The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) has launched the Access to Market initiative to connect Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with customers, commercial partners and new business opportunities across Lagos.
Eko Hot News reports that the initiative was unveiled alongside the Lagos on Display Pop-Up Market 2.0, held at JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja.
The three-day event brought together 300 MSMEs from different parts of Lagos State to showcase locally developed products and services.
The exhibition provided participating entrepreneurs with an opportunity to present their brands directly to consumers and potential business partners.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of Programmes and Coordination at LSETF, Mrs. Oyindamola Egbeyemi, said business development requires more than access to finance.
She explained that LSETF has supported businesses through funding, training and business development programmes.
However, she noted that entrepreneurs also need access to customers and markets to achieve sustainable growth.
According to Egbeyemi, the Access to Market initiative was created to bridge that gap.
She said Lagos on Display would connect entrepreneurs with customers, partners and other opportunities capable of expanding their businesses.
Egbeyemi appreciated the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment for supporting the programme.
She also commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for creating an environment that encourages enterprise development across the state.
She described Lagos as one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic markets, with a population of more than 20 million people.
According to her, the size of the Lagos market provides entrepreneurs with opportunities to expand beyond the state.
She added that businesses can potentially grow into regional and international markets when they receive the right support and exposure.
Egbeyemi highlighted the success of an LSETF beneficiary who progressed from receiving a grant to accessing a ₦2 million loan.
The entrepreneur subsequently expanded her business to Kenya and began exporting products to the United Kingdom.
She described the experience as an example of the type of entrepreneurial success LSETF hopes to encourage.
The Director expressed optimism that more success stories would emerge from businesses participating in the Lagos on Display initiative.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Lateef Demilola Shitta, Director of Employment in the Ministry, described Access to Market as an important milestone.
He said the initiative would strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lagos State.
Shitta noted that LSETF and the Ministry were also marking 10 years of impact in supporting businesses and employment opportunities.
He disclosed that LSETF has supported more than 82,000 businesses through capacity-building programmes.
These interventions include training, advisory services and business development support.
He, however, stressed that capacity building and funding alone cannot guarantee sustained business growth.
According to him, entrepreneurs need meaningful opportunities to connect with customers and commercial partners.
He said the Access to Market initiative was designed to address this important gap
