Question 1

Does BSEP26 cost anything?

Accepted Answer

No. BSEP26 is completely free. BOF does not collect any payment from applicants or participants, and never asks for payment, BVN, card or bank details. If anyone asks you to pay, do not pay, and tell us.

Question 2

Who can apply?

Accepted Answer

Anyone aged 18 or above who owns or co-owns a business that is already operating, and who can attend all three online sessions and the Expo in Jos. See the eligibility section for the full criteria.

Question 3

Does my business need to be registered with CAC?

Accepted Answer

No. You can apply whether your business is registered, unregistered or partway through registration. Formalisation is one of the things the programme works on.

Question 4

When is the deadline?

Accepted Answer

Tue, 10 Nov 2026, 11:59 pm WAT. The form locks automatically at that moment and late applications cannot be accepted. You can edit your draft until then.

Question 5

How are participants selected?

Accepted Answer

Each eligible application is scored by at least two reviewers against six published criteria, with action already taken weighted most heavily. About 100 applicants are selected and about 20 are waitlisted, in rank order.

Question 6

What happens if I am selected?

Accepted Answer

You accept your place within 48 hours, then upload a government ID image, proof of business address or operation, a passport photograph and, if registered, your CAC certificate. Once verified, your dashboard opens.

Question 7

Are the sessions online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All three sessions are online on Saturdays in November. Join links appear on your dashboard before each session. The Expo on 5 December is in person, in Jos.

Question 8

Who pays for travel to the Expo?

Accepted Answer

Participants attend the Expo at their own cost. Please only apply if you can be in Jos on 5 December 2026.

Question 9

Will I get feedback or my scores?

Accepted Answer

No. Applicants see their current status and the date of each decision, but not scores or reviewer comments. All decisions follow the published criteria and are final.

Question 10

What if there is a mistake in my decision?

Accepted Answer

There is no appeals process. If your decision email has a factual or system error, such as a wrong name or a submission lost to a platform fault, you can report it once, within 48 hours, using the link in that email.