"The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has launched the NiYA x Cascador Founders Programme, offering up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding to young Nigerian entrepreneurs. Applications open August 19, 2026, at niya.gov.ng. Open to early-stage founders, including those without formal business registration."
FG Launches NiYA x Cascador Founders Programme — ₦5 Million Grant for Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs
Published: August 15, 2026 | Source: CampusAI News
📌 Overview
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development, through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), has announced the launch of the NiYA x Cascador Founders Programme, an intensive 4-week training and funding initiative designed to support early-stage young Nigerian entrepreneurs.
The program offers up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding (no equity required) to the top 8 performing founders, along with training, mentorship, and business support. Applications open on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
This initiative is part of NiYA's broader ambition to train and empower 7 million Nigerian youths within two years, helping young people transition from ideas to investable businesses and sustainable economic participation.
📊 Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|--------|-------------|
| Program Name | NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme |
| Announced By | Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD) & Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) |
| Partner | Cascador (Nigeria-focused platform for growth-stage founders) |
| Pilot Cohort Size | 20 early-stage Nigerian youth founders |
| Funding Amount | Up to ₦5 million (non-dilutive, no equity required) |
| Number of Awardees | Top 8 performing founders |
| Program Duration | Intensive 4-week training program |
| Additional Benefits | ERP solution, training, mentorship, pitch preparation |
| Application Opens | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 |
| Application Portal | niya.gov.ng |
| Eligibility | Open to young Nigerian entrepreneurs, including those without formal business registration or financial history |
| Broader Goal | Train and empower 7 million Nigerian youths within two years |
💰 What the Program Offers
| Benefit | Details |
|---------|---------|
| Non-Dilutive Funding | Up to ₦5 million (no equity required) |
| Training | Intensive 4-week program |
| Mentorship | Guidance from experienced founders and industry experts |
| Business Support | ERP solution and pitch preparation |
| Networking | Access to Cascador's network of growth-stage founders |
🎯 Who Should Apply
The program is open to:
- ✅ Young Nigerian entrepreneurs
- ✅ Early-stage founders
- ✅ Those without formal business registration
- ✅ Those without financial history
- ✅ Founders ready to scale their businesses
>
📌 Note: If you have an idea or an early-stage business, you are encouraged to apply regardless of your current stage.
📝 How to Apply
Step 1: Visit the Application Portal
Go to niya.gov.ng
Step 2: Review Eligibility Criteria
Check the requirements and ensure you qualify.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Complete the online application form before the deadline.
Step 4: Wait for Shortlisting
Successful applicants will be invited to the 4-week intensive training program.
Step 5: Pitch for Funding
At the end of the program, the top 8 performing founders will receive up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding.
🗣️ Official Statement
> "For NiYA, training is only one part of the journey. The real value is in helping young people move from learning to enterprise, from ideas to investable businesses, and from potential to sustainable economic participation." — Minister of Youth Development
> "This pilot will run for four weeks with selected founders, offering a combination of training, mentorship, and access to non-dilutive funding. We believe the 20 selected founders are an opportunity to prove that entrepreneurship is a viable path to national development." — NiYA Official
📌 Why This Matters
| Impact | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| For Entrepreneurs | Access to funding, training, and mentorship |
| For Nigeria | Job creation and economic growth |
| For Youth | Empowerment and sustainable economic participation |
| For Innovation | Support for early-stage ideas and businesses |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the NiYA x Cascador Founders Programme?
A: It is an intensive 4-week training and funding program for young Nigerian entrepreneurs, offering up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding to top-performing founders.
Q: When do applications open?
A: Applications open on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Q: Where do I apply?
A: Visit niya.gov.ng.
Q: Do I need to have a registered business?
A: No. The program is open to young entrepreneurs, including those without formal business registration or financial history.
Q: How much funding is available?
A: Up to ₦5 million for each of the top 8 performing founders.
Q: Is the funding repayable?
A: No. The funding is non-dilutive, meaning you don't give up equity and it does not need to be repaid.
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> 📌 Editor's Note: This article is based on official announcements from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Nigerian Youth Academy, and verified news sources as of August 2026. Applications open on August 19, 2026. Always verify critical information through official channels.