, retail, manufacturing and other local trades. Applicants should explain how stronger design and marketing would help their business attract customers, present products professionally and support growth and increase sales.
Who can apply?
Applicants must meet these requirements:
- Own or have founded a business and be at least 18 years old.
- Operate a business in Lagos State that has traded for at least six months.
- Have fewer than 200 staff.
- Have regular access to a phone or laptop and the internet.
- Provide an active email address and commit to attending training.
- Submit one application per business.
Formal registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is preferred but is not compulsory. Applicants are asked for their Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA) details, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) tax identification or recent tax receipt, Ilera Eko/Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) enrolment details and National Identification Number (NIN). Proof that LIRS or LASHMA registration is underway may be accepted initially, but final details are required before certification.
How selection works
LSETF says applications will be screened and scored, with the 5,000 highest-scoring eligible businesses selected, subject to inclusion targets. Women-owned businesses, youth-led enterprises and businesses owned by persons with disabilities are among the groups considered in the selection criteria. Submitting an application does not guarantee selection or free Canva Business access.
How to apply
Applicants should check the official form for any extension or new intake before submitting details: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/TzYkHBGNm4. For questions or complaints, email info@lsetf.ng.
