ABUJA — The Federal Government has announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding to selected young Nigerian entrepreneurs.
The new scheme, officially named the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme, is a collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development‘s Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) and Cascador, an entrepreneur support organization.
According to the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, the initiative is specifically designed to help young founders become investment-ready by bridging the gap between basic business training and practical access to capital. It targets emerging business owners who may lack the traditional financial history or personal networks usually required to secure major investments.
“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 stated while announcing the programme.
What the Programme Offers
The NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme is structured to transform early-stage startups into scalable enterprises:
- Intensive Training: 20 selected early-stage entrepreneurs will undergo a rigorous four-week programme. Delivered physically in Abuja alongside virtual engagements, the curriculum will cover business fundamentals, investment readiness, and pitch preparation.
- Non-Dilutive Grants: At the end of the four-week period, the top 8 performing founders will receive up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding (meaning they do not have to give up company equity in exchange for the capital).
- Business Management Tools: Top beneficiaries will also be equipped with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution to help them properly structure, manage, and scale their business operations.
- Ongoing Mentorship: As noted by Cascador’s Chief Operating Officer, Oyin Solebo, all 20 successful participants will benefit from one-on-one mentorship, retain NiYA alumni status, and receive priority consideration for future government opportunities.
How to Apply
For young entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses, applications for the pilot programme will officially open on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Interested candidates can review full eligibility requirements and application instructions directly through the government’s official portals https://niya.gov.ng/
Stay tuned to ABT NEWS for more breaking updates and opportunities for young Nigerians.
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