Apply Now: LSETF, Canva Offer Free Business Training to 5,000 Lagos Entrepreneurs

Small business owners in Lagos State can strengthen their branding, digital marketing and artificial intelligence (AI) skills through a new initiative by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) in partnership with Canva.

The programme is designed to support 5,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with practical digital skills, business design resources, and free access to Canva Business for three months for eligible applicants.

The initiative aims to help entrepreneurs improve their online visibility, create professional marketing materials and build stronger brands as they compete for customers in an increasingly digital marketplace.

What the LSETF x Canva Programme Offers

Selected businesses will receive the following benefits:

• Three months of free Canva Business access, including premium templates, brand management tools, AI-powered features and team collaboration options.
• Free practical training through at least four virtual sessions covering branding, digital content creation and marketing.
• Ready-to-edit templates for flyers, menus, price lists, social media posts, business proposals and pitch decks.
• Practical guidance on creating branded content, developing marketing campaigns and using AI tools to improve business productivity.
• An opportunity to earn a joint LSETF and Canva certificate after meeting the programme’s attendance and business-output requirements.

The partnership is also expected to encourage at least 2,000 participating businesses to become regular Canva users, helping them integrate digital design and marketing into their daily operations. <Cite refs={[“turn890790search2″,”turn890790search3”]}/>

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to eligible entrepreneurs and MSMEs operating in Lagos State. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old and own or have founded the business.
• Operate an active business in Lagos State that has been trading for at least six months.
• Run a nano, micro, small or medium-sized enterprise with fewer than 200 employees.
• Have regular access to a smartphone or computer and an internet connection.
• Provide an active email address.
• Be available to participate in the scheduled training sessions.

Formal registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is preferred but is not compulsory.

Applicants should also prepare their National Identification Number (NIN), Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA) details, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) tax identification or recent tax receipt, and Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) or Ilera Eko enrolment details. Proof of ongoing LIRS or LASHMA registration may be accepted initially, subject to the programme’s requirements.

How Participants Will Be Selected

LSETF will screen eligible applications and score them against published criteria, including the business’s need for design and marketing support, the applicant’s commitment to training, business activity, inclusion and participation in the LSETF ecosystem.

Where eligible applications exceed the available places, the highest-scoring applicants will be selected, subject to the programme’s inclusion targets. Women-owned businesses, youth-led enterprises and businesses owned by persons with disabilities are among the groups considered.

Submitting an application does not guarantee selection or access to Canva Business.

How to Apply for the LSETF x Canva Training

Interested entrepreneurs should complete the official online application form and provide accurate business information and the required supporting details.

To apply, visit the official LSETF x Canva application form.

Applicants can also review the programme information page for eligibility requirements, training details and other instructions.

For enquiries or complaints, contact the programme support team at info@lsetf.ng.

Application Deadline

The programme’s published application deadline was October 18, 2026. As of October 20, 2026, that date has passed. Prospective applicants should check the official application form or programme website to confirm whether applications have been extended or another intake is available before submitting their details.