- The FG has launched the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme for young Nigerian entrepreneurs aged 18–35
- Only 20 founders will be selected for the 4-week programme, with 8 top performers eligible for up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding
- Applications close on August 26, 2026, and applicants must have completed at least one course on the NiYA platform to qualify
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has opened applications for the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme, a four-week initiative designed to help young Nigerian entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses and become investment-ready.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with Cascador and Sapphital and will select 20 young founders for an intensive programme focused on business development, investment readiness, pitch preparation and mentorship.
Photo: Bloomberg
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Eight of the top-performing participants will be eligible to receive up to N5 million each in non-dilutive funding from Cascador, alongside an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution to support business management and growth.
What the NiYA × Cascador programme offers
The programme aims to strengthen the pathway for young entrepreneurs from business development to investment readiness and access to capital.
Participants will receive training and mentorship designed to help them improve their business fundamentals, prepare stronger pitches and develop strategies for sustainable growth.
The programme’s expected outcomes include:
- 20 young Nigerian founders completing the four-week business development programme
- Improved business fundamentals and investment readiness among participants
- Stronger and more effective business pitches
- Mentorship and practical guidance for participating founders
- Up to N5 million in non-dilutive funding for eight top-performing founders
- ERP solutions for funding recipients to support business structure and management
- Access to future entrepreneurship and business development opportunities through the NiYA ecosystem
Who can apply for the programme?
Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements before they can be considered for the programme.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have completed at least one course on the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) platform
- Have a business that is at least 51% owned by founder(s) aged between 18 and 35
- Have at least one founder aged 18 to 35 working full-time in the business and holding a leadership position
- Have a business registered and operating in Nigeria
- Have launched their product or service and provide evidence of customer adoption
- Operate in a sector that creates positive economic or social value
- Have operated the business for at least six months
- Present a clear and credible plan for using the funding to accelerate business growth
- Be available to participate fully in the four-week programme and final Pitch Day
Businesses operating in harmful or restricted sectors, including tobacco and gambling, are not eligible.
Documents required to apply
Applicants are required to prepare five documents before starting their applications.
These include:
- Business Registration Certificate (CAC)
- Clear passport photograph with a white background
- National Identification Number (NIN) slip
- Pitch deck
- Certificate of Completion for a NiYA Academy course
How to apply for the NiYA funding programme
1. Create a profile
Applicants should create a profile on the programme platform. The profile can be reused when applying for other funding opportunities.
2. Prepare your documents
Applicants should gather the five required documents and upload them through the Documents section.
3. Submit your application
Eligible founders should complete and submit their applications before the deadline of August 26, 2026.
Important terms and conditions
Selection into the 20-person pilot cohort does not guarantee funding.
Only the eight top-performing founders will be eligible to receive up to N5 million each in non-dilutive funding, subject to the programme’s assessment and funding terms.
Participants are expected to actively participate in the four-week programme, including training, mentorship, virtual engagements and the final Pitch Day.
Applicants must provide accurate and truthful information. False or misleading information may result in disqualification.
NiYA, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Cascador reserve the right to verify information provided by applicants and apply the programme’s eligibility and selection criteria.
Photo: Youth Ministry
Source: Getty Images
Key facts about the programme
- Programme: NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme
- Status: Open
- Number of founders: 20
- Potential funding: Up to N5 million per selected founder
- Number eligible for funding: 8
- Total programme funding: N40 million
- Funding type: Grant/non-dilutive funding
- Duration: Four weeks
- Programme contact: support@niya.gov.ng
Interested entrepreneurs should prepare their documents and submit their applications before the August 26 deadline.
Youths can access loans of up to N5 million
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has introduced YouthCred, a loan initiative designed to give Nigerian youths access to credit of up to N5 million.
The programme is aimed at helping young Nigerians finance personal and business goals while improving access to affordable consumer credit.
Youth Development Minister Ayodele Olawande said the initiative is open to all Nigerian youths, stressing that participation is not limited to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
Source: Legit.ng