The Federal Government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at helping young Nigerian entrepreneurs access funding, business training and mentorship.
The Punch reported that the programme, known as the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme, is being implemented through a partnership between the Nigerian Youth Academy under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Cascador.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the initiative on Friday, explaining that it was designed to prepare young business founders for investment while creating a pathway to funding.
Under the pilot scheme, selected early-stage entrepreneurs will participate in a four-week intensive programme focused on business fundamentals, investment readiness, pitch development and one-on-one mentorship.
At the conclusion of the programme, the best-performing participants will be eligible to receive up to ₦5m each in non-dilutive funding from Cascador.
Participants will also receive an Enterprise Resource Planning solution to assist them in organising, managing and expanding their businesses.
Olawande said the initiative was developed to address the gap between entrepreneurial training and access to capital, particularly for young founders who lack the financial records or professional networks often required to attract investment.
He said, “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.”
According to the minister, the partnership followed a series of engagements between the ministry and Cascador, including a meeting he hosted on April 29.
He described the programme as an example of how collaboration between the government and private sector could create practical opportunities for young Nigerians.
How to apply
Applications for the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme are scheduled to open on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Interested young Nigerian entrepreneurs are expected to apply through the Nigerian Youth Academy website.
Applicants are advised to monitor the platform from August 19 for the official eligibility criteria, application form and submission instructions.
The Federal Government clarified that the ₦5m funding is not guaranteed for every applicant.
Only top-performing founders selected through the programme will receive the funding.
Applications open August 19: Nigerian Youth Academy
