CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: DBN Agriculture Innovation Hub Opens for Agribusinesses in North-East Nigeria

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) is inviting established agricultural businesses in North-East Nigeria to apply for its Agriculture Production and Enterprise Innovation Hub Programme 2026. Selected businesses will receive business development support, technical assistance, mentorship, market access opportunities and support to become investment-ready.

Agricultural entrepreneurs and business owners in North-East Nigeria looking to strengthen their operations and expand their market opportunities can apply for the Development Bank of Nigeria’s Agriculture Production and Enterprise Innovation Hub Programme.

The initiative is designed to support growth-oriented agribusinesses by helping them improve their business operations, develop innovative solutions and become more competitive within the agricultural value chain.

Through the programme, selected businesses will have access to tailored business development services, entrepreneurship training, technical support, mentorship and networking opportunities.

The initiative particularly targets existing agricultural enterprises with the potential to expand their operations, address challenges within the sector and contribute to economic development.

Unlike startup competitions that accept business ideas at the concept stage, this programme is intended for businesses that are already operating and can demonstrate their potential for growth.

About the DBN Agriculture Innovation Hub Programme

The Agriculture Production and Enterprise Innovation Hub is an initiative of the Development Bank of Nigeria aimed at strengthening agricultural enterprises and improving their ability to compete in the market.

The programme focuses on helping agribusinesses overcome challenges relating to business management, productivity, financing and market access.

By providing technical assistance and business development support, the initiative seeks to equip participating enterprises with the knowledge and resources needed to build sustainable operations.

Businesses will also have opportunities to connect with relevant industry stakeholders, explore market opportunities and showcase their ventures during a Demo Day.

What Selected Businesses Stand to Gain

Successful applicants will have access to several business development opportunities, including:

• Business development support: Tailored assistance to identify operational challenges and improve business performance.
• Technical assistance: Guidance to strengthen agricultural production and business processes.
• Mentorship: Support from experienced professionals to help businesses address challenges and pursue growth opportunities.
• Finance readiness: Assistance to improve financial management and prepare businesses to engage with potential financing opportunities.
• Market connections: Opportunities to connect with relevant industry stakeholders, buyers and other businesses.
• Demo Day opportunities: A platform to showcase their businesses, innovations and growth potential.
• Networking: Opportunities to build relationships that can support business expansion and collaboration.

The programme does not specify a guaranteed cash grant or funding amount for every participant. Its advertised support focuses on business development, acceleration, mentorship and market opportunities.

Priority Agricultural Sectors

The programme is open to businesses operating across several areas of agriculture and agribusiness, particularly:

1. Agro-processing, Storage, Packaging and Value Addition

Businesses involved in food processing, agricultural product packaging, preservation and storage are encouraged to apply. This includes enterprises developing solutions to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the value of agricultural products.

2. Livestock and Dairy

This category covers businesses involved in livestock production, dairy processing, animal health services, cold-chain logistics and other activities that strengthen livestock value chains.

3. Crop Production and Farm Inputs

Eligible businesses may include crop producers, agricultural input suppliers, seedling and nursery providers, and enterprises offering technologies or services that improve farm productivity.

4. Agricultural Transport, Warehousing and Logistics

Businesses providing agricultural transportation, storage, warehousing, distribution and logistics services can also apply.

The programme is particularly relevant to enterprises developing practical solutions that improve agricultural productivity, reduce food losses and connect farmers, processors and markets.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is designed for established agricultural businesses operating in North-East Nigeria.

Interested businesses are expected to meet the following requirements:

• Be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
• Operate within the agriculture or agribusiness sector in North-East Nigeria.
• Have been in operation for at least two years.
• Have at least two years of financial statements and maintain proper business records.
• Employ at least two full-time staff, excluding the founder.
• Demonstrate growth potential, market viability and business sustainability.
• Be willing to participate fully in the acceleration programme and post-programme mentorship.

Businesses should also be prepared to demonstrate how their products or services address actual challenges within the agricultural sector.

Important: This opportunity is geographically restricted to North-East Nigeria. The eligible states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe. Businesses operating elsewhere in the country should not assume they qualify.

Mandatory Training Before Application

An important requirement is the completion of five compulsory DBN BizAid courses.

Applicants are expected to register on the DBN Academy learning platform and complete the following courses:

1. Financial Decision and Management.
2. Credit Management and Access to Finance.
3. Sustainability for Small Businesses.
4. Marketing and Sales Techniques.
5. Accounting and Bookkeeping.

These courses are intended to strengthen entrepreneurs’ financial management, business sustainability, marketing and accounting capabilities.

Applicants should ensure that they complete the required training before proceeding with their programme application.

How to Apply for the DBN Agriculture Innovation Hub

Interested and eligible agribusiness owners can follow these steps:

Step 1: Register for the DBN BizAid courses

Visit the DBN Academy learning platform and create an account.

Step 2: Complete the five compulsory courses

Undertake the required training in financial management, access to finance, sustainability, marketing and sales, and accounting and bookkeeping.

Step 3: Prepare your business information

Ensure that your business registration details, financial records, employee information and other relevant documents are available.

Step 4: Complete the application form

Submit your application through the programme’s designated online application form, providing accurate information about your business and its growth potential.

Step 5: Await further communication

Eligible applicants should monitor their email and other contact channels for updates from the programme organizers.

Application Deadline

The published call does not currently specify an application closing date.

Interested businesses should consult the official application platform for the latest submission instructions and any updates to the application timeline.

The DBN Agriculture Production and Enterprise Innovation Hub offers an opportunity for established agribusinesses in North-East Nigeria to strengthen their operations, improve their business capacity and build connections that could support long-term growth.

For agricultural entrepreneurs looking to improve productivity, access new markets and develop more sustainable enterprises, this is an opportunity worth exploring.

APPLY HERE

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