In October 2025, Emerging Communities  launched its first-ever Hertisan Cohort, an intensive financial literacy and enterprise development program designed to support young women artisans across Lagos. Built for women in informal micro-trades, the program addressed a pressing reality: although millions of young women rely on micro-enterprises for survival, too many operate without the financial knowledge, tools, or capital required for growth.

Addressing Key Barriers Faced by Women in Informal Trades

Across Nigeria, over 12–18 million young women fall within the NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) category. Many depend on artisan trades such as tailoring, beadwork, hairdressing, and small-scale manufacturing to sustain their households. Yet despite their creativity and resilience, they face significant challenges like:

• Poor understanding of costing and pricing
• Limited record-keeping
• Intermingled personal and business finances
• Minimal digital visibility.

Hertisan’s model was intentionally designed to meet these challenges head-on, practically and accessibly.

Delivered through virtual classes on Google Meet, a highly engaged WhatsApp community, and task-based learning, the program ensured that learning was flexible, relatable, and deeply rooted in day-to-day realities.

A Cohort Built on Participation, Peer Learning & Practical Skills

Between 20th October and 4th November 2025, our Hertisans learned essential financial and enterprise skills, including:

• Costing and pricing for profit
• Smart money habits (separating personal & business finances)
• Record-keeping for micro-businesses
• Pitch readiness and business storytelling

The sessions were facilitated by industry experts and supported by peer accountability within the WhatsApp community, where voice notes, tips, mini-tasks, and daily check-ins fueled consistent engagement.

By the end of the training:

• 60 Hertisans completed all classes and assessments
• 80% completed at least 70% of all required tasks
• 60 Hertisans finished all classes and submitted assessments.
• Minimum 60% increase in pre/post test scores

• 53 Hertisans attended the closing event and 10 pitched live.

  

Celebrating Growth at Hertisan Closing Event

The Cohort concluded with a vibrant in-person showcase at the Fidelity SME Hub in Lagos, attended by 62 guests, including representatives from Fidelity Bank and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).

The highlight of the event was the live pitch competition, where 10 artisans presented their improved business concepts to a panel of judges.

Thanks to the support of Fidelity Bank, all 10 finalists received microgrants, with awards ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦500,000 funding used to purchase tools, expand production, improve packaging, and increase capacity.

Another 10 participants won equipment and material support in the raffle draw session. The Hertisans also received trivia rewards, and daily data incentives to help them stay active throughout the program.

With ₦2.3 million in total grants and incentives awarded, the Cohort directly impacted the income potential, productivity, and business resilience of the women.

Real Stories. Real Transformation. 

Looking Ahead: Expanding Our Reach in the Next Cohort.

Hertisan Cohort 1.0 proved that with the right blend of financial literacy, mentorship, and funding, young women artisans can achieve rapid transformation in their business practices and income potential.

To deepen this impact, Emerging Communities will expand the next cohort to 100 women, creating greater access for artisans who need financial literacy and enterprise support. The next phase will also build strategic partnerships that help participants access formal financial services and long-term business opportunities.

Stay connected with Emerging Communities to follow our journey as we continue to commit to projects that will empower women artisans and transform our communities.