The Federal Government has launched the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme, offering selected young Nigerian entrepreneurs up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding.
The initiative 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 Facebook on Friday, describing it as an opportunity to help young founders become investment-ready and gain access to funding.
Under the pilot programme, selected early-stage entrepreneurs will undergo an intensive four-week programme focused on 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.
According to Olawande, the programme is aimed at addressing the gap between entrepreneurship training and access to capital, particularly for young founders who lack the financial history or networks often required to secure funding.
“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 the partnership followed engagements between the ministry and Cascador, including a meeting he hosted on April 29.
He described the initiative as an example of how government partnerships can translate into practical opportunities for young Nigerians.
How to apply for the NiYA Cascador Founders Programme
Applications for the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme will open on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Young Nigerian entrepreneurs interested in the programme should monitor the official Nigerian Youth Academy website when applications open for the eligibility requirements, application form and submission guidelines.
The ₦5 million funding is not guaranteed for every applicant. Only top-performing founders selected through the programme will receive funding.
