Friday, August 14, 2026

FG Launches ₦5m Funding Programme for Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs

August 14, 2026 0 Abu Ramadan

The Federal Government has announced a new initiative offering up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding to selected young Nigerian entrepreneurs.

The NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme is a partnership between the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and Cascador.

Youth Development Minister Ayodele Olawande said the programme is designed to help young entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, become investment-ready and gain access to funding.

Under the pilot programme, selected early-stage founders will participate in a four-week intensive training covering business fundamentals, investment readiness, pitch preparation and one-on-one mentorship.

At the end of the programme, the best-performing participants will receive up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding from Cascador.

Beneficiaries will also receive an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution to help them organise, manage and scale their businesses.

The minister said the initiative aims to bridge the gap between entrepreneurship training and access to capital, particularly for young founders who lack the financial history or networks traditionally required to secure funding.

He said the government does not want the programme to end with training but wants to help young Nigerians move from learning to enterprise and from ideas to sustainable businesses.

How to Apply

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 website.

Applicants should monitor the platform from August 19 for the official eligibility requirements, application form and submission guidelines.

Important: The ₦5 million is not guaranteed for every applicant. Only top-performing founders selected through the programme will receive the funding.

Application portal: [Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA)](https://niya.gov.ng/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)