Canva launches SME support program in Spain amid AI bias criticism

Canva announced a new initiative for small and medium‑size enterprises in Spain, creating an open community, practical sessions, a mentorship network and a exclusive "Club of Canvassadors" to give entrepreneurs access to product previews, financing options and training. General Manager Soraya C. Hidalgo highlighted that SMEs make up about 99 % of Spain’s business landscape and that roughly one‑sixth of Spanish internet users already rely on Canva.

At the same time, a group of U.S. university students flagged an incident where Canva’s AI generated an image depicting a hierarchy that placed people of colour and women lower, prompting renewed debate over algorithmic bias. Canva has not yet responded.

Separately, Canva is being promoted through a two‑hour small‑business workshop in Perth, Australia, led by Creative Director Kasia Jones. The session teaches participants how to build brand kits, use Magic Resize and other AI‑powered design tools to produce professional marketing materials quickly.