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DBN Launches 2025 Entrepreneurship Training Programme – Applications Now Open

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DBN Launches 2025 Entrepreneurship Training Programme – Applications Now Open

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has officially opened applications for its highly anticipated 2025 Entrepreneurship Training Programme (DBNETP), marking the seventh iteration of this flagship initiative aimed at strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the nation. Nigeria’s emerging business leaders and ambitious entrepreneurs are invited to apply for this impactful opportunity, delivered free of charge, both online and in person, across twelve major cities.

DBN Launches 2025 Entrepreneurship Training Programme – Applications Now Open

Who Is It For – Who Should Apply

Open to all Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above with a passion for building or expanding a business, the programme casts a wide net. It welcomes both existing MSMEs and promising new ventures—from agri‑tech startups in Kano to creative enterprises in Lagos and tech hubs in Port Harcourt. No matter your sector—finance, agriculture, digital services, or craftsmanship—if you’re ready to learn, evolve, and scale, this is for you

How It Works – Learning Path & Application

1. Mixed‑mode training (online and in-person)

  • A self‑paced online course hosted on DBN’s BizAid LMS delivers four essential modules: Credit Management & Access to Finance; Sustainability for Small Businesses; Accounting & Bookkeeping; and Marketing & Sales Techniques.
  • In-person workshops follow the online phase, hosted in 12 carefully selected cities, ensuring regional inclusion across Nigeria’s six geo‑political zones.

2. Stringent performance requirements

  • Participants must score at least 80 percent in the quizzes for all four modules to advance.
  • Online deadline notifications and eligibility are communicated via email; top-performing candidates are invited to the practical workshops.

3. Expert mentorship & pitch opportunity

  • The in-person stage will include pitch sessions, enabling entrepreneurs to present innovative ideas to a seasoned panel.
  • Winning pitches will earn grant funding, judged on bankability, feasibility, sustainability, and scalability

Why It Matters – Economic Growth & Inclusion

DBN Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, underscores the initiative’s purpose:

“Capacity building is pivotal… as it bridges the knowledge and skills gap, empowering entrepreneurs to innovate, compete, and thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.”

Since its inception, DBN has disbursed over ₦1 trillion to about 495,000 MSMEs, generating more than 1.2 million jobs. For 2025, the Bank is upping its ambition—to expand participation, increase grant backing, and support youth and women entrepreneurs more vigorously.

Inclusive Focus – Youth & Women at the Forefront

DBN reiterates its commitment to inclusive growth. For this year’s cohort, it aims to channel 20 percent of grants to women-led businesses and 40 percent to enterprises run by economically disadvantaged Nigerians. The Bank’s strategic partnerships continue to emphasise equitable representation, with special effort on youth and female entrepreneurs to help bridge structural inequalities.

Digital Plus Physical – A Hybrid Learning Model

The hybrid format is more than convenience—it’s an educational innovation born of hard-earned lessons during the pandemic. The online modules allow participants to learn at their own pace, from any location, while the in-person workshops facilitate hands-on training, peer networking, and face-to-face engagement, creating a rich, well-rounded capacity-building ecosystem.

This hybrid structure mirrors DBN’s ongoing collaboration with the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme and the Federal Ministry of Communications, supporting digital entrepreneurs nationwide

How to Apply – Step-by-Step

  1. Visit the portal: www.learning.devbankng.com to register and create your account.
  2. Submit your application online and receive confirmation within 24 hours.
  3. Access the four core online modules through BizAid LMS and complete all accompanying quizzes.
  4. Achieve an 80 percent+ quiz score for eligibility.
  5. Await your email invitation to an in-person workshop.
  6. Join the workshop, pitch your idea, and compete for grants and mentoring support.

Who Should Apply – Eligibility

Applicants must be:

  • Nigerian citizens, aged 18 and above
  • Operating an existing MSME (business registered with CAC), or preparing to launch one.
  • Committed to completing both online and in-person phases.
  • Based in or able to travel to one of the twelve training locations.

No fees are required—total learning is fully funded by DBN.

What’s at Stake – Funding & Outcomes

Participants benefit from:

  • An industry-level Entrepreneurship Certificate, following successful completion.
  • Expert training delivered by top professionals in finance, marketing, bookkeeping, and sustainability.
  • Access to a DBN-backed grant pool, rewarding the most promising business ideas.
  • Strengthened access to DBN’s network of Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), paving access to future loans and credit products.

Partner Ecosystem – Building Growth Infrastructures

DBN has built collaborative bridges with major stakeholder groups:

  • The Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy through the 3MTT–DBN programme.
  • International partners (World Bank, AfDB, EIB, AFD), which support DBN’s wholesale lending operations.
  • Active outreach to youth, women, and underrepresented groups—reflecting national development agendas.
DBN Launches 2025 Entrepreneurship Training Programme – Applications Now Open

Past Successes – Lessons & Data

  • The 2021 cohort trained 1,000 MSMEs with expert backing from Google Nigeria and Lagos Business School.
  • In 2023, the Women Entrepreneurship Masterclass empowered 200 young female entrepreneurs via dedicated programs.
  • DBN’s cumulative impact includes ₦787 billion disbursed in 2023 alone to 495,000 MSMEs.

Why This Year Stands Out

  • Expanded cohort size: this year’s training embraces a larger number of participants, promising broader economic transformation.
  • Broader eligibility: all Nigerians, not just tech-enabled entrepreneurs, may apply, opening the door to traditional industries and grassroots ventures.
  • Expanded grant funding: aims to apply larger resource support to top outstanding pitches.
  • Increased emphasis on equity for youth and women, aligning with DBN’s inclusive mandate for national development.

Voices from the Field

In recent DBN‑led programmes, participants consistently praise the robust value delivered:

“Expert-led modules helped me understand financial management better than any classroom I’ve attended,” said a 2023 DBNETP alum.
“The pitch sessions gave me confidence—and funding—to upscale my agricultural startup.”

These testimonials underscore the transformative potential awaiting 2025 cohort members.

Key Dates & Timelines

  • Application period: Now open (as of July 14–15, 2025).
  • Online modules: Begin immediately after registration—complete at your own pace.
  • In-person workshops: Scheduled regionally following quiz completion—dates to be shared via email.
  • Pitch & grant award: During the workshop, concluding 2025’s training cycle.

Next Steps – Be Proactive

  • Visit www.learning.devbankng.com today to register.
  • Check your inbox and spam folder for the confirmation email (should arrive within 24 hours).
  • Begin learning—prioritise the modules, engage actively, and aim for that 80 percent benchmark.
  • Prepare an innovative pitch—consider your venture’s scalability and sustainability.

Dr. Okpanachi encapsulates the essence:

“This is a business school; a top-tier business training at zero cost, 100% growth potential… The DBNETP offers immense opportunity for young people.”

DBN Launches 2025 Entrepreneurship Training Programme – Applications Now Open

Final Thoughts

As Nigeria charts a path toward economic diversification and digital transformation, empowering MSMEs remains central. With DBN’s 2025 Entrepreneurship Training Programme, aspiring entrepreneurs gain structured support—from knowledge acquisition and skill-building to networking, certification, grant access, and financing readiness.

Call to Action:
Don’t miss this chance. Register today, and join a growing ecosystem of Nigerian business leaders driving change, creating jobs, and building futures.

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