DBN Training: Applications Open for 2025 Entrepreneurship Programme
Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)
DBN Training: Applications Open for 2025 Entrepreneurship Programme
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Plc has launched applications for its 7th annual Entrepreneurship Training Programme (DBNETP), aimed at empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Announced on July 14, 2025, the programme is open to all Nigerians interested in entrepreneurship and will be conducted across 12 cities in Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, offering both online and in-person training at no cost.
The DBNETP includes expert-led online modules via the DBN BizAid Learning Management System (LMS) and an in-person workshop. Participants must complete four mandatory courses—Credit Management and Access to Finance, Sustainability for Small Businesses, Accounting and Book-Keeping, and Marketing and Sales Techniques—achieving a minimum 80% score across quizzes.
“Upon completion of the four courses by the stipulated deadline and achieving the required 80 per cent pass mark, shortlisted participants will receive an email with a link to apply for the in-person training,” the DBN stated.
Shortlisted candidates can also pitch innovative business ideas for a chance to win grants to scale their ventures, with selection based on bankability, feasibility, sustainability, and scalability.
Dr. Tony Okpanachi, DBN’s Managing Director/CEO, emphasized the programme’s role in fostering economic growth.
“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 said.
He added, “Our capacity-building training is a catalyst for unlocking MSME’s potential as a key driver of economic growth, innovation, job creation, and prosperity in Nigeria.”
Okpanachi highlighted DBN’s achievements, noting, “Since its inception, DBN’s commitment to the sector included disbursement of over N1 trillion to MSMEs, resulting in the creation of more than 1.2 million jobs.”
He underscored the bank’s focus on inclusive growth, targeting 20% of loans for women-led businesses and 40% for enterprises owned by economically disadvantaged Nigerians. For 2025, he stated, “We want to scale up what we’ve done in the first six year we are very aspirational in our approach – we want to expand our impact and support more young entrepreneurs and MSMEs generally.”
Interested applicants can register at www.learning.devbankng.com. Upon submitting applications, candidates will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, followed by screening based on eligibility criteria.
Successful applicants will receive further details. Okpanachi urged participation, stating, “The DBNETP offers immense opportunity for young people. This is a business school; a top-tier business training at zero cost, 100% growth potential, and access to top-tier expert-led online modules and practical, in-person workshops.”
The DBNETP aims to equip MSMEs with skills to access credit, manage funds, and enhance business sustainability, reinforcing DBN’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic development.
