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 now accepting applications directly on its official portal.
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, a Nigeria-focused platform for growth-stage founders.
Applications officially opened Wednesday, August 19, 2026 — announced as part of the Federal Government's 2026 International Youth Day activities, themed "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations."
What Is the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme?
It is a partnership between NiYA (under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development) and Cascador, aimed at strengthening the pathway for young Nigerians to move from skills development and business ideas to investment-ready enterprises, business growth, and sustainable economic participation.
Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative as a "practical bridge from the ideation stage to real capital-readiness." Cascador's COO, Oyin Solebo, framed it as government building investment readiness at scale, met by non-dilutive capital deployment.
What Does the Programme Offer?
Selected entrepreneurs will participate in an intensive programme combining:
- Business fundamentals training
- Investment readiness coaching
- Pitch preparation
- One-on-one mentorship
- An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution to help structure and manage the business
At the end, top-performing founders will receive up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding from Cascador.
How Much Can You Get?
Maximum non-dilutive funding: ₦5 million per founder
Funding type: Non-dilutive (no equity given up)
Who gets it: Top-performing founders selected at the end of the programme
Being accepted into the programme does not guarantee the ₦5 million — it's reserved for top performers after training.
Who Should Apply?
Young Nigerian entrepreneurs and early-stage founders looking to strengthen their businesses, improve investment readiness, and access funding.
How to Apply for the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme
Step 1 — Go Directly to the Registration Portal
👉 https://startup.niya.gov.ng/fmyd/grants/register
Step 2 — Register Your Account
Create your applicant profile on NiYA's SMECore platform.
Step 3 — Complete Your Application
Fill in your personal and business details as prompted.
Step 4 — Submit Business Information
Provide details about your venture, stage, and growth plans.
Step 5 — Submit and Await Selection
Applications are reviewed on a rolling/competitive basis following submission.
Where to Apply
Direct Registration Portal (Live Now):
👉 https://startup.niya.gov.ng/fmyd/grants/register
General NiYA Platform:
Important Notes
- Applications are open now — this is not a future date to watch for anymore.
- The registration portal is a web app; if it takes a moment to load, wait for it rather than assuming it's broken.
- Funding is not guaranteed to every accepted applicant — only top performers at the end of the programme receive the ₦5 million.
- Use only the official niya.gov.ng domain and its subdomains — be cautious of any unofficial link claiming to offer early or guaranteed access.
Frequently Asked Questions — NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme
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 non-dilutive funding — meaning no equity is given up and there's no indication of a repayment obligation.
When did applications open?
Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Is there a deadline?
No specific closing date has been published yet — apply as early as possible since seats/selection are typically competitive for programmes like this.
Where do I apply?
👉 https://startup.niya.gov.ng/fmyd/grants/register
Do I need an existing business to apply?
Based on the programme's focus on "early-stage founders," a business or venture already in motion appears to be the target — the portal itself will confirm exact stage requirements during registration.
What does the programme include besides funding?
Business fundamentals training, investment readiness coaching, pitch preparation, one-on-one mentorship, and a free ERP tool for all participants.
Is there a cost to apply?
No indication of any application fee — be cautious of anyone asking for payment to help you apply or "guarantee" selection.
Who is running this programme?
The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, in partnership with Cascador.
Can I apply if I'm not tech-focused?
The programme isn't advertised as sector-specific — it's framed around business investment-readiness generally, not limited to tech startups. Confirm sector eligibility on the portal if your business is niche.
Official Links
Direct Registration Portal:
https://startup.niya.gov.ng/fmyd/grants/register
NiYA Homepage:
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