The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has kicked off the 7th edition of its Entrepreneurship Training Program (DBNETP), a nationwide initiative designed to empower over 2,000 Nigerian micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with practical skills, strategic knowledge, and access to growth capital.
This year’s cycle continues DBN’s mission to strengthen Nigeria’s MSME sector—widely recognized as the backbone of the economy by offering participants a mix of digital and physical training, and an opportunity to win grants of up to ₦1,000,000 through a competitive pitch process.
Targeted at for-profit business owners aged 18 and above, the program is open to entrepreneurs operating across Nigeria’s diverse economic landscape. The training aims to help participants build bankable, sustainable businesses capable of attracting financing and competing in local and global markets.
A key requirement for eligibility is completion of four foundational courses of which you can get the full details on how to register for the courses here.
Applicants must achieve a minimum average score of 80% to qualify for the next stage. The application window closes on September 6, 2025 giving aspiring applicants a limited time to apply and meet the criteria.
Beyond the digital learning component, selected businesses will receive in-person training at designated hubs in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, providing hands-on learning, peer collaboration, and one-on-one mentorship. The program’s hybrid format is designed to cater to entrepreneurs regardless of location, while deepening their understanding of finance, operations, sales, marketing, and business sustainability.
In addition to capacity building, the program opens up access to DBN’s network of financial institutions, development partners, and investors. Graduates stand a stronger chance of securing long-term funding and scaling their businesses sustainably.
The DBNETP is not just a training program; it’s a platform for transformation, helping Nigerian entrepreneurs sharpen their ideas, improve their operations, and contribute meaningfully to job creation and economic growth.
You can apply for the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program HERE
