The Federal Government has launched a new initiative that will provide up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding to selected young Nigerian entrepreneurs, as part of efforts to help early-stage founders become investment-ready and gain access to capital.
Key Highlights
- FG’s ₦5m initiative for young entrepreneurs will support selected early-stage founders.
- Applications for the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme open on August 19, 2026.
- Selected entrepreneurs will undergo a four-week intensive training programme.
- Top-performing founders will receive up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding.
- Beneficiaries will also receive an Enterprise Resource Planning solution to support business growth.
- The ₦5 million funding is not guaranteed for every applicant.
The initiative, known as the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme, is a partnership between the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and Cascador.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the programme on Friday, saying it was designed to bridge the gap between entrepreneurship training and access to funding.
Under the pilot programme, selected early-stage entrepreneurs will participate in an intensive four-week programme covering business fundamentals, investment readiness, pitch preparation and one-on-one mentorship.
At the end of the programme, the top-performing founders will receive up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding from Cascador.
Beneficiaries will also receive an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution designed to help them structure, manage and scale their businesses.
FG’s ₦5m Initiative Targets Young Entrepreneurs
According to Olawande, the initiative is aimed at helping young entrepreneurs who may not yet have the financial history, business networks or investment connections traditionally required to secure funding.
He said the Federal Government wanted the programme to move beyond entrepreneurship training by creating a pathway from learning to investment and sustainable business development.
“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,” the minister said.
Olawande said the partnership followed engagements between the ministry and Cascador, including a meeting he hosted on April 29.
He described the programme as an example of how collaboration between government and private-sector organisations could translate into practical opportunities for Nigerian youths.
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How to Apply for the NiYA × Cascador Programme
Applications for the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme will open on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Interested young Nigerian entrepreneurs are expected to apply through the Nigerian Youth Academy platform.
Applicants should check the official platform when applications open for the eligibility criteria, application form and submission requirements.
Important: The ₦5 million is not a guaranteed payment to every applicant. The funding will be awarded to top-performing founders selected through the programme.
Application platform: Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA)
Application opens: August 19, 2026
Funding: Up to ₦5 million per selected top-performing founder
Funding type: Non-dilutive
Programme duration: Four weeks
