DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme 2026

Organization: Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)

Target: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

Format: Hybrid (Self-paced Online + In-person Workshops)

Cost: Free

Programme Overview

The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme is a flagship initiative designed to solve the primary challenges facing Nigerian MSMEs: lack of formal business education and limited access to finance. The goal is to transform “informal” businesses into bankable and scalable enterprises capable of driving national economic growth.

The Three-Pillar Structure

1. Online Training (The BizAid Portal) All participants gain access to the BizAid Learning Management System. You will undertake self-paced modules covering:

• Essential Business Management

• Advanced Financial Literacy

• Sustainability and Scaling Strategies

• Business Model Canvas (BMC) development

2. State-Level In-Person Workshops The top-performing participants from the online phase are selected for intensive physical workshops. These sessions include:

• Direct mentoring from industry experts.

• One-on-one business plan refinement.

• Pitch preparation and presentation training.

3. Competitive Grant Opportunities High-performing graduates of the programme can compete for direct grant funding. Unlike loans, these grants do not require repayment and are intended for:

• Scaling market reach.

• Improving production and distribution capacity.

• Strengthening internal business operations.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Business Type: Must be an MSME operating within Nigeria.

• Commitment: Ability to complete self-paced modules and attend physical workshops if selected.

• Performance Threshold: You must score at least 80% in the online module assessments to be considered for the next stage.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Registration: Create an account on the DBN Learning Portal.

2. Enrolment: Enrol in the four mandatory modules.

3. Assessment: Complete all course materials and achieve the minimum 80% passing score.

4. Documentation: Upload your business profile and CAC registration verification (if applicable).

5. Pitching: If selected based on your scores, you will be invited to a state workshop to refine and pitch your business plan for the grant.

Why Apply?

Beyond the potential for grant funding, this programme significantly boosts your business’s bankability. Completing a DBN-certified course makes your enterprise more attractive to commercial banks and private investors, as it demonstrates structured management and financial discipline.

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