The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) and the Grand Africa Initiative (GAIN) have launched the third edition of the GAIN Entrepreneurship Masterclass aimed at empowering 350 women entrepreneurs across Nigeria. The initiative, which began in September, offers a comprehensive six-week training program designed to equip women with the skills necessary to grow and expand their businesses.
The selected women entrepreneurs will participate in virtual training and mentorship sessions that address specific challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The program covers a wide range of topics including financial literacy, strategic marketing, business modeling, legal aspects of business, business structuring, customer management, and branding. The goal is to provide participants with the tools and knowledge to take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria’s economy.
DBN emphasized that women entrepreneurs play a critical role in the sustainable development of Nigeria’s economy and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women-led micro and small enterprises. The bank noted that by targeting the challenges faced by women in business, it is contributing to a more inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Dr. Tony Okpanachi, the Managing Director/CEO of DBN, highlighted the importance of closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship through such initiatives. He emphasized that equal access to resources, training, and financing for women entrepreneurs is crucial for fostering gender equality in the business sector.
GAIN’s Programme Officer, Janet Oladapo, expressed excitement over the potential impact of the masterclass, building on the success of the previous four editions. She underscored the value of not only offering high-quality training but also providing participants with networking opportunities, mentorship from global experts, and comprehensive knowledge to drive business growth.
This initiative aims to continue empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering their contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.
