Nigeria only: This programme is for Nigerian small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Registration requires a Nigerian mobile number and your state and local government area.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) is enrolling entrepreneurs for Cohort 2 of its Entrepreneurship Training Programme (ETP). It’s the bank’s flagship capacity-building programme for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The online courses are free and self-paced, and participants who pass the mandatory courses can apply for an in-person workshop and a pitching session where selected businesses receive grants.
The current call, shared through a DBN partner, is aimed at entrepreneurs in North-West Nigeria and uses the referral code R2M. DBN’s own programme page says the ETP is open to MSMEs in all sectors across Nigeria.
At a Glance
| Organiser | Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) |
| Programme | Entrepreneurship Training Programme (ETP), Cohort 2 |
| Cost | Free |
| Format | Self-paced online courses, then an in-person workshop and a pitching session for shortlisted businesses |
| Who can apply | Nigerian entrepreneurs and MSMEs in any sector (this call targets North-West Nigeria) |
| Referral code | R2M |
| Deadline | Not published. Each cohort has its own cut-off, so start early. |
How the Programme Works
- Online training: register on the DBN Academy learning platform and take free, self-paced courses.
- Pass the mandatory courses: complete at least the four mandatory courses with an average score of 80% across the quizzes and final assessments, before the cohort deadline.
- Apply for the workshop: everyone who meets that standard gets an email with a link to apply for the in-person workshop. DBN says Cohort 2 workshops are usually held in November, with participants from all six geo-political zones.
- Pitch for a grant: participants who meet the criteria can pitch their business, and selected businesses receive grants from a dedicated fund.
The Four Mandatory Courses
- Accounting and Bookkeeping
- Sustainability for MSMEs
- Marketing and Sales Techniques
- Credit Management and Access to Finance
Other Courses Available
The platform also offers courses such as SME Laws and Regulations, Human Resource Management, Business Branding and Communications, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Mindset Toolkit, Generative AI for MSMEs, Business Scaling and Exporting, and Project Management for Small Businesses.
Benefits
- Free online business training from a national development bank
- Learn at your own pace, from home or the office
- Practical skills in bookkeeping, finance, marketing, sustainability and more
- A chance to join an in-person workshop tailored to shortlisted businesses
- A chance to pitch for grant funding
- A better understanding of how to access loans and finance
Note: finishing the online courses doesn’t guarantee a workshop place or a grant. Shortlisting depends on DBN’s eligibility criteria.
Eligibility
- Entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners in Nigeria. This call is promoted for North-West Nigeria.
- Aged 18 to 65, according to the registration form’s age options.
- A valid Nigerian mobile number and an email address.
- Reliable internet access to complete the online courses.
- Businesses in any sector, including agriculture, health, education, ICT, manufacturing, creative industries, transport and renewable energy.
How to Apply
- Go to the DBN Academy registration page (link below).
- Fill in your details: name, gender, age, phone number, email, state, LGA and business sector.
- Enter the referral code R2M if it isn’t already filled in.
- Create your password and sign up.
- Enrol in and complete the four mandatory courses with an average of 80% or more.
- Watch your email for the link to apply for the in-person workshop.
Register on the DBN Academy (Cohort 2, code R2M) · Official DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme page
Help: [email protected] · +234 209 904 0000
Stay safe: the training is free. Don’t pay anyone to register or to be “shortlisted”.
Tips
- Start with the mandatory courses. They’re what qualifies you for the workshop.
- Aim well above 80%. Retake quizzes where the platform allows it.
- Use the same email throughout. DBN sends workshop invitations to the email you registered with.
- Prepare your pitch early. Know your revenue, costs, customers and what you’d do with a grant.
