DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program 8.0 for MSMEs In Nigeria (₦100M Grants)

Access to capital is the number one hurdle for MSMEs in Nigeria, but the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) is bridging that gap with more than just loans. The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program (DBN-ETP) 8.0 (2026 Edition) is officially live, combining high-level business education with a massive ₦100 Million grant pool.

The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program is the flagship capacity-building initiative of the Development Bank of Nigeria. In 2026, the bank has expanded its reach through strategic regional partnerships (such as the Anambra State Small Business Agency, 8thGear Hub, and GAIN) to train over 100,000 entrepreneurs nationwide. The goal is to move MSMEs from “survival mode” to “investment-ready” status.

The ₦100 Million Grant Structure

The funding for Cycle 8.0 is distributed across regional and national categories to ensure a wide impact:

• National Prize Pool: A ₦50 Million national cash prize pool available to top performers across Nigeria.
• Regional Grants: Specific partnerships offer localized funding (e.g., ₦8.5 Million shared among 15 winners in Anambra State; up to ₦5 Million individual grants in South-West cohorts).
• Total Impact: Aggregate funding across all 2026 training partners is estimated at ₦100 Million.

Program Workflow: How It Works

The program follows a rigorous three-stage funnel:

1. Phase 1 (Self-Paced Online): Register on the DBN BizAid platform and complete four mandatory courses.
2. Phase 2 (In-Person Workshop): The top-performing students (based on quiz scores) are invited to intensive, 5-day physical workshops in locations like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Awka.
3. Phase 3 (Pitching & Funding): Finalists pitch their business plans to a panel of experts for a chance to win a portion of the grant funding.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business Stage: Open to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in any sector.
• Registration: Must be a registered business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
• Location: Must operate within the target region for the specific application link used (e.g., Anambra, South-West, or North).
• Ownership: Must be a Nigerian citizen or legal resident aged 18 years or older.
• Commitment: Ability to complete the online courses and attend the physical workshop if shortlisted.

Mandatory Courses on DBN BizAid

To qualify for the grant, you must complete these four courses on the learning portal with an average score of at least 70%:

• Accounting and Bookkeeping.
• Sustainability for MSMEs.
• Marketing and Sales Techniques.
• Credit Management and Access to Finance.

Click here now to see other updated opportunities for Nigerians

Application Details

The 2026 rollout is occurring in phases through various partners. Choose the link that matches your region:

• Anambra State (ASBA Partner):
• South-West (8thGear Partner):
• Northern Region (GAIN Partner):
• Application Deadline: Most portals are currently open (February 2026). Deadlines vary by partner but are typically expected to close by late March 2026.
  • Where To Apply: Sibmit your application here before deadline

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