BSEP26 · Free programme
Three online sessions, three practical tasks and a pitch day in Jos, for entrepreneurs who are already running a business.
Closes Tue, 10 Nov 2026, 11:59 pm WAT.
What it is
A free programme from The Ben Orgenda Foundation for people already running a business: three Saturday sessions in November, a practical task after each, and a pitch day in Jos for the ten participants with the most points.
Not guaranteed: funding, grants or loans; registration or filing fees; travel or accommodation for the Expo; a place (about 100 is a target).
Eligibility
Every point must be true for your application to pass screening.
You are at least 18 years old on the day you apply.
You own or co-own a business that is trading now, from early-stage to growing SME. Ideas without trading activity are not eligible.
You can attend the online sessions on 14, 21 and 28 November and submit each task by its deadline.
You can attend the Business & Entrepreneurship Expo in Jos on 5 December 2026 at your own cost.
You apply once, for one business, through this official page. Duplicate applications are flagged and removed.
Your business operates in Nigeria. BOF will confirm whether businesses in other African countries can apply.
How it works
From Tue 20 Oct
Register with your email and a password, then confirm your email from the link we send. One account per email.
By Tue 10 Nov
Five short sections about you, your business and your plans. Your draft saves as you go and stays editable until 11:59 pm WAT on the closing day.
By Fri 13 Nov
Every application is screened, then scored by at least two reviewers against the published criteria. Selected applicants accept within 48 hours and upload verification documents.
Sat 14 Nov to Sat 5 Dec
Three Saturday sessions online, each followed by a task. The ten participants with the most points pitch at the Expo in Jos.
Selection criteria
At least two reviewers score every application from 0 to 10 on six criteria. The system weights the scores into one total out of 100. About 100 applicants are selected and about 20 are waitlisted.
Create an account, verify your email and start your application.
11:59 pm WAT
The form locks automatically at 11:59 pm WAT. Late applications cannot be accepted.
Every applicant hears by email. Selected applicants have 48 hours to accept.
Business clarity and structure, followed by the first task.
Formalisation, followed by the second task.
Showcase preparation, followed by the third task. Points lock after its deadline.
The ten participants with the most points are invited to pitch.
Pitch day for the top 10, and a showcase for participants.
From BSEP25
Salaudeem went through the first edition, BSEP25, and used the structure and mentorship he found there to build Lux Fits Limited, a fashion brand, from the ground up.
Salaudeem AbdulhafeezLux Fits Limited
Watch his story (opens YouTube in a new tab)Before you apply
