The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has announced that applications are now open for its 7th annual Entrepreneurship Training Programme (DBNETP). This flagship initiative will ground Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the critical skills and resources needed to thrive in the global business landscape.
The programme, which features a blended format of virtual and physical training, aims to achieve three key objectives:
- Enhance Business Acumen: Equip MSMEs with the knowledge to create sound and viable business proposals.
- Improve Access to Finance: Increase the capacity of MSMEs to successfully access credit.
- Boost Market Readiness: Strengthen MSMEs’ ability to efficiently utilise funds, trade, invest, and access new markets.
Grant Funding & Programme Structure
A major benefit of the programme is the opportunity for participating businesses to pitch their value proposition for a chance to receive grant funding. Selected businesses will be awarded grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000.
The programme is structured in two parts:
- Virtual Training: An extensive curriculum covering nine core business modules will be delivered via the DBN learning management platform, the BizAid App.
- Onsite Training: A total of 300 shortlisted businesses will participate in a five-day intensive practical training session in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
Who Can Apply?
The DBNETP is open to all Nigerian MSMEs from any sector. To be considered for the onsite training, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- The business owner must be 18 years or older.
- The business owner must be a Nigerian citizen or legal resident.
- The business must be based and for-profit in Nigeria.
- Applicants must be available to commit to the entire training schedule.
How to Apply
To be eligible, all applicants must follow these steps:
- Register on the BizAid application portal
- Complete four mandatory courses on the BizAid platform: Accounting & Bookkeeping, Sustainability for MSMEs, Marketing and Sales Techniques, and Credit Management/Access to Finance.
- Achieve a minimum average score of 80% across all quizzes for these four courses.
Upon meeting these requirements, you will receive an email with a link to apply for the in-person training. Successful applicants will be contacted via email and phone.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has opened applications for its 7th annual Entrepreneurship Training Programme (DBNETP), aimed at equipping Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) with critical skills to succeed globally. This programme, which combines virtual and physical training, focuses on enhancing business acumen, improving access to finance, and boosting market readiness for MSMEs.
Participants in the programme will have the chance to pitch for grant funding between ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000. The training consists of virtual sessions covering nine business modules via the BizAid App and a five-day onsite intensive session for 300 shortlisted businesses in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. The programme is open to Nigerian MSMEs across all sectors, provided they meet criteria such as being a Nigerian citizen or legal resident, and committing to the training schedule.
Prospective applicants must register on the BizAid platform, complete mandatory courses, and achieve a minimum average score of 80% on related quizzes. They will then receive an email invitation to apply for the in-person training, with successful candidates being notified via email and phone.
