NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme 2026 — Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs Can Get Up to ₦5 Million in Non-Dilutive Funding
If you're a young Nigerian entrepreneur running an early-stage business and looking to become investment-ready, the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme is a new opportunity worth watching closely.
Young Nigerian entrepreneurs have an opportunity to access up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding through the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme, a new initiative designed to help early-stage founders become investment-ready and scale their businesses. The programme is a partnership between the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Cascador.
Unlike a straightforward grant application, this programme combines structured training, mentorship, and business tools with a funding component reserved for top performers — so getting in is really the first step, not a guarantee of the ₦5 million.
What Is the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme?
It is a partnership between the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), which operates under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and Cascador, an organization focused on helping early-stage founders become investment-ready.
The programme combines an intensive training curriculum with mentorship, business tools, and a funding opportunity for the strongest performers by the end of the programme.
What Does the Programme Offer?
This is not a straightforward cash grant — it's a structured four-week programme with a funding component attached. Selected entrepreneurs will participate in an intensive four-week programme covering:
- Business fundamentals
- Investment readiness
- Pitch preparation
- One-on-one mentorship
- Business growth and management support
At the end of the programme, the top-performing founders will receive up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding from Cascador.
Participants will also receive an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution to help them structure, manage and scale their businesses.
How Much Can You Get?
Current reported NiYA × Cascador funding figures:
Maximum non-dilutive funding: ₦5 million per founder
Funding type: Non-dilutive (no equity given up)
Who gets it: Top-performing founders only, selected at the end of the four-week programme
The ₦5 million funding is not guaranteed to every participant. It will be awarded to selected top-performing founders at the end of the programme — meaning simply being accepted into the programme does not guarantee funding.
Is This a Grant or a Loan?
The funding is described as non-dilutive, meaning founders don't give up equity in their business to receive it, and there's no indication it needs to be repaid like a loan. However, it's awarded only to top performers after the four-week programme, not to every accepted applicant.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is targeted at young Nigerian entrepreneurs and early-stage founders who want to strengthen their businesses, improve their investment readiness and gain access to funding opportunities.
Specific eligibility details (age range, business stage requirements, sector focus) were not published at the time of this article — these are expected to be clarified when the application portal opens.
What You Need Before Applying
Since the application portal hasn't opened yet, exact document requirements aren't confirmed, but based on similar programmes you should prepare:
1. Business Information — A clear description of your business, its stage, and what it does.
2. Personal Details — Standard identification and contact information.
3. Investment Readiness Story — Be ready to explain your growth plans and why funding/mentorship would help you scale.
4. Pitch Material — Since the programme includes pitch preparation, having a rough pitch concept ready in advance may help.
How to Apply for the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme
Step 1 — Visit the Nigerian Youth Academy Website
Once applications open, go to: 👉 https://niya.gov.ng/
Step 2 — Find the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme Listing
Look for the specific application page for this programme.
Step 3 — Review Eligibility Requirements
Check the eligibility requirements and application guidelines once published.
Step 4 — Complete the Application Form
Fill in accurate information about yourself and your business.
Step 5 — Provide Business and Entrepreneurial Information
Submit the required details about your venture, as requested on the form.
Step 6 — Submit Before the Deadline
Submit your completed application before the stated deadline once announced.
Where to Apply
Applications will be handled through the Nigerian Youth Academy's official platform:
When Does Application Open?
Applications will officially open on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Since the application portal is expected to open on this date, applicants should monitor the official platform for the application form, eligibility criteria and deadline, as full details were not yet published at the time of writing.
Important Notes
- The application portal was not yet live when this article was researched — bookmark the NiYA website and check back from August 19, 2026.
- Because this is a federal-government-linked partnership programme, be cautious of any unofficial pages or agents claiming to process applications early or guarantee your selection for the ₦5 million.
- Selection into the training programme does not guarantee the funding — that's reserved for top performers at the end.
Tips for a Strong Application
Be Ready to Talk About Growth, Not Just Survival — Since this programme is about becoming investment-ready, focus your application on scaling plans rather than just describing your current operations.
Prepare Your Pitch Early — Since pitch preparation is part of the curriculum, having a rough version ready shows you're already thinking the right way.
Show You're Coachable — With heavy mentorship built into the programme, demonstrate openness to guidance and structured business growth.
Track the Portal Opening Closely — With a fixed opening date and likely high demand, applying promptly once the portal opens may matter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming every accepted participant automatically receives ₦5 million — only top performers get funded.
- Waiting until well after August 19, 2026 to check the application portal.
- Applying through an unofficial or third-party link instead of niya.gov.ng.
- Treating this as a simple grant application rather than a training-plus-funding programme.
- Submitting a vague business description instead of a clear, growth-focused one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ₦5 million guaranteed to everyone accepted?
No. It will be awarded to selected top-performing founders at the end of the programme, not to every participant.
Is this funding a loan?
No, it's described as non-dilutive funding, meaning no equity is given up and there's no indication of a repayment obligation.
When does the application open?
Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Where do I apply?
What does the programme include besides funding?
Business fundamentals, investment readiness training, p
itch preparation, one-on-one mentorship, business growth support, and an ERP tool for all participants.
Official Links
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