The Federal Government of Nigeria announced the launch of the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme, offering up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding alongside intensive training for selected early-stage entrepreneurs. According to Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande, applications for the pilot initiative will open on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, targeting young founders who lack traditional financial histories or business networks.
The new enterprise aims to bridge the gap between early-stage business training and actual access to venture capital. “We do not want to stop at training,” Olawande said, as reported by outlets covering the announcement. “We want to build a stronger bridge from learning to enterprise, from ideas to investment readiness, and from potential to sustainable businesses.” The framework follows direct engagements between the Ministry of Youth Development and Cascador, including a formal meeting hosted by the minister on April 29.
Program Structure and Training Curriculum
Selected participants will undergo a mandatory four-week intensive training program designed to prepare them for outside investment. According to program details reported by The Trumpet, the curriculum covers core business fundamentals, investment readiness strategies, pitch preparation, and one-on-one mentorship from industry experts.
Upon completing the four-week incubator phase, top-performing founders will receive up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding provided by Cascador. Mangrovepen.ng noted that the capital is not guaranteed for every applicant and will be distributed strictly to the highest-performing entrepreneurs evaluated during the pilot run. In addition to cash backing, accepted beneficiaries will receive an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software solution to help them structure, manage, and scale their operations.
Application Timeline and Eligibility Requirements
Applications for the inaugural cohort open officially on August 19, 2026. Interested founders must submit their details through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) digital platform, which operates under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
While broad eligibility criteria will be detailed directly on the NiYA portal when submissions open, the initiative specifically targets young Nigerian entrepreneurs operating early-stage ventures. Officials advise applicants to monitor the platform closely for specific documentation requirements and submission guidelines ahead of the August opening date.
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