The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), through its innovation arm Lagos Innovates, has opened applications for the third edition of its Female Founders & Funders (FFF III) programme.
The six-week accelerator designed to support women-led startups in Lagos, targets female tech entrepreneurs looking to move from early-stage growth to investor readiness.
Selected founders will receive training, mentorship and the chance to compete for more than ₦9 million in equity-free grants.
With venture capital funding becoming more selective across Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, programmes that focus on women founders are seen as a way to close the funding gap and strengthen the pipeline of investable startups.
Programme Structure
The 2026 edition will run on a hybrid format, combining physical sessions in Lagos with virtual training.
Over six weeks, participants will undergo practical sessions covering financial modelling, corporate governance, and strategies for improving product-market fit.
The programme is designed to prepare founders to confidently present their businesses to investors.
₦9 Million in Grants for Startups
Beyond the training, participants will compete for a share of more than ₦9 million in prizes. The funding will be provided as equity-free grants, allowing founders to reinvest directly into product development, operations, or hiring without giving up ownership.
The programme will end with an investor showcase scheduled for June 2026. During the event, founders will pitch their startups to venture capital firms, angel investors and corporate partners searching for scalable, women-led businesses.
Who Can Apply?
According to Lagos Innovates, startups interested in the programme must meet several requirements:
- Women-led startups: The business must be founded or co-founded by a woman who plays an active leadership role.
- Operational product: Applicants must have at least a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or a working product already generating user data or revenue.
- Clear market problem: The startup should address a defined problem within the Nigerian market.
- Lagos presence: The business must operate in Lagos or have clear plans to expand its operations within the state.
What Selected Founders Will Receive
Startups accepted into the programme will gain access to:
- Mentorship: Weekly sessions with experienced entrepreneurs and investors.
- Investor readiness support: Guidance on refining pitch decks, financial statements and business strategy.
- Ecosystem access: Connections to partners and opportunities within the LSETF and Lagos Innovates network.
Key Dates
Applicants should note the following timeline:
- Application deadline: April 4, 2026
- Cohort announcement: April 15, 2026
- Programme start: April 2026
- Investor showcase: June 2026
Interested founders can apply through the Lagos Innovates website for a chance to join the next cohort of the Female Founders & Funders programme.
