DBN ETP 8.0 2026: Apply for Free Entrepreneurship Training & ₦100 Million Grant Opportunity – Cohort 2
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- Category: Grants
- Last Updated on Tuesday, 01 September 2026 15:38
- Published on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 10:56
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Latest Update: DBN ETP 8.0 Cohort 2 is scheduled for November 2026. The Cohort 2 eligibility cut-off for the in-person workshop is 1 October 2026, while online registration remains available throughout the year.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) is currently running the 2026 Entrepreneurship Training Programme (ETP) 8.0, a free business development programme designed to help Nigerian entrepreneurs and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) improve their business skills, financial management, digital knowledge and readiness for funding.
The programme combines free online entrepreneurship training through the DBN BizAid learning platform with regional in-person workshops and a national business pitch competition.
Important update for applicants
The second 2026 cohort, Cohort 2, is scheduled for November 2026.
Although the DBN BizAid online learning platform remains open throughout the year, entrepreneurs who want to be considered for the Cohort 2 in-person workshop must meet the relevant requirements by 1 October 2026.
This means 1 October 2026 is not a general application closing date. It is the Cohort 2 cut-off for eligibility for the in-person stage. DBN says the online learning platform operates from 1 January to 31 December each year.
DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme 2026 at a Glance
| Programme detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme (ETP) 8.0 |
| Organiser | Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Cost | Free |
| Online platform | DBN BizAid |
| Training format | Online training + in-person workshops |
| Current relevant cohort | Cohort 2 |
| Cohort 2 workshop | November 2026 |
| Cohort 2 eligibility cut-off | 1 October 2026 |
| General online registration deadline | No fixed deadline |
| Mandatory courses | 4 |
| Minimum score | 80% in each mandatory course |
| Top performers invited to workshops | Up to 600 MSMEs |
| Pitch finalists | 180 MSMEs |
| Grant pool | ₦100 million |
| Top grant positions | Up to ₦3 million |
DBN describes ETP as a capacity-building programme that combines self-paced online learning, regional workshops and a business pitch competition offering grant-winning opportunities to selected MSMEs.
What is the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme (ETP)?
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme (ETP) is the flagship business development initiative of the Development Bank of Nigeria.
The programme combines:
-
Free online entrepreneurship training
-
Business and financial management courses
-
Digital skills development
-
Physical workshops across selected states
-
Business mentoring and networking
-
Access to grant and funding opportunities
-
Business pitch competitions
The goal is to equip Nigerian entrepreneurs with practical skills that will help them manage their businesses effectively, improve access to finance and increase business sustainability.
Is the DBN ETP 8.0 Training Free?
Yes.
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme is 100% free for all eligible participants.
There are no registration fees, training fees or hidden charges. The programme is fully sponsored by the Development Bank of Nigeria through its DBN Academy and BizAid learning platform.
Is DBN ETP 8.0 a Grant Programme?
Not exactly.
This is an important point for applicants.
DBN ETP 8.0 is primarily a free entrepreneurship and MSME business training programme. However, successful participants can progress through the programme and compete for grants during the national business pitch competition.
DBN states that 180 finalists will pitch for grants and share a ₦100 million grant pool, with the top positions securing up to ₦3 million for business growth and development.
Therefore:
Registering for ETP 8.0 does not automatically give you a grant.
Participants must complete the required training, meet the selection criteria, qualify for the in-person workshop and subsequently be selected among the finalists who pitch for funding.
Can Participants Access Up to ₦100 Million Grant?
No.
The grant opportunity is one of the major benefits of the programme.
DBN has allocated a ₦100 million grant pool for 180 MSMEs through the national pitch competition.
The highest-performing positions can secure grants of up to ₦3 million to support business growth and development.
However, entrepreneurs should understand that this is a competitive funding opportunity, not an automatic grant.
How Pitch Finalists Are Selected
DBN says finalists are assessed using factors including:
- Quality of the business plan
- Grant utilisation plan
- Innovation
- Scalability
- Financial model
- Business impact
- Sustainability
- Pitch presentation
This means applicants should start preparing their business plans and financial information early.
DBN ETP 8.0 Cohort 2: What You Need to Know
The most important current update is the upcoming Cohort 2.
DBN ETP 8.0 has two 2026 cohorts for the in-person stage:
- Cohort 1: June 2026
- Cohort 2: November 2026
Since Cohort 1 has already taken place, Cohort 2 is the relevant upcoming intake for entrepreneurs preparing for the next physical workshop.
The online learning platform remains available throughout the year, but DBN has set 1 October 2026 as the Cohort 2 cut-off for eligibility for the in-person workshop.
Cohort 2 Workshop Locations
DBN has identified the following focal states for Cohort 2:
- South-East: Imo
- South-South: Akwa Ibom
- South-West: Lagos
- North-East: Gombe
- North-Central: FCT
- North-West: Kebbi
DBN notes that, except for Lagos and the FCT, workshop locations may change in subsequent editions. Participants are also responsible for their transportation to and from the training venues.
How Does DBN ETP 8.0 Work?
The programme has two major stages.
Stage 1: Online Entrepreneurship Training
The first stage takes place through the DBN BizAid learning platform.
Participants can study at their own pace and complete the required online courses, quizzes and assessments.
DBN currently provides 11 curated courses covering key MSME needs.
Four of these courses are mandatory for participants seeking progression to the in-person stage.
The Four Mandatory Courses
1. Accounting and Bookkeeping
This course helps entrepreneurs understand financial records and improve how they manage their business finances.
2. Marketing and Sales Techniques
Participants learn practical approaches to attracting customers, promoting products and services and improving sales.
3. Sustainability for Small Businesses
This course focuses on building businesses that can remain viable and sustainable over the long term.
4. Credit Management and Access to Finance
Entrepreneurs learn about credit management and how to improve their readiness for business financing.
Participants must achieve at least 80% in each of the four mandatory courses to qualify for consideration for the next stage. Successful completion also comes with digital certificates.
What Happens After the Online Training?
Completing the online courses does not automatically mean that every participant will attend the physical workshop.
DBN says the top 600 performing MSMEs will be invited to participate in the in-person workshops.
Selection is based on performance in the required courses, quizzes and final assessments, together with verification that the participant meets the programme's eligibility requirements.
The process can therefore be understood as:
Online training → 80% minimum requirement → Top 600 MSMEs → In-person workshop → Top 180 finalists → Business pitch → Grant competition
What Happens at the In-Person Workshop?
Selected participants attend a three-day practical business workshop.
The training includes:
- Business plan refinement
- Investor-readiness sessions
- Financial and business guidance
- Peer mentorship
- Networking
- Business growth strategies
- Pitch preparation
- Live business pitching
The aim is to help entrepreneurs become more prepared to attract funding, manage their businesses and scale their operations.
How Pitch Finalists Are Selected
DBN says finalists are assessed using factors including:
- Quality of the business plan
- Grant utilisation plan
- Innovation
- Scalability
- Financial model
- Business impact
- Sustainability
- Pitch presentation
This means applicants should start preparing their business plans and financial information early.
Other Benefits of DBN ETP 8.0
The programme offers benefits beyond the main grant competition.
Participants can gain:
- Free entrepreneurship training
- Digital business skills
- Business management knowledge
- Financial management skills
- Digital certificates
- Mentorship
- Networking opportunities
- Business planning experience
- Improved funding readiness
- Exposure to DBN's partner financial institutions
- Access to the DBN Academy Community
DBN also lists ₦50 million in cash prizes, data bundles and other incentives for top-performing learners during the virtual training phase.
Sustainability Grant Award
There is also a separate sustainability-related grant opportunity.
DBN says two participants, with one winner per cohort, can receive a ₦500,000 Sustainability Grant Award for developing sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.
This provides another potential reward for entrepreneurs whose businesses have a strong sustainability or environmental focus.
Who Can Apply for DBN ETP 8.0?
The online BizAid platform is open to aspiring entrepreneurs and MSMEs across all sectors.
However, additional conditions apply to participants who want to progress to the in-person workshop and pitching stages.
Applicants should:
- Have a registered business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) or a recognised State Cooperative.
- Have operated the business for at least two years.
- Have basic digital skills.
- Have access to the internet.
- Complete the required courses and assessments.
- Meet the programme's performance requirements.
DBN also states that participants can come from neighbouring states and do not necessarily have to live in one of the 12 focal states, provided they meet the requirements.
Can I Apply With More Than One Business?
No.
DBN operates on a one participant-to-one business basis.
If you own multiple businesses, you should not register multiple businesses under the same participant profile.
Can I Participate in Both Cohort 1 and Cohort 2?
No.
DBN states that a participant can attend only one cohort in a particular year.
If you are targeting Cohort 2, you should focus on completing the required training and meeting the relevant cut-off.
DBN ETP 8.0 Application Opening and Closing Date
This is where applicants need to be careful.
Application opening
The DBN BizAid learning platform operates throughout the year, from 1 January to 31 December.
Therefore, DBN does not give a single annual application opening and closing period for the online training. Applicants can enrol on the platform during the year.
Cohort 2 cut-off date
For entrepreneurs who want to be considered for the Cohort 2 in-person workshop, the relevant cut-off is: 1 October 2026
Cohort 2 workshop
November 2026
Therefore, the most accurate way to describe the deadline is:
Online registration: Year-round
Cohort 2 eligibility cut-off: 1 October 2026
Cohort 2 in-person workshop: November 2026
Do not confuse the 1 October cut-off with a general closing date for the DBN BizAid platform.
How to Apply for DBN ETP 8.0 2026
Interested entrepreneurs can apply online through the official DBN learning platform.
Step 1: Visit the DBN BizAid Platform
Go to the official DBN learning platform.
Step 2: Create an Account
Click Create Account and provide the required information.
Step 3: Enrol in the Courses
Once your account is created, access the available courses.
Step 4: Complete the Mandatory Courses
Complete the four mandatory courses and aim for a score of 80% or higher in each.
Step 5: Complete the Assessments
Your performance contributes to the selection process for the in-person workshop.
Step 6: Wait for Selection
DBN will identify high-performing participants who meet the eligibility requirements for the physical workshop.
Step 7: Attend the Workshop
If selected, participate in the three-day in-person training.
Step 8: Pitch Your Business
Selected finalists can pitch their businesses for the opportunity to compete for the available grants.
Official DBN ETP 8.0 Registration Link
Apply/Register through the official DBN BizAid Learning Platform:
https://learning.devbankng.com/
For programme information, applicants can also visit the official DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme page:
https://www.devbankng.com/training-programme
Applicants should use the official DBN platform and should not pay anyone who claims to offer guaranteed admission or grant funding.
What If I Am Not Selected for the In-Person Workshop?
Not being selected for the physical workshop does not mean the online training was wasted.
Participants can still benefit from:
- DBN training certificates
- Improved business and operational skills
- Access to the DBN Academy Community
- Business planning knowledge
- Digital learning experience
- Information about future capacity-building opportunities
- Networking opportunities
- Exposure to business development resources
DBN also states that participants can gain networking opportunities with partner financial institutions, mentors and other stakeholders.
Is DBN ETP 8.0 Worth Applying For?
For Nigerian entrepreneurs looking for free business training, MSME support, business development training and potential access to funding, the programme can be valuable.
It is particularly useful for business owners who want to improve:
- Financial management
- Bookkeeping
- Marketing
- Sales
- Business planning
- Access-to-finance readiness
- Investor readiness
- Business sustainability
However, applicants should understand that the grant is competitive.
The best approach is to participate primarily to strengthen your business while treating the grant competition as an additional opportunity.
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Conclusion
The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme ETP 8.0 is more than an online course.
It is a free business growth opportunity that gives Nigerian entrepreneurs access to expert training, mentorship, networking, business development resources and the chance to compete for grants worth up to ₦100 million.
If you own a business and want to scale, improve your financial management, access funding and expand your operations, this programme offers a practical path towards achieving those goals.