Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Entrepreneurship Training Program 2026 | ₦8.5 Million Grant for Nigerian MSMEs

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Entrepreneurship Training Program 2026 is now open to Nigerian entrepreneurs, with a special focus on business owners operating in Anambra State. This highly competitive program offers free online entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and access to a ₦8.5 million grant to support the growth and sustainability of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program (DBN-ETP) is designed to equip Nigerian business owners with practical skills in finance, marketing, sustainability, and credit management, while also connecting them to funding opportunities and national cash prizes.

In this article, you’ll find full details about the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program 2026, including eligibility criteria, benefits, duration, rewards, and a step-by-step guide on how to apply.

DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program 2026 Summary

• Program Name: DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program (DBN-ETP) 2026

• Host Organization: Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)

• Category: Training | Entrepreneurship | Fellowship

• Eligible Country: Nigeria

• Target Location: Anambra State

• Rewards: ₦8.5 Million Grant, Free Business Training, Mentorship, Networking

• Application Deadline: Not Specified

About the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) is a Federal Government–owned development finance institution established to address the funding challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.

DBN supports businesses by providing:

• Access to finance through participating financial institutions

• Partial credit guarantees

• Technical assistance and capacity-building programs

Rather than disbursing loans directly to businesses, DBN works with commercial banks, microfinance banks, and other financial intermediaries to ensure MSMEs can access sustainable funding.

About the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program (DBN-ETP)

The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program is a flagship capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening Nigerian businesses through practical entrepreneurship education.

The 2026 edition marks the 8th cycle of the program and focuses on empowering entrepreneurs in Anambra State with the skills, knowledge, and financial opportunities needed to scale their businesses.

Eligibility Requirements for DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program 2026

To be considered for the Development Bank of Nigeria Entrepreneurship Training Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Business owner must be 18 years or older

• Applicant must be a citizen or legal resident of Nigeria

• Business must be operating in Anambra State

• Business must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)

• Business must be for-profit, operating in any sector

• Applicant must be available and willing to commit fully to the training schedule

Duration and Rewards of DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program

Participants in the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program 2026 will benefit from both learning and funding opportunities through a competitive selection process.

Grant Opportunities

• 50 top-performing participants will be invited to a physical workshop in Anambra State (June 2026)

• 15 entrepreneurs will emerge as final grant winners

• ₦8.5 million in grants will be shared among the 15 selected winners

• All participants on the learning platform can also compete for a ₦50 million national cash prize pool

Benefits of the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program

Participants in the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program will enjoy the following benefits:

• Free, high-quality entrepreneurship and business training

• Improved financial management and bookkeeping skills

• Enhanced marketing and sales strategies

• Access to grants and national cash prize opportunities

• Mentorship and business plan refinement

• Increased visibility and bankability for Nigerian MSMEs

Mandatory Courses on the DBN BizAid Platform

All applicants must complete a minimum of four (4) mandatory courses on the DBN BizAid Learning Management Platform and achieve an average score of at least 70%.

The required courses include:

1. Accounting and Bookkeeping

2. Sustainability for MSMEs

3. Marketing and Sales Techniques

4. Credit Management and Access to Finance

Completion of these courses is compulsory to qualify for further stages of the program.

How to Apply for Development Bank of Nigeria Entrepreneurship Training Program 2026

Follow the steps below to apply for the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program:

1. Register on the DBN BizAid Learning Platform

2. Complete the four mandatory courses before the deadline

3. Achieve a minimum average score of 70% across all quizzes

4. Eligible businesses will receive an email invitation to apply for face-to-face training

5. Complete and submit the online application form

6. Receive an email confirmation within 24 hours of submission

7. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email and phone call

🔗 Start your training here:
https://learning.devbankng.com/asba

Selection and Training Locations

Training sessions will commence on announced dates and will be conducted consecutively in:

• Abuja

• Lagos

• Port Harcourt

Only shortlisted and successful applicants will be contacted.

Final Thoughts

The Development Bank of Nigeria Entrepreneurship Training Program 2026 is a powerful opportunity for Nigerian entrepreneurs—especially those in Anambra State—to gain critical business skills, mentorship, and access to ₦8.5 million in grant funding.

If you own a registered business and are serious about growth, sustainability, and funding, this program can help position your business for long-term success.

Apply early, complete all required courses, and take advantage of this life-changing entrepreneurship opportunity.