Introduction
Are you an ambitious Nigerian entrepreneur? You are the target of the Development Bank of Nigeria’s (DBN) Entrepreneurship Training Program. In addition to providing free, top-notch training, participants have the opportunity to pitch for and receive grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000. It’s a potent blend of cash and expertise designed to support MSMEs’ growth and make them genuinely bankable.
About the Development Bank of Nigeria
The DBN, a state-owned institution founded in 2015, serves as a wholesale development finance institution. It empowers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing capital to partner financial institutions for on-lending TechAfrica News+15Wikipedia+15LinkedIn+15Opportunities For Africans+7TechAfrica News+7SME Toolkit+7OYA Opportunities+5Opportunities For Africans+5LinkedIn+5Scholars World+1LinkedIn+1OYA OpportunitiesScholars World+6DevBank+6Bizaid+6TechAfrica News+5SME Toolkit+5SME Toolkit+5SME Toolkit+4LinkedIn+4Scholars World+4SME Toolkit+2SME Toolkit+2OYA Opportunities+2DevBank. As of 2023, DBN had disbursed over ₦1 trillion, supporting nearly 500,000 MSMEs and creating more than 1.2 million jobs .
Program Overview
Eligibility Criteria
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Age 18+
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Nigerian citizen or resident
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Operating a profit-driven business in Nigeria
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Committed to full program participation After School Africa
Program Structure
It’s a blended learning journey:
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Online Modules via BizAid LMS
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5-day in-person training in key cities
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Pitching session with chance for grants
Grant Details
Selected entrepreneurs are eligible for ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000 grants. Additionally, 25 businesses will receive ₦500,000 in earlier cohorts DevBank+14Opportunities For Africans+14DevBank+14.
Online Learning Phase (BizAid LMS)
Participants complete at least 4 mandatory courses on the BizAid platform:
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Accounting & Bookkeeping
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Sustainability for MSMEs
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Marketing and Sales Techniques
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Credit Management / Access to Finance SME Toolkit+12Opportunities For Africans+12Scholars World+12
A minimum score of 70% is required before proceeding OYA Opportunities+3Opportunities For Africans+3Scholars World+3.
Face-to-Face Training & Pitching
Training Venues
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Lagos
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Abuja
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Port-Harcourt
Approximately 300–350 businesses are shortlisted for intensive in-person training Facebook+15Opportunities For Africans+15LinkedIn+15.
Pitching Session
Every trained entrepreneur pitches their business. A select few receive grant funding, typically ₦500k to ₦1m Scholars World.
Selection Criteria and Process
Applicants are assessed based on:
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Bankability: Readiness to access credit
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Feasibility: Practicality of business model
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Scalability: Ability to grow and create jobs Scholars World+6Opportunities For Africans+6OYA Opportunities+6
Timeline for 2025 Program
While exact dates vary annually, past cycles followed this structure :
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Online Training Opens: May
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Face-to-Face Applications: July
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Training Sessions: Late July–September
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Pitching & Grants: End of training
Benefits Beyond Funding
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DBN Certification
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Expert Guidance: Business best practices
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Access to Finance: Via partner financial institutions
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Networking: Connect with mentors and peers
How to Prepare Your Application
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Register early on BizAid LMS via DBN site TechAfrica News+5SME Toolkit+5Scholars World+5Scholars World+3ScholarshipSet+3SME Toolkit+3TechAfrica News+2Scholars World+2ScholarshipSet+2DevBankFacebook+9Bizaid+9DevBank+9.
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Gather documents: ID, CAC info, business details, course completion certificates.
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Maintain 70%+ scores on all modules.
Tips for a Winning Pitch
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Solve a real problem: Explain demand clearly
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Show figures: Profit, expenses, projections
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Plan your growth: Explain who, how, and when your business will scale
Stories from Past Participants
Though few individual success stories are publicly shared, we know:
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Over 1 trillion Naira has been injected into the MSME sector OYA Opportunities+3Opportunities For Africans+3Scholars World+3ScholarshipSet+2Wikipedia+2DevBank+2
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DBN continues to expand, as evidenced by the ₦100 million 3MTT–DBN program launched in July 2025 Bizaid+2TechAfrica News+2Facebook+2.
How This Fits into Nigeria’s SME Ecosystem
DBN works through partner banks to unlock credit for MSMEs, a key economic driver Wikipedia+1DevBank+1. Programs like this training equip entrepreneurs with essential financial literacy and business structure, enabling them to thrive.
Next Steps After the Program
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Connect with partner institutions for further business loans
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Apply learnings to scale; grant serves as strong starting capital
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Join DBN’s alumni networks and grow your business reach
Conclusion
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program is a stellar opportunity—melding education, mentorship, and capital to help Nigerian entrepreneurs excel. If you run a business and want growth, start today: register on BizAid, complete courses, and prepare to shine.
FAQs
1. Can I apply without a registered business?
No. You must own or operate a registered profit-making business in Nigeria.
2. Is the grant repayable?
No. The grant is a one-time, non-repayable award.
3. How many participants receive grants?
In most cohorts, 25 businesses receive grants, though training is open to approx. 300–350 applicants TechAfrica NewsLinkedIn+1TechAfrica News+1Bizaid+2ScholarshipSet+2Scholars World+2LinkedIn+2Opportunities For Africans+2ScholarshipSet+2.
4. Can I reapply if I don’t qualify this year?
Yes. Eligibility is updated each cycle; you may apply again in subsequent years.
5. How is funding disbursed?
After your pitch is approved, DBN transfers the funds directly into the business bank account provided.
Apply smart, learn fast, pitch strong—and your business could land that ₦1 million boost. Ready to start? Visit the DBN BizAid portal and register now.
