About the Company
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme is back for its 7th cycle, offering free business skills training and the opportunity for participants to win grants between ₦500,000 and ₦1 million to scale their ventures.
Launched by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), the program is part of the bank’s commitment to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria through capacity building and access to finance.
Job Description
Programme Objectives
- Equip MSMEs with skills to develop bankable and sustainable business plans.
- Improve access to funding and strengthen financial literacy.
- Enhance efficiency in fund management, market access, and business growth.
- Promote job creation and economic development through scalable businesses.
Qualifications & Requirements
To be considered, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a Nigerian citizen or legal resident.
- Own a registered, for-profit business in Nigeria (CAC registration required).
- Be available and committed to attending all training sessions (virtual and in-person).
Selection Criteria
Shortlisting will be based on:
- Bankability – Readiness of the business to attract investment or credit.
- Feasibility – Practicality and long-term sustainability of the business model.
- Scalability – Potential for business growth and job creation.
Programme Structure
The program has two phases:
- Online Training:
Participants must complete four mandatory courses on the DBN BizAid e-learning platform and score at least 70% in quizzes:
- Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Marketing & Sales Techniques
- Credit Management & Access to Finance
- Sustainability for MSMEs
2. In-Person Training & Pitch
Top-performing businesses will be invited to a 5-day bootcamp held in:
- Abuja
- Lagos
- Port Harcourt
During the bootcamp, participants will pitch their businesses, and top entries will receive grant funding.
What You’ll Gain
- Full sponsorship for both online and physical training
- Hands-on mentorship and business support
- Access to grant funding between ₦500,000 – ₦1,000,000
- Opportunity to join DBN’s MSME support ecosystem
How to Apply
- Register and complete required courses on the DBN BizAid Learning Platform
- After achieving the required scores, eligible participants will receive an email invitation to apply for the physical bootcamp.
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email and phone.
- Finalists will participate in pitch competitions for a chance to win grant funding.