Are you a Nigerian entrepreneur seeking to sharpen your business skills and secure the necessary funding to scale your enterprise? The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) is pleased to announce the 7th Cycle of its Entrepreneurship Training Program, a comprehensive initiative aimed at supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria. Through this program, eligible business owners can access intensive entrepreneurial training and stand a chance to receive a business grant of up to ₦1 million.
This flagship program underscores DBN’s strong commitment to capacity building and the development of a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria. By leveraging both digital and physical learning platforms, DBN seeks to equip entrepreneurs with the critical knowledge and tools needed to sustain and grow viable businesses.
About the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria as a wholesale financial institution with the primary objective of alleviating financing constraints faced by MSMEs. Unlike conventional financial institutions, DBN does not directly lend to businesses. Instead, it operates through Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), offering lines of credit, partial credit guarantees, and technical support to Nigerian businesses.
One of DBN’s core mandates is capacity development, designed to enhance the managerial and technical competencies of entrepreneurs. The bank has trained over 4,000 MSMEs through hybrid (physical and online) training sessions across various Nigerian states. This is executed in collaboration with strategic partners and through the use of the DBN BizAid Learning Management System (LMS).
Program Overview: DBN Entrepreneurship Training 2025
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program is an annual initiative specifically designed to support MSMEs across all sectors. It offers a unique blend of business training, mentorship, and grant funding ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1 million to selected enterprises that demonstrate high potential for growth and scalability.
The program targets businesses seeking to improve their capacity in financial management, operations, marketing, sustainability, and investment readiness. It also offers access to a broader network of business support systems and mentors.
Target Audience
The training program is open to all Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating within Nigeria across any sector of the economy. Whether you are an agribusiness operator, a tech startup founder, a fashion designer, or a retailer, you are welcome to apply—so long as your business is registered and aligns with the program’s eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
1. Age Requirement: The business owner must be 18 years or older at the time of application.
2. Citizenship: Applicant must be a Nigerian citizen or legal resident.
3. Business Status: The business must be a for-profit venture operating in Nigeria and must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
4. Sector: The training is open to all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, fashion, logistics, education, and technology.
5. Commitment: Applicants must be ready and available to participate actively in all scheduled training sessions (both online and, if selected, physical).
Program Objectives
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program seeks to achieve the following key objectives:
Enhance Business Viability: Equip MSMEs with the requisite skills to develop and defend sound, bankable business proposals.
Improve Access to Credit: Strengthen the capacity of business owners to meet the documentation, creditworthiness, and financial management standards required by financial institutions.
Boost Operational Efficiency: Empower businesses with strategies for effective resource management and operational sustainability.
Foster Market Expansion: Equip MSMEs with the tools to explore new markets, manage trade, and attract investments.
Support Job Creation: Promote scalable enterprises capable of generating employment and contributing to national economic growth.
Program Structure and Format
The training program consists of two core components:
1. Online Training Module (Compulsory)
All applicants are required to complete a minimum of four (4) business development courses on the DBN BizAid Learning Management Platform. The following courses must be completed with an average quiz score of at least 70%:
Accounting & Bookkeeping: Learn how to maintain proper business records, financial statements, and budgeting techniques.
Sustainability for MSMEs: Understand how to create socially and environmentally responsible enterprises.
Marketing and Sales Techniques: Acquire practical skills in customer engagement, digital marketing, and branding.
Credit Management & Access to Finance: Gain insights into how to effectively manage loans and access financing from banks and investors.
Upon successful completion of the online training, applicants will receive a certificate and become eligible to apply for the next phase of the program.
2. Face-to-Face Training & Grant Opportunity
From the pool of online trainees, selected businesses will be invited to attend an in-person, capacity-deepening workshop in Abuja, Lagos, or Port Harcourt. This segment provides a more practical and tailored approach to business development.
During this phase, business owners will:
Receive hands-on training and mentorship from experts.
Participate in business pitching sessions.
Receive individualized feedback and advisory support in critical business areas.
Become eligible to receive grant funding of ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000 based on the strength of their business model and pitch performance.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed using a transparent, merit-based process that evaluates businesses based on:
1. Bankability: Demonstrated readiness to access credit or attract investment.
2. Feasibility: Realistic and implementable business plan with measurable objectives.
3. Sustainability: Ability to manage operations efficiently and remain profitable over time.
4. Scalability: Potential of the business to grow, expand to new markets, and create employment.
Only the most promising and committed businesses will be shortlisted for the physical training and grant consideration.
Duration and Timeline
Application Opens: Ongoing
Application Deadline: Not Specified (Early application is advised)
Online Training Completion Deadline: To be announced
Physical Training Dates: To be communicated directly to selected participants. Trainings will be conducted in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.
Grant Benefits
Selected businesses from the physical training phase will receive financial support in the form of non-repayable business grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000. This grant is intended to boost business growth, productivity, and employment creation.
Additionally, all participants will gain access to:
DBN’s growing entrepreneurial alumni network.
Opportunities to connect with investors and financial institutions.
Business support services including mentoring, strategic advisory, and market access facilitation.
How to Apply for the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program
To register for the 2025 edition of the program, follow these steps:
1. Visit the DBN BizAid Learning Platform and sign up using your business and personal details.
2. Enroll in the mandatory courses and complete each one, ensuring you achieve an average score of at least 70%.
3. After completion, you will receive a confirmation email containing a link to apply for the face-to-face training.
4. Submit the physical training application form, and wait for feedback via email or phone.
5. If selected, you will receive an invitation to attend the physical training in one of the designated locations.
✅ Register Here to Begin Your Training (Insert actual registration link if available)
Why You Should Apply
Whether you are a startup founder looking for structure, or an existing business in need of scaling support, this program offers you:
Free world-class entrepreneurship education.
Opportunity to win a non-repayable grant to grow your business.
Access to a network of successful business owners, mentors, and financiers.
Increased visibility and credibility for your enterprise.
Final Notes
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program remains one of Nigeria’s most impactful interventions for small business development. With its unique mix of education, mentorship, and financial support, it presents a golden opportunity for Nigerian MSMEs to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic transformation.
Take charge of your business journey today—apply, learn, and grow with DBN.
APPLY NOW
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