Build the Future of Your Business.
Through a hybrid model of self-paced online learning and in-person workshops, participants will strengthen their businesses, refine their strategies, and gain access to funding opportunities. The DBN Entrepreneurship Prgram is divided into two Phases.
Phase 1: Online Training via DBN’s Learning Management System (LMS)
Phase 2: Regional In-person Workshop (in twelve (12) states across all six (6) geopolitical zones) Enugu & Abia states in the South-East region
Phase 1 – Online Learning
11 curated business courses hosted on DBN’s LMS. However, four mandatory courses must be completed by applicants with a minimum of 80%+ scores:
- Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Marketing & Sales Techniques
- Sustainability for Small Businesses
- Credit Management & Access to Finance
Successful participants earn a recognized DBN certificate.
Phase 2 – In-Person Workshop & Pitch Competition:
After completing the online courses in Phase 1, the top 150 high-performing entrepreneurs from Enugu and Abia will be invited to the Phase 2 in-person training stage. This stage is where knowledge meets action and ideas become investment-ready.
Over 3 intensive days, participants will engage in:
Business Plan Refinement
Expert-led sessions to polish and strengthen your business plan, ensuring clarity, structure, and investor-readiness.
Peer Mentorship & Networking
Collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and build partnerships that extend beyond the program.
Investor-Readiness Workshops
Practical guidance on governance, finance, and sustainability to prepare your business for funding and scale.
Pitch Preparation & Delivery
Hands-on coaching to create powerful pitch decks and confidently present to panels of investors, partners, and judges.
At the climax of the workshop, 15 finalists will be selected to enter the live pitch competition. Each finalist will showcase their business idea before a panel of experts drawn from DBN, financial institutions, ecosystem leaders, and investors.
Winners will share in a ₦100 million grant pool, with individual businesses securing up to ₦5 million each to accelerate their growth.
But even if you don’t make it to the final 15, Phase 2 ensures lasting value:
- Every participant receives personalized feedback on their business plan from seasoned reviewers.
You gain exclusive networking opportunities with DBN’s Partner Financial Institutions (PFIs), mentors, and policymakers.
You walk away with a stronger, more fundable business and access to future support from DBN and the Enugu SME Center.
Timeline for Phase 2:
Cohort I:
Online training ends September 5, 2025 → Workshop & Pitch, Sept. 22–26, 2025 (Enugu/Abia).
Cohort II
Online training ends October 31, 2025 → Workshop & Pitch, Nov. 10–14, 2025 (Enugu/Abia).
Eligibility to Join Phase 2:
- CAC-registered business with at least 2 years of operation.
Completion of the 4 core mandatory courses (with 80%+ score).
Ranked among the top 150 performers in your region.
Submission of a detailed business plan and pitch deck (for those applying to the pitch competition).
Selection & Evaluation Criteria
Business plans and pitches will be assessed on innovation, scalability, market potential, financial clarity, sustainability, governance, and socio-economic impact. Winners will be chosen not only for their ideas but for their ability to demonstrate clear execution and long-term value creation
FAQ
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program (DETP)
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program (ETP) is a flagship capacity-building initiative by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) designed to equip Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with practical business knowledge, digital literacy, and access-to-finance readiness.
It combines self-paced online learning via a Learning Management System (LMS) with regional in-person entrepreneurship workshops and a business pitch competition offering the opportunity to win grant funding of up to ₦5 million per business.
Participants must:
- Own a registered business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC);
- Have been in operation for at least 2 years;
- Be located in or operating within Enugu or Abia State;
- Have basic digital skills and access to the internet (for online learning);
- Commit to completing all required modules and assessments.
Yes. The courses are designed to be beginner-friendly and accessible. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, internet access, and a basic understanding of English.
Phase 1: Online Training
Delivered through DBN’s LMS: https://learning.devbankng.com/enugu
- 11 curated courses focused on core MSME needs.
- 4 core mandatory courses must be completed with at least 80% score each:
- Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Marketing & Sales Techniques
- Sustainability for Small Businesses
- Credit Management & Access to Finance
- Upon successful completion, digital certificates will be awarded.
Phase 2: In-Person Workshop & Pitch Competition
- Top 150 performers from the region (Enugu & Abia) will be invited.
- 3-day in-person training includes:
- Business plan refinement
- Peer mentorship
- Investor-readiness sessions
- Live pitch competition
- Top 15 finalists will pitch for grants of up to ₦5 million each.
Milestone | Cohort II Timeline |
Online Course Completion Deadline | October 31, 2025 |
In-Person Workshop & Pitch Competition | November 10 – 14, 2025 |
Venue | Abia or Enugu |
To enroll:
- Visit: https://learning.devbankng.com/enugu
- Click “Create Account” and provide your details.
- Begin taking the courses at your convenience.
Please contact DBN support via the portal or reach out to the Enugu SME Center support team through the contacts provided below.
Yes. You must complete the online training—including the four mandatory courses—on or before October 31, 2025, to be eligible for the in-person stage.
Yes. The program is 100% free of charge to all eligible participants. It is fully sponsored by DBN.
- Top 15 pitch finalists per zone stand a chance to win between ₦1 million and ₦5 million in grant funding.
- All in-person participants receive intensive training, networking access, and post-program support.
Participants must:
- Score 80% or higher in the 4 mandatory courses;
- Be among the top 150 performers based on quiz scores and engagement;
- Be verified to meet eligibility criteria (2+ years in business, CAC registration, etc.).
Finalists will be selected based on:
- Quality of submitted business plan and pitch deck;
- Innovation and scalability;
- Financial model and clarity;
- Impact and sustainability;
- Presentation delivery during the pitch.
All participants must register via this dedicated LMS portal:
Yes. Participants benefit from:
- Nationally recognized DBN training certificates
- Improved business planning and operational skills
- Access to follow-on support from Enugu SME Center, including:
- Access to low-interest loans and grants
- Advisory services
- Future pitch competitions and market linkage programs
For support, contact the Enugu SME Center:
Phone:
0802 854 5013
0912 895 4467
WhatsApp Support:
0916 936 5762
0916 932 8543
Email:
Website:
Social Media:
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn
@enugusmeagency
Yes. Please share the portal link widely with business owners across Enugu. The program is designed to be inclusive and competitive.
Yes. DBN aims to train 500,000 MSMEs over four years through multiple cohorts. MSMEs who miss this round can apply in future editions.
