Applications are open for the Development Bank of Nigeria DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program 2025 with up to ₦1m Grant for businesses in Nigeria. The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) helps small and medium businesses in Nigeria get financing by providing loans and guarantees through banks.
The Bank has been at the forefront of driving economic growth and development in Nigeria through its various initiatives. One of its flagship programs is the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program, designed to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape.
2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Entrepreneurship Training Details
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) invites application from suitably qualified applicants for the 7th cycle of the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program.
The program is currently in its 7th cycle, and applications are open to all Nigerian MSMEs. The DBN aims to support more young entrepreneurs and MSMEs, with a focus on inclusive growth, targeting 20% of loans for women-led businesses and 40% for enterprises owned by economically disadvantaged Nigerians.
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program is structured into three main components: virtual training, onsite training, and pitching sessions.
- Virtual Training: The virtual training component is a self-paced comprehensive curriculum spanning nine modules. Participants can access the training through the DBN Learning Management System (LMS) or the BizAid App. The modules cover a range of topics, including accounting and bookkeeping, marketing and sales techniques, credit management, and sustainability for MSMEs. Participants are required to complete the modules within a specified timeframe and achieve a minimum average score of 80%.
- Onsite Training: Shortlisted participants are invited to attend a five-day immersive practical training session in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt. The onsite training provides participants with hands-on experience and practical knowledge on how to develop a robust business plan, manage finances, and access credit. Participants also get the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and industry experts.
- Pitching Session: All participating businesses can pitch their value proposition to a panel of judges. Selected enterprises receive grant funding ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1 million. The pitching session provides participants with the opportunity to showcase their businesses and demonstrate their potential for growth and scalability.
Eligibility Criteria
The Target Audience is all Nigerian MSMEs across any sector, who are interested in acquiring the right knowledge needed to succeed in doing business in Nigeria, but specifically, to be eligible for the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program, participants must meet the following criteria:
- Business owner must be at least 18 years old and a Nigerian citizen or legal resident
- Business must operate within Nigeria and be for-profit, spanning any sector
- Applicants must commit to the training schedule upon acceptance
Selection Criteria
The DBN uses a robust selection criteria to identify the most promising businesses. The selection criteria include:
- Bankability: Preparedness to access credit and finance
- Feasibility and Sustainability: Strength and long-term viability of the business model
- Scalability: Potential of the business to expand and generate employment opportunities
Application Process
The application process for the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program is straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
- Register your business on the DBN BizAid application platform
- Complete four mandatory courses via the BizAid Learning Management Platform with a minimum average score of 80%
- Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Sustainability for MSMEs
- Marketing and Sales Techniques
- Credit Management / Access to Finance
- Shortlisted participants will receive an email with a link to apply for the in-person training
Program Benefits
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program offers several benefits to participants, including:
- Free online business training: Participants get access to top-tier expert-led online modules and practical in-person workshops
- Grant funding: Selected businesses receive grant funding ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1 million
- Access to credit: Participants learn how to access credit and finance, enabling them to grow their businesses
- Networking opportunities: Participants get the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and industry experts
Notes
Selected businesses will be chosen to receive grant funding of N500,000 to ₦1 million each.
In addition, DBN will be selecting the best businesses to attend a face-to-face training.
This physical session would be an opportunity for businesses to practically apply important principles to their various businesses, discuss and receive business support in specific areas of need.
The bank does not disburse the loan to the borrower in cash but through participating intermediary banks in Nigeria.
To Start the training, simply register through https://bizaid.devbankng.com/
