Fifteen entrepreneurs have received grants totaling eight million two hundred and fifty thousand naira after pitching their business ideas at the end of an entrepreneurship training programme organized by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), in collaboration with the Anambra State Small Business Agency (ASBA) for fifty top performing participants.
The development bank, in partnership with ASBA, opened registration for the 2026 DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme around February, 2026, which offered free online entrepreneurship training, mentorship and opportunities to win cash prizes and grants.
Interested participants who enrolled on the “BizAid Learning Platform” completed four mandatory courses, and scored at least 80 per cent to qualify for a 3-day physical workshop held at the IDK learning center, Awka, where the fifteen winners emerged.
Speaking after he observed the pitching processes, the Acting Managing Director of the ASBA, Barrister Nonso Samson Emeka, who noted that the entire training packages gave participants essential skills that will help them succeed as entrepreneurs, said the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration is keen on bringing people out of the streets due to unemployment into gainful employment, adding that “ASBA is taking all supporting initiatives head-on”, working with development and global partners to empower people to start something meaningful and live right through access to funding.
He further explained that at every point in time and with every breath, the Anambra State Government is encouraging the youths to engage in meaningful ventures and take their minds off vices, saying that everyone who went through the entrepreneurship training programme has been greatly and positively impacted, even as he charged the winners of the grants to be steadfast, remain true to the goal, and build others.
DBN representative at the event, Precious Ayegbayo, who stated that entrepreneurs in Anambra are top-notch, explained that ‘unique value propositions’ stood the top winners out; as their businesses are not just for profit generation, but have impact on MSMEs, and the environment.
She charged the winners to ensure that the grants were put to use as intended, noting that the bank is committed to giving MSMEs skills, resources and knowledge needed to scale up their businesses and access finance.
To be part of the second phase of the entrepreneurship training programme coming up in October, as well as benefit from other packages, Ayegbayo urged interested persons to follow DBN on social media platforms and register.
In an interview, the group founder of Learna Educational Hub, based in Imo, Chinwe Nlemoha, 
who emerged the overall winner and went home with three million naira, said the grant will enable her develop platform to enable millions of children log on and learn effectively, as well as distribute more materials to children that mostly need them.
A breakdown of the figures shows that 5 people received N150, 000 each, 5 people N200, 000 each, 2 people N500,000 each, 1 person (3rd position) N1,000,000, one person (2nd position) N1,500, 000, and one person (overall winner) N3,000,000.00
