How to apply for FG’s ₦5m initiative for young entrepreneurs

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a new initiative, the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme, to support young entrepreneurs with up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding. This program is a collaboration between the Nigerian Youth Academy, under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and Cascador.

Announced by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, the initiative aims to make young founders investment-ready and improve their access to capital. The pilot program will involve an intensive four-week training covering essential business fundamentals, investment readiness strategies, and pitch preparation. Participants will also receive one-on-one mentorship.

At the conclusion of the program, the most successful founders will be awarded up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding from Cascador. Additionally, beneficiaries will receive an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution to assist in structuring, managing, and scaling their businesses. The minister highlighted the program's goal to bridge the gap between training and capital access, particularly for young entrepreneurs who may lack traditional financial history or networks.

Applications for the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme are set to open on August 19, 2026. Interested entrepreneurs are advised to monitor the Nigerian Youth Academy website for eligibility requirements, application forms, and submission guidelines. The funding is not guaranteed for all applicants; it will be awarded to top performers selected through the program.

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We do not want to stop at training. We want to build a stronger bridge from learning to enterprise, from ideas to investment readiness, and from potential to sustainable businesses.