DBN flags off 7th edition of free business training for entrepreneurs

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Plc has officially opened applications for the 7th edition of its Entrepreneurship Training Programme (DBNETP), aimed at equipping Nigerian entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with essential business skills.

The initiative, announced on July 14, 2025, is open to Nigerians interested in entrepreneurship and will be conducted across 12 cities covering the six geo-political zones of the country.

The programme offers both online and in-person training opportunities at no cost to participants.

The DBNETP features expert-led online modules delivered through the DBN BizAid Learning Management System (LMS), alongside physical workshops.

To qualify for the in-person session, applicants are required to complete four compulsory courses , Credit Management and Access to Finance, Sustainability for Small Businesses, Accounting and Book-Keeping, and Marketing and Sales Techniques, scoring at least 80% in the quizzes.

According to the DBN, “Participants who meet the requirements will receive an email invitation to apply for the in-person training.”

Additionally, successful candidates will have the opportunity to pitch innovative business ideas for a chance to win grants aimed at growing their ventures.

Selection criteria will include the viability, feasibility, sustainability, and scalability of their proposals.

Speaking on the significance of the programme, DBN’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, emphasised the role of capacity building in boosting the growth of MSMEs.

“Capacity building is pivotal for MSMEs’ growth in Nigeria as it bridges the knowledge and skills gap, empowering entrepreneurs to innovate, compete, and thrive in a rapidly evolving economy,” he stated.

Dr. Okpanachi highlighted the bank’s notable achievements, revealing that over N1 trillion has been disbursed to MSMEs since the bank’s inception, leading to the creation of more than 1.2 million jobs.

He also restated the bank’s commitment to inclusive growth, with a goal of allocating 20% of loans to women-led businesses and 40% to enterprises run by economically disadvantaged Nigerians.

“For 2025, we are scaling up what we’ve achieved over the last six years.”

We remain aspirational in our approach and aim to reach more young entrepreneurs and MSMEs,” Okpanachi added.

Interested Nigerians are encouraged to register via www.learning.devbankng.com. Applicants will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of applying and will be screened based on eligibility.

Those who qualify will receive additional details.

Dr. Okpanachi called on aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunity, noting, “This programme offers immense value, a top-tier business training school at no cost, expert-led online modules, and practical, in-person workshops with 100% growth potential.”

The DBNETP is designed to equip MSMEs with the necessary skills to access credit, manage funds efficiently, and enhance business sustainability, reaffirming DBN’s commitment to supporting economic development in Nigeria.