Applications are now open for the DBN Academy Entrepreneurship Training Programme Cohort 2, a flagship initiative by the Development Bank of Nigeria designed to equip Nigerian entrepreneurs and MSMEs with practical business skills, financial management knowledge, and access-to-finance readiness.
Delivered through DBN Academy BizAid, the programme combines free self-paced online courses, in-person workshops, mentorship, and a business pitch competition where outstanding participants will have the opportunity to receive grant funding.
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About DBN Academy Entrepreneurship Training Programme
The DBN Academy Entrepreneurship Training Programme is a free entrepreneurship development programme organized by the Development Bank of Nigeria to strengthen Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Through DBN Academy BizAid, participants receive quality business training, financial literacy education, mentorship, and business support to help them grow sustainable businesses.
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Programme Benefits
Successful participants of the DBN Academy Entrepreneurship Training Programme will receive:
- Free access to self-paced entrepreneurship courses
- Practical business management training
- Financial literacy and access-to-finance training
- Digital certificates after course completion
- Invitation to exclusive in-person workshops
- Mentorship from experienced business experts
- Business plan refinement
- Investor-readiness support
- Opportunity to pitch for grant funding
- Access to the DBN entrepreneur network
Who Can Apply?
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme is open to:
- Nigerian entrepreneurs
- Aspiring entrepreneurs
- Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across all sectors
To qualify for the workshop and pitch competition, applicants must:
- Own a business registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) or a recognized State Cooperative
- Have operated the business for at least two years
- Have basic digital skills and internet access
- Complete the required online courses and assessments
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Programme Structure
Phase 1: Online Learning
Participants will complete 11 self-paced courses on DBN Academy BizAid.
The four mandatory courses are:
- Accounting and Bookkeeping
- Marketing and Sales Techniques
- Sustainability for Small Businesses
- Credit Management and Access to Finance
Applicants must score at least 80% in each mandatory course to move to the next stage.
Phase 2: In-Person Workshop
Top-performing participants will receive:
- Advanced business training
- Mentorship
- Business plan refinement
- Investor-readiness coaching
- Networking opportunities
Phase 3: Business Pitch Competition
Outstanding participants will pitch their businesses for an opportunity to receive grant funding to support business growth.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the DBN Academy Entrepreneurship Training Programme:
- Visit the official DBN Academy BizAid portal: https://learning.devbankng.com/
- Create an account.
- Enroll in the online courses.
- Complete all mandatory courses and assessments.
- Score at least 80% in each compulsory course.
- Wait for further communication from the Development Bank of Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DBN Academy Entrepreneurship Training Programme free?
Yes. The programme is completely free.
Who is eligible?
Nigerian entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and MSMEs across all sectors.
Is CAC registration required?
Yes. Applicants must have a business registered with the CAC or a recognized State Cooperative to qualify for the workshop and pitch competition.
Is there grant funding?
Yes. Outstanding participants in the final stage will have the opportunity to receive grant funding.
