Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Entrepreneurship Training Program 2026
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) is now accepting applications from small business owners for its 2026 Entrepreneurship Training Program. See the requirements for the Development Bank of Nigeria Entrepreneurship Training Program below.
Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) 2026 Entrepreneurship Training Program is calling for applications. Are you a business owner hoping to get equipped with the skills and competencies needed to run a successful business in Nigeria? Apply for the Development Bank of Nigeria Entrepreneurship Program 2026.
The Development Bank of Nigeria is committed to strengthening the capacity of Nigerian SMEs in order for them to formalise, grow, and become more bankable in order to have simple access to available finance.
They planned to launch the DBN Learning Management System (LMS) this year, a free learning platform with carefully curated self-paced courses. The portal is open to all Nigerian MSMEs interested in gaining the necessary expertise to succeed in doing business in Nigeria.
Furthermore, DBN will pick the top 200 businesses to undergo face-to-face training in Lagos and Abuja. This physical session would provide businesses with the opportunity to literally apply fundamental principles to their varied firms, as well as discuss and receive business support in specific areas of need.
Development Bank of Nigeria Entrepreneurship Training Program Eligibility
The owner of the business must be 18 years and above;
Business owner must be a citizen or legal resident of Nigeria;
The business must be based in Nigeria;
The business must be for-profit from any sector;
Applicant must be available to commit to the training schedule once accepted.
Benefits of the Development Bank of Nigeria Entrepreneurship Training Program
All businesses will be eligible to pitch their business value proposition, and 14 businesses will be selected to receive grant funding.
Development Bank of Nigeria Entrepreneurship Training Program Selection Criteria
Bankability – Level of readiness to access credit.
Feasibility and Sustainability of the business model.
Scalability – Demonstrates potential for growth of the business to create jobs.
For questions or feedback on the application process or learning platform, kindly contact: learningadmin@devbankng.com
Disclaimer: Please note that DBN does not charge any application fee for applying to the programme.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Entrepreneurship Training Program 2026?
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Program (ETP) 2026 is a free capacity-building initiative designed to equip Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and aspiring entrepreneurs with practical business management skills, digital literacy, financial management knowledge, and access-to-finance readiness. The programme combines self-paced online learning with regional in-person workshops and a business pitch competition.
Who is eligible to apply for the programme?
The online learning platform is open to aspiring entrepreneurs and MSMEs across all sectors in Nigeria. However, to qualify for the in-person workshops and business pitch competition, applicants must generally own a registered business (CAC or recognized cooperative), have operated for at least two years, possess basic digital skills, and complete the required online training modules and assessments.
What benefits do participants receive?
Participants gain access to free entrepreneurship training, digital certificates upon completing required courses, mentorship, networking opportunities, investor-readiness sessions, and exposure to participating financial institutions. Top-performing businesses are invited to regional workshops, while finalists compete for grants from a ₦100 million grant pool, with top winners receiving up to ₦3 million to grow their businesses.
How can interested entrepreneurs apply?
Interested applicants should create an account on DBN’s BizAid Learning Management System (LMS), complete the mandatory online courses, and meet the eligibility requirements for their preferred cohort. The online learning platform remains open throughout the year, while eligibility for each cohort depends on meeting the specified cut-off dates.
Does participating in the programme guarantee funding?
No. Completing the training does not automatically guarantee a grant or loan. Only selected participants who qualify for the regional workshops and excel in the final business pitch competition are eligible for grant awards. However, all participants benefit from improved business skills and may gain access to financing opportunities through DBN’s participating financial institutions.
