The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) and the Grand Africa Initiative (GAIN) have officially announced the commencement of the third edition of the GAIN Entrepreneurship Masterclass for Women in Nigeria.

This impactful program aims to empower 350 women entrepreneurs selected from various regions of Nigeria, equipping them with vital skills to enhance the growth and development of their businesses over an extensive six-week training course.

Applications for the GAIN Entrepreneurship Masterclass for Women (Nigeria) will open on September 6, 2024. The program will feature virtual training and mentorship sessions.

In a collaborative statement from DBN and GAIN, it was emphasized that the Women’s Masterclass has been carefully crafted to tackle the specific challenges encountered by female entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

The curriculum will provide focused assistance in key areas such as financial literacy, strategic marketing, business modeling, legal considerations, operational structures, customer management, branding, and more, enabling participants to effectively leverage the opportunities present in Nigeria’s expanding economy.

“At DBN, we recognize that women entrepreneurs play a vital role in the sustainable development of Nigeria’s economy. Our collaboration with GAIN underscores our dedication to supporting women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by equipping them with the essential tools, knowledge, and financial resources needed to succeed. By addressing the unique challenges faced by women in business, we are fostering a more inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial environment.

“Through initiatives like this, we strive to bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship, ensuring that women entrepreneurs have equal access to resources, training, and financing,” stated Dr. Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director/CEO of the Development Bank of Nigeria.

Janet Oladapo, the Programme Officer for GAIN, expressed enthusiasm regarding the ongoing partnership with DBN, stating, “We are thrilled about the potential impact of this collaboration, especially given the significant success we have achieved in the last four editions of our entrepreneurial masterclasses. We are eager to extend this opportunity to even more women entrepreneurs in 2024.

“This Masterclass not only provides participants with exceptional training but also facilitates networking opportunities, access to experienced global mentors, and the essential knowledge required to foster substantial business growth.”

The Entrepreneurship Masterclass is in line with the overarching goals of both GAIN and DBN. Both organizations are dedicated to empowering African youth and women by equipping them with the skills and resources necessary for promoting sustainable economic development throughout the continent.

Meanwhile, DBN continues to support Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by addressing financing challenges and fostering a conducive environment for their development.