The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has officially announced the call for applications for the 7th cycle of its Entrepreneurship Training Programme (DBNETP), one of its flagship initiatives to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
Since inception, DBN has trained over 4,000 business owners across Nigeria through physical and digital platforms, including its dedicated Learning Management System (LMS). The 2025 edition continues this tradition, offering a hybrid training format and an opportunity to access grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000.
Contents
Programme Objectives:
The DBNETP aims to:
- Equip MSMEs with practical skills to build and defend strong business proposals.
- Improve MSMEs’ capacity to access credit from financial institutions.
- Enhance business efficiency in funds utilization, trade, and market access.
Who Can Apply?
The training is open to all Nigerian-owned, for-profit businesses across any sector. Business owners must be:
- At least 18 years old.
- A Nigerian citizen or legal resident.
- Available to fully participate in both virtual and on-site training phases.
Training Format:
1. Virtual Training:
Delivered through DBN’s BizAid App, the virtual training covers 9 self-paced modules, with 4 mandatory courses:
- Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Sustainability for MSMEs
- Marketing and Sales Techniques
- Credit Management / Access to Finance
Participants must complete at least 4 courses and attain an average quiz score of 80% to qualify for the next phase.
2. Onsite Training:
300 top-performing businesses will be shortlisted for an intensive 5-day in-person training in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, based on assessed business needs.
3. Pitching Session:
At the end of the programme, participants will pitch their business ideas. Selected winners will receive grant funding between ₦500,000 and ₦1,000,000.
Selection Criteria:
Applicants will be assessed based on:
- Bankability and readiness to access credit
- Feasibility and sustainability of the business model
- Scalability and potential for job creation
How to Apply:
- Register via the DBN Learning Management System using the BizAid App: https://learning.devbankng.com
- Complete at least 4 mandatory courses and score a minimum of 80%.
- Qualified applicants will receive an email to proceed with the application for in-person training.
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email and phone.
- Physical training will take place on announced dates in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.
Final Note:
This is a unique opportunity for Nigerian entrepreneurs to gain critical business skills, expand their network, and access funding support. If you own a small business and want to scale it successfully, don’t miss the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme 2025.
