GAIN & DBN Join Forces to Empower Nigerian Women in Entrepreneurship Training

The Grand Africa Initiative (GAIN) and the Development Bank of Nigeria Plc (DBN) have announced their collaboration to conduct the "GAIN Entrepreneurship Masterclass for Women (Nigeria)" program, beginning in July 2022. The program aims to equip 200 young Nigerian women entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge and skills needed to build and expand their businesses, ultimately generating wealth and employment opportunities.

Participants will gain important knowledge about a variety of topics crucial to the success of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs), such as ideation, legal issues, branding, marketing tactics, effective communication, accounting procedures, business modelling, taxation, team building, and organisational structure through this training. These comprehensive sessions are designed to empower women entrepreneurs to develop their business acumen and create sustainable ventures.

Dr Tony Okpanachi, the Managing Director of DBN, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that it aligns with DBN's mission to provide sustainable funding, enhance the capacity of Nigerian MSMEs, and extend credit guarantees. He emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to reach a wider audience of women entrepreneurs and promote gender equality. Dr Okpanachi believes that this collaboration will contribute to the economic development of Nigeria by empowering more women to seize opportunities and build thriving businesses.

Mr Jerry Momoh, the Programs and Partnership Lead at GAIN shared his excitement about the partnership with DBN, highlighting the organization's commitment to empowering women and fostering sustainable business growth. He emphasized that entrepreneurship serves as a powerful tool for economic empowerment and gender inclusion. GAIN is dedicated to unlocking the potential of women and young individuals, enabling them to make substantial contributions to Nigeria's economic progress.

The GAIN Entrepreneurship Masterclass for Women (Nigeria) program is specifically targeted at women across Nigeria who currently run businesses or possess business ideas. Participants in the virtual programme must be between the ages of 22 and 45, exhibit a clear interest in business, and have access to the internet, a gadget with internet capability, and a steady supply of electricity.

The six-week program will consist of comprehensive training sessions and valuable mentorship opportunities. Participants will benefit from the expertise of industry professionals who will guide them in various aspects of business development. The program is scheduled to open applications on July 4, 2023, providing a platform for aspiring and established women entrepreneurs to enhance their skills, network, and achieve sustainable growth.

By focusing on women empowerment, GAIN and DBN aim to promote inclusive economic development and create a supportive environment for female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. By working together, they hope to solve the particular difficulties faced by women in the workplace and create a vibrant environment where women may realise their full entrepreneurial potential.