Government to Provide Up to 2 Million Taka to Young Entrepreneurs; Applications Open in 56 Districts

The government has launched an initiative to provide up to 2 million (20 lakh) Taka in funding to help young people become entrepreneurs. Under Bangladesh Bank’s ‘Uddyog’ (Initiative) program, applications are now being accepted from young entrepreneurs across 56 districts. Interested individuals may submit their applications until November 30, 2026.

The application process began on Sunday, November 1. Young entrepreneurs from all upazilas within the 56 designated districts are eligible to participate in this program.

Up to 2 Million Taka Through Loans and Grants

Under this program, an entrepreneur can receive a maximum of 2 million Taka in financial assistance—comprising a loan of up to 1 million Taka and a grant of up to 1 million Taka. The total amount (loan and grant) will be disbursed as a single, one-time payment.

The grant portion will be funded through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds of commercial banks.

How to Apply

Interested young entrepreneurs must complete the prescribed application form and submit it to any branch of a scheduled bank located in their respective upazila.

Application forms are available on the Bangladesh Bank website, the SME portal, and the websites of the respective scheduled banks.

Bangladesh Bank: https://www.bb.org.bd

SME Portal: https://www.bb.org.bd/smespd_portal

The application deadline is November 30, 2026.

Over 18,000 Applications Received in the Initial Phase

Previously, during the initial phase of the program, a total of 18,444 applications were received from 64 upazilas across eight districts.

These districts include Manikganj, Feni, Naogaon, Jhenaidah, Bhola, Habiganj, Rangpur, and Netrokona.

Among these, the highest number of applications—5,351—was received from Netrokona, followed by 2,745 applications from Rangpur. A total of 2,456 applications were submitted in Naogaon, 2,191 in Jhenaidah, 1,552 in Habiganj, 1,545 in Bhola, 1,343 in Manikganj, and 1,261 in Feni.

Applications from entrepreneurs in these districts were accepted between September 16 and October 15.

Bangladesh Bank stated that the primary objective of this program is to identify promising young entrepreneurs at the upazila level, recognize their business initiatives, and create new employment opportunities through the provision of financing.

The policy guidelines for the program were issued on September 13, 2026, via SMESP Circular No. 05. Bangladesh Bank has sought the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the program.