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Are you a young Nigerian entrepreneur looking to scale your business or refine your entrepreneurial skills? The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Entrepreneurship Training Programme 2025 is your gateway to transforming your business dreams into reality. This initiative is designed to empower startups and SMEs with the skills, tools, and mentorship they need to thrive in today’s competitive economy.
In a country where youth unemployment and business sustainability are pressing concerns, programmes like DBN’s are not just helpful—they’re essential. With the right knowledge and access to finance, Nigeria’s youth can shape a future that’s economically vibrant and self-reliant.
About the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)
DBN’s Mandate and Vision
The Development Bank of Nigeria is a wholesale financial institution focused on alleviating financing constraints faced by MSMEs. DBN’s core mission is to provide sustainable financing through Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), build capacity, and support inclusive growth.
Role in SME and Entrepreneurial Growth
DBN works behind the scenes to ensure Nigerian entrepreneurs, especially small and medium-sized ones, have access to affordable finance and essential training. The Entrepreneurship Training Programme is one of its flagship initiatives to foster innovation, business sustainability, and economic development.
Programme Objective
Why the DBN Launched this Initiative
This programme was launched to address the gap in entrepreneurial education and capacity building. Many entrepreneurs have ideas but lack the knowledge to structure, scale, and sustain their businesses. DBN aims to close that gap with this high-impact training initiative.
Target Impact on Nigerian Youth and Startups
The goal is to empower thousands of youth-led startups and existing SMEs across Nigeria to thrive, thereby creating jobs, reducing poverty, and boosting the local economy.
Who Should Apply
Eligibility Criteria
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Must be a Nigerian citizen
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Aged between 18 and 40 years
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Must own or co-own a registered business in Nigeria
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The business must have been in operation for at least 6 months
Preferred Business Sectors
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Agriculture & Agribusiness
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ICT and Technology
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Fashion & Creative Industry
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Health & Wellness
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Education Services
Programme Format and Structure
Hybrid Model: Online and In-Person Training
The training programme is delivered in a hybrid format. It combines interactive online classes with face-to-face workshops and mentoring sessions in selected hubs across the country.
Duration and Timeline
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Application Open: June 1, 2025
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Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
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Training Period: August – October 2025
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Post-Training Mentorship: November – December 2025
Key Training Modules
Business Model Development
Learn how to create, validate, and improve a sustainable business model using tools like the Business Model Canvas.
Financial Literacy and Management
Gain knowledge on managing your finances, budgeting, bookkeeping, and understanding cash flow to make better financial decisions.
Digital Marketing & E-commerce
Learn how to promote your products/services online, run digital ads, use social media effectively, and set up a functional e-commerce store.
Innovation & Scaling Strategies
Discover how to innovate your offerings and scale your business strategically using data-driven decisions and lean business strategies.
Benefits of the DBN Training Programme
Entrepreneurial Skill Building
Participants receive top-notch business education that can be applied immediately to improve their operations and market positioning.
Access to Financial Support and Loans
Top participants stand a chance to access funding through DBN’s Participating Financial Institutions and pitch competitions.
Business Mentorship and Peer Networking
Get matched with experienced mentors, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and join a nationwide network of changemakers.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Guide
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Visit the official portal: www.devbankng.com
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Register and create a profile
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Fill the application form completely
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Upload required documents
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Submit before the deadline
Required Documents
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Valid ID (National ID, Passport, or Voter’s Card)
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CAC Certificate
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Business Profile
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Pitch Deck or Executive Summary (if available)
Deadline and Key Dates
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Start Date: June 1, 2025
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Deadline: July 31, 2025
Evaluation and Selection Criteria
What the Review Panel Looks For
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Business viability and innovation
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Market potential and scalability
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Leadership qualities and commitment
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Social and economic impact
Scoring Metrics and Final Selection
Applicants will be scored based on the quality of their business idea, their responses, documents provided, and the strength of their motivation.
Post-Training Support
Continued Mentorship
Selected participants will continue to receive guidance and support from DBN’s network of mentors and industry experts.
DBN Funding and Grant Opportunities
Graduates of the programme will be eligible for funding opportunities and grants facilitated through DBN and partners.
Success Stories from Past Participants
Previous editions have empowered hundreds of entrepreneurs. For instance, Aisha from Kaduna expanded her agri-processing business and now exports to three West African countries.
Challenges Nigerian Entrepreneurs Face
Market Access, Funding, Infrastructure
Startups in Nigeria often struggle with inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, and difficulties in market access.
How DBN Addresses These Issues
By providing training, linking entrepreneurs to funding, and building a strong support ecosystem, DBN helps mitigate these challenges.
Tips for a Standout Application
Writing a Compelling Business Story
Share your business origin story, impact so far, challenges faced, and how the training will help you grow.
Mistakes to Avoid During Application
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Incomplete forms
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Generic responses
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Missing deadlines
Long-Term Vision of DBN for Nigerian Entrepreneurs
Sustainability Goals
To cultivate sustainable enterprises that create jobs and drive inclusive growth in Nigeria.
Enabling an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
DBN seeks to be the backbone of a thriving ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs from ideation to execution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the programme free? Yes, the programme is fully funded by DBN and its partners.
2. Can startups in any industry apply? Startups in growth-driven and impactful sectors are highly encouraged to apply.
3. Is there funding after the programme? Yes, top-performing participants may access DBN-supported funding.
4. How is training conducted? It’s a hybrid model—part virtual and part in-person in selected locations.
5. What’s the selection process like? Applications are reviewed by experts and shortlisted based on predefined criteria.
Conclusion
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme 2025 is more than just a training—it’s a movement to empower Nigerian youth to become job creators and economic drivers. If you have a vision, DBN has the platform to bring it to life. Don’t wait—apply now and redefine your entrepreneurial journey!
