The 2026 Development Bank of Nigeria Entrepreneurship Training Programme (DBN ETP) 8.0 – Cohort 2 is a free capacity-building initiative designed to equip Nigerian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with practical business skills, digital knowledge and improved readiness to access finance. Delivered through DBN’s BizAid learning platform, the programme combines self-paced online courses with regional in-person workshops and a business pitch competition. Participants who meet the programme’s eligibility and performance requirements may be selected for advanced training, mentorship and the opportunity to compete for grant funding.
Programme Benefits
• Free access to self-paced business and digital-learning courses
• Practical training in accounting, marketing, sustainability and access to finance
• Digital certificates for successfully completed modules
• Opportunity to qualify for intensive regional in-person workshops
• Business-plan refinement and investor-readiness training
• Peer mentorship, professional networking and expert business support
• Opportunity for selected finalists to pitch for grant funding
• Access to the DBN Academy Community and DBN’s network of partner financial institutions
• Eligibility for learner incentives, including cash prizes, data bundles and other rewards
DBN states that 180 qualifying MSMEs will have grant-winning opportunities through the national pitch competition. Winners will share from a ₦100 million grant pool, with the highest-ranked businesses receiving grants of up to ₦3 million. Grant funding is competitive and is not guaranteed by participation in the programme.
Eligibility Criteria
The BizAid learning platform is open to aspiring entrepreneurs and MSMEs across all sectors. However, participants seeking selection for the Cohort 2 in-person workshops and business pitch competition must:
• Own a business registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission or a recognised state cooperative
• Have operated the business for at least two years
• Possess basic digital skills and have access to the internet
• Complete the required courses, quizzes and assessments
• Score at least 80% in each of the four mandatory courses
• Meet DBN’s verification and selection requirements
Only one business may be submitted by each participant, and participants may attend only one DBN ETP cohort in the same year.
Programme Structure
Stage 1: Virtual Training
Participants register on the DBN BizAid learning platform and complete a curriculum comprising 11 self-paced courses focused on the needs of MSMEs.
The four mandatory courses are:
• Accounting & Bookkeeping
• Marketing & Sales Techniques
• Sustainability for Small Businesses
• Credit Management & Access to Finance
Participants must obtain a score of at least 80% in each mandatory course to be considered for the next stage. Digital certificates are issued following the successful completion of individual modules.
Stage 2: In-Person Workshops
DBN will select up to 600 top-performing MSMEs nationwide for three-day regional workshops. Selection is based on course and assessment performance, completion of the mandatory courses and verification that the participant meets the programme’s business-registration and operating-history requirements.
The workshops include:
• Business-plan refinement
• Investor-readiness training
• Governance, finance and sustainability sessions
• Peer mentorship and networking
• Pitch-deck development and presentation coaching
Cohort 2 workshops are scheduled to take place in November 2026, with locations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Participants are responsible for their transportation to and from the workshop venues.
Stage 3: Business Pitch Competition
Outstanding workshop participants may be selected to present their businesses before a judging panel. Up to 180 finalists will compete for grants from the programme’s ₦100 million funding pool.
Finalists are assessed on factors including:
• Quality of the business plan and grant-utilisation plan
• Innovation and scalability
• Strength and clarity of the financial model
• Business impact and sustainability
• Quality of the pitch presentation
Participation in the online courses or workshops does not automatically guarantee selection for the pitch competition or receipt of a grant.
Application Details
Cohort 2 Eligibility Deadline: 01 October 2026
There is no general registration deadline for the DBN BizAid learning platform, which remains open throughout the year. However, participants seeking consideration for the November 2026 Cohort 2 in-person workshops must complete the mandatory courses and satisfy the applicable performance requirements by 01 October 2026.
How to Apply: Interested entrepreneurs should create an account through the official DBN BizAid learning platform, enrol in the available courses and complete the four mandatory courses before the Cohort 2 eligibility deadline.
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme addresses challenges commonly faced by Nigerian MSMEs, including limited business-management capacity, gaps in financial knowledge and difficulties preparing to access finance. Through free online learning, practical workshops, professional support and competitive grant opportunities, the programme aims to help participating businesses improve their operations, investment readiness and long-term sustainability.