The British Council, through its Youth Connect initiative, has opened applications for the 2026 Get Set For Business (GS4B) programme, offering young Nigerians free entrepreneurship, business development and employability training in Abuja.

The seven-week programme is implemented by Octoville Development Company Limited, with King’s Trust International serving as its technical partner. It aims to equip young people with practical knowledge and skills to establish or expand businesses while improving their employment prospects.

Participants will receive training in several areas of entrepreneurship and business management, including business model development and validation, financial management, budgeting, pricing, customer discovery and market research.

Other areas covered include marketing, sales, branding, business positioning, business storytelling and pitching, as well as workplace and employability skills.

Beyond classroom training, participants will benefit from mentorship and business development support throughout the programme. The initiative will conclude with a pitch event, giving participants the opportunity to present their business ideas to investors, potential partners and other industry stakeholders.

Training sessions will take place every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout the seven-week period. Successful applicants must be available to attend the scheduled sessions in Abuja.

Eligibility Requirements

The programme is open to applicants who meet the following conditions:

• Must be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Must have an interest in starting a business, expanding an existing enterprise or improving their employability.
• Must be willing to participate in the full seven-week programme.
• Must be available to attend the training sessions in Abuja.

Young women and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to submit applications.

Programme Benefits

Selected participants will receive free training, practical business development skills and mentorship. They will also gain an opportunity to showcase their business ideas during the final pitch event and establish connections with potential investors and industry stakeholders.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2026 Get Set For Business programme will close on 13 November 2026 at 12:00 PM.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible applicants are required to complete the online application form through the link below:

Apply for the 2026 Get Set For Business Programme

Source: Octoville.com