DBN Launches ₦8.5 Million Funding Initiative for Anambra Small Businesses
The Development Bank of Nigeria has officially opened applications for its 2026 Entrepreneurship Training Programme, creating significant opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprise owners in Anambra State. The federal government-owned financial institution announced that eligible entrepreneurs can access comprehensive business support including free training and grant funding totaling ₦8.5 million through this initiative.
Programme Scope and State Partnership
This capacity-building intervention represents DBN's flagship effort to strengthen small businesses across Nigeria, with a specific focus on improving access to finance and supporting sustainable economic growth. The bank is implementing the programme in partnership with the Anambra State Small Business Agency, which serves as the official state partner for the 2026 rollout.
For the upcoming edition, DBN plans to train more than 100,000 entrepreneurs nationwide, with 3,000 dedicated spots specifically reserved for MSMEs operating within Anambra State. This allocation provides local businesses with substantial representation in the national programme.
Training Structure and Delivery Method
The programme will utilize the BizAid Learning Management System, an online platform that enables entrepreneurs to learn at their own pace while maintaining their business operations. Key components include:
- Free online courses covering essential business management topics
- Comprehensive financial literacy training
- Sustainability education for long-term business planning
- In-person business development workshops for top performers
To advance beyond the initial training phase, participants must complete four mandatory modules and achieve a minimum score of 80 percent. Only those meeting this benchmark will qualify for subsequent programme stages.
Funding Opportunities and Rewards Structure
Beyond the educational components, the programme offers substantial financial incentives for outstanding participants. The grant distribution process includes:
- Fifty top-performing entrepreneurs will be invited to an in-person workshop in Anambra State scheduled for June 2026
- From this group, fifteen finalists will emerge as grant winners
- These fifteen entrepreneurs will share the ₦8.5 million funding pool to support their business development
Additionally, all programme participants will have the opportunity to compete for a national cash prize pool worth ₦50 million, significantly expanding the potential financial benefits beyond the state-level grants.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
To qualify for the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Own and operate a micro, small or medium enterprise within Anambra State
- Complete all mandatory online training modules
- Provide valid Corporate Affairs Commission registration or business name documentation
- Demonstrate commitment to implementing learned business principles
Interested entrepreneurs can submit applications through the official DBN learning portal via the Anambra State Small Business Agency. The programme represents a strategic investment in the state's economic ecosystem, offering participants multiple benefits including:
- High-quality entrepreneurship training at no cost
- Enhanced business and financial management skills
- Professional mentorship opportunities
- Support in refining business plans and strategies
- Increased visibility and credibility with financial institutions
This initiative aligns with broader national efforts to formalize and strengthen Nigeria's MSME sector, which accounts for approximately 96 percent of registered businesses and contributes significantly to both GDP and employment. The DBN programme specifically targets Anambra's entrepreneurial community, providing resources that could transform business operations and stimulate local economic growth.
