The Development Bank of Nigeria’s DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program, currently in its 5th Cycle, aims to build capacity for over 2000 MSMEs across Nigeria through digital and physical training, leveraging partnerships and the DBN Learning Management System. The program targets all Nigerian MSMEs interested in acquiring necessary business knowledge.
When is the Application Deadline:
April 25th, 2026
Tell Me About The Award:
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme (DBNETP) is the flagship capacity-building initiative of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN). Now in its 6th cycle, the programme equips Nigerian MSMEs with skills to build bankable, scalable, and sustainable businesses. It includes virtual and physical training, business pitching sessions, and the chance to win grant funding of up to ₦1,000,000.
Read Also:
- Research Fellowships 2026 by University of Cambridge
- The British School at Rome Sainsbury Scholarship in Fine Arts 2026 for Black or African Artists
- Women in STEM Scholarship at the UQ Business School Master of Business Analytics 2026
- Applications Are Open for the €5,000 Netherlands NL Scholarship 2026
Which Fields are Eligible?
Open to all sectors – the business can be in any industry, as long as it is for-profit.
Type:
Entrepreneurship Training + Business Grant
Who can Apply?
- Nigerian business owners aged 18 and above
- Citizens or legal residents of Nigeria
- Owners of for-profit businesses based in Nigeria
- MSMEs that can commit to the training schedule
- Business must be registered or in operation within Nigeria
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Completion of 4 mandatory courses on the BizAid app with 80% average score
- Review of submitted business applications
- Evaluation based on:
- Bankability (readiness to access credit)
- Feasibility & sustainability of the business model
- Scalability (potential for job creation and growth)
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Nigeria only
Where will the Award be Taken?
Training will be conducted in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Virtual training will be delivered via the DBN BizAid Mobile App.
How Many Awards?
- 300 businesses will be selected for onsite training
- Grant awards of ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000 available for select businesses after pitching session
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Access to high-quality entrepreneurship training (virtual and onsite)
- Opportunity to pitch for business funding
- Grants up to ₦1 million
- Certificate of completion
- Access to DBN and partner networks for future funding opportunities
How Long Will the Award Last?
- 1-month self-paced virtual training (Aug 16 – Sept 10, 2024)
- 5-day onsite training for selected 300 MSMEs
- Pitching session and post-training grant awards
How to Apply:
- Download the BizAid App from the Play Store or App Store
- Register and complete the 4 mandatory training courses:
- Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Sustainability for MSMEs
- Marketing & Sales Techniques
- Credit Management/Access to Finance
- Score at least 80% across quizzes to be eligible for onsite training
- Submit application form (link will be emailed to qualified participants)
- Wait for selection and invitation for physical training