Thousands of entrepreneurs in Anambra State are set to benefit from a major business development and funding opportunity following the formal engagement of the Anambra State Small Business Agency(ASBA) by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) for the implementation of the 2026 DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme(ETP).
The engagement confirms ASBA as a State strategic Partner for DBN’s flagship annual programme designed to strengthen the capacity, sustainability and bankability of micro,small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.
Introducing the programme to ASBA team led by the MD/CEO Clement Chukwuka recently during a virtual sensitisation meeting held at ASBA’s Boardroom, the DBN programme anchor Mr Fortune Tamunokuro Granville, said the 2026 edition was structured to expand reach while deepening grassroots impact.
“The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme is designed to build the capacity of MSMEs and make them more sustainable and bankable,” Tamunokuro said. “In 2026, our target is to train over 100,000 MSMEs nationwide by working closely with State Entrepreneurship Development Centres such as ASBA.”
He explained that ASBA is expected to mobilise a minimum of 3,000 MSMEs in Anambra State and host the in-person workshop scheduled for June 2026.
The programme is delivered through the BizAid Learning Management System(LMS), which provides entrepreneurs with free, high quality, self-paced online training in business management, financial literacy and sustainability.
“Participants will first go through the online courses, and only those who complete the four mandatory modules and score at least 80 per cent will be eligible for the physical workshop,” Tamunokuro said.
According to him, 50 top performing participants will be selected for the in-person training in Anambra, from which 15 entrepreneurs will emerge as grant winners after pitching their business ideas.
“At the in-person workshop, participants will work with consultants, refine their business plans and pitch for grants,” he added.
Tamunokuro disclosed that the programme offers N8.5 million in grants to be won by the 15 finalists in Anambra State, while all learners on the platform can also compete for a share of N50 million in cash prizes and data incentives as they progress through the courses.
The DBN-ETP is open to micro,small and medium business owners seeking growth and improved capacity. While registration and participation are open to all entrepreneurs, DBN noted that grant beneficiaries must present evidence of CAC registration or proof of commencement of business name registration before funds are disbursed.
Entrepreneurs interested in participating can register via:
https://learning.devbankng.com/asba
The DBN–ASBA collaboration underscores ongoing efforts to empower MSMEs in Anambra State with the skills, networks and financing opportunities required to scale their businesses and drive economic growth.