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Published on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 10:56

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DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme (ETP) 8.0 2026: Free Business Training and Opportunity to Access Up to ₦100 Million Grant

 

Nigerian entrepreneurs and small business owners now have another opportunity to improve their business skills, gain practical knowledge, and compete for funding through the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Entrepreneurship Training Programme (ETP) 8.0.

The programme is completely free and designed to help Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) become stronger, more profitable and investment-ready.

Participants who perform well can also compete for grant opportunities worth up to ₦100 million through the national business pitch competition.

This programme is one of the largest entrepreneurship development initiatives in Nigeria and has helped thousands of business owners gain the skills needed to grow their enterprises.

 

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.

 

Can Participants Access Up to ₦100 Million Grant?

Yes.

One of the biggest attractions of the programme is the opportunity to compete for grants worth up to ₦100 million.

Selected entrepreneurs who excel during the training and pitch competition can receive grant funding to support business expansion and growth.

In addition:

• ₦100 million grants are available through the national pitch competition.

• ₦50 million cash prizes and incentives are available for top-performing learners.

• Participants gain exposure to investors and funding opportunities.

• Businesses become more investment-ready and bankable.

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Benefits of the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme

Successful participants will enjoy:

 

Free Entrepreneurship Training

Learn important business skills at no cost.

 

Access to Business Grants

Outstanding participants can compete for grants worth up to ₦100 million.

 

Mentorship and Coaching

Receive guidance from business experts and experienced entrepreneurs.

 

Improved Access to Finance

Learn how to prepare business proposals, manage finances and attract funding.

 

Networking Opportunities

Connect with entrepreneurs, investors, consultants and business development experts.

 

Digital Certificates

Participants who complete courses successfully receive certificates that can strengthen their business profile.

 

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to:

• Nigerian entrepreneurs

• Owners of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

• Registered businesses with CAC

• Businesses that have operated for at least two years

• Entrepreneurs across all sectors

• Individuals with internet access and basic digital skills

The programme welcomes businesses in:

• Agriculture

• Fashion and Beauty

• Manufacturing

• Retail and Wholesale

• Information Technology

• Health Services

• Food Processing

• Education

• Creative Industry

• Logistics and Transportation

And many other sectors.

 

Mandatory Courses Participants Must Complete

To qualify for the next stage of the programme, applicants must complete four compulsory courses with at least 80% average score:

 

Accounting and Bookkeeping

Learn how to keep accurate financial records and manage business finances.

 

Marketing and Sales Techniques

Understand how to attract customers and increase sales.

 

Sustainability for Small Businesses

Learn strategies for long-term business growth.

 

Credit Management and Access to Finance

Discover how to access loans, grants and investment opportunities.

 

Programme Structure

The DBN ETP 8.0 consists of two main stages.

 

Stage One: Online Learning

Participants study through the DBN BizAid Learning Platform at their own pace.

They complete business courses, take quizzes and earn certificates.

 

Stage Two: In-Person Workshops

Top-performing participants are invited to physical workshops organised across different regions of Nigeria.

The workshop includes:

• Business plan development

• Investor readiness training

• Mentorship sessions

• Networking opportunities

• Business pitch competitions

Outstanding businesses can then compete for grant funding.

 

Why You Should Apply

Many Nigerian businesses struggle because of:

• Limited access to finance

• Poor financial management

• Lack of business planning

• Limited knowledge of digital marketing

• Difficulty attracting investors

The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme addresses these challenges by providing practical training and connecting entrepreneurs with funding opportunities.

If you want to grow your business, improve profitability and position yourself for grants and investments, this programme is worth considering.

 

High Paying Keywords Related to This Programme

This opportunity is particularly relevant if you are searching for:

• Business Grants in Nigeria

• Free Entrepreneurship Training Nigeria

• MSME Funding Nigeria

• Small Business Grants

• Startup Funding Nigeria

• Business Development Programme Nigeria

• Government Grants for Entrepreneurs

• Business Loans for SMEs

• Grant Opportunities for Nigerian Businesses

• Financial Support for Small Businesses

• Entrepreneurial Training Programmes

• Access to Business Finance Nigeria

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How to Apply for DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme ETP 8.0

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official DBN Learning Portal.

2. Create an account.

3. Complete the mandatory courses.

4. Score at least 80% average across assessments.

5. Wait for an invitation to apply for the physical workshop.

6. Attend the workshop if shortlisted.

7. Participate in the business pitch competition for grant opportunities.

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Registration Link

Official Registration Portal:

DBN Learning Platform Registration

You can also explore the programme through:

DBN BizAid Platform

 

Application Closing Date

The DBN BizAid Learning Platform remains open throughout the year.

However, entrepreneurs who wish to participate in:

• Cohort 1 should complete the required courses before 1 May.

• Cohort 2 should complete the required courses before 1 October.

Only applicants who meet the stipulated requirements within these timelines will be considered for the physical workshops and grant competition.

 

Final Thoughts

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.