Are you a young Nigerian entrepreneur with an existing business or startup? There is a new funding opportunity you should not ignore.
The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD), has partnered with Cascador to launch the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme, an initiative designed to help young Nigerian founders become investment-ready and gain access to business funding.
Applications are currently open through the official NiYA startup grant portal.
👉 Official Application Portal: startup.niya.gov.ng/fmyd/grants
What Is the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme?
The NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme is a four-week accelerator and business development programme for young Nigerian entrepreneurs.
According to information released by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the pilot programme will select 20 early-stage Nigerian founders for intensive training, mentorship, investment-readiness preparation and pitch development.
At the end of the programme, the eight top-performing founders can receive up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding from Cascador. Successful founders will also receive an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution to help them manage and scale their businesses.
How Much Is the Grant?
Selected top-performing founders can receive:
Up to ₦5,000,000 each
The funding is described as non-dilutive, meaning successful recipients do not have to surrender equity in their businesses in exchange for the funding. However, applicants should understand that applying does not automatically guarantee ₦5 million. The funding is intended for the top-performing founders following the programme and pitch assessment.
Is the NiYA × Cascador Funding a Loan?
No.
The funding component is described as non-dilutive funding, rather than a conventional business loan. This means successful founders are not expected to repay the funding as a loan or give up ownership equity in their businesses.
However, applicants should carefully read the official programme terms and conditions before submitting their applications.
What Will Participants Gain?
Apart from the potential funding, the programme provides valuable business development support.
Participants are expected to receive training and support covering areas such as:
Business fundamentals
Investment readiness
Pitch preparation
Business growth strategy
One-on-one mentorship
Business management support
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools
Pitch Day and exposure to a panel of judges
The programme is therefore more than just a funding application. It is designed to help young founders improve their businesses and become more prepared for investment and growth.
Who Should Apply?
The opportunity is particularly relevant to young Nigerian entrepreneurs and early-stage founders who already have a business and want to improve their operations, strengthen their pitch and access potential growth capital.
Applicants should make sure that all information submitted is accurate and verifiable.
Important Documents and Information to Prepare
Before starting your application, it is advisable to have your business information and supporting documents ready.
Depending on the requirements shown on the official application portal, applicants may need information relating to:
CAC/business registration documents
Founder information
Business description
Products or services
Customer traction
Business growth plans
Financial or operational information
NiYA course/certificate information
A professional business pitch or video
Do not upload fake or altered documents. Information submitted during the application should be truthful and verifiable.
How to Apply for the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme
Applying is straightforward.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go directly to the NiYA application portal:
👉 APPLY HERE – Official NiYA Startup Grant Portal
Step 2: Review the Requirements
Read the instructions carefully before beginning the application.
Do not rush through the form. Make sure you understand what information is being requested.
Step 3: Prepare Your Business Information
Have your CAC/business registration information, business details, customer information and growth plans available.
Step 4: Complete Your Application
Fill in the application form accurately.
Use clear and professional language when explaining your business, the problem you solve, your customers and how additional funding could help your company grow.
Step 5: Prepare Your Video Professionally
If the application requires a business/founder video, take it seriously.
Use good lighting, clear audio and a clean background. Dress appropriately and introduce yourself and your business confidently.
Avoid making the video look casual or poorly prepared.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
According to the deadline information currently being circulated for this application, applications close on 24 August 2026.
That means applicants should not wait until the final day.
Important: ₦5 Million Is Not Guaranteed to Every Applicant
This is one of the most important things applicants need to understand.
The programme is expected to have a 20-founder pilot cohort, while the eight top-performing founders will receive up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding.
Therefore, simply submitting the application does not mean you have automatically won ₦5 million.
You need to demonstrate that your business has potential, understand your market and present a credible plan for how the support can help you grow.
Tips to Improve Your Application
If you want your application to stand out, pay attention to the following:
1. Explain the Problem Clearly
Don't simply say that you own a business.
Explain the specific problem your business solves and why that problem matters.
2. Show Evidence of Customers
If your business already has customers, explain your traction.
You can mention sales, customers served, partnerships, repeat customers or other measurable achievements where appropriate.
3. Explain Exactly What the Funding Will Do
Avoid saying:
"I need money to expand my business."
Instead, explain specifically how additional capital will be used—for example, equipment, inventory, technology, marketing, staff, distribution or expansion.
4. Be Professional
Your application, pitch and video should demonstrate that you understand your business.
Speak confidently and avoid exaggerated claims.
5. Be Honest
Do not fabricate revenue figures, customers, certificates, registration documents or other information.
False or unverifiable information can damage your application.
Closing Date: 24 August 2026
If you are eligible and interested in this opportunity, do not wait until the deadline.
The application window is short, and the programme is expected to attract many young Nigerian founders.
Apply Now
👉 Official NiYA × Cascador Application Portal:
START APPLICATION NOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a Federal Government grant?
The programme is a partnership involving the Federal Ministry of Youth Development/Nigerian Youth Academy and Cascador. The funding itself is provided by Cascador, while NiYA/FMYD supports the programme and its delivery.
How much can successful founders receive?
The top-performing founders can receive up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding.
How many founders will participate?
The pilot programme is designed for 20 early-stage Nigerian youth founders.
How many founders will receive the funding?
The eight top-performing founders can receive up to ₦5 million each.
Is the funding a loan?
No. It is described as non-dilutive funding, meaning recipients do not surrender equity in their businesses.
Do I need a CAC certificate?
Applicants should carefully follow the requirements displayed on the official portal. Business registration information may be requested, but prospective applicants should not assume that possessing a CAC certificate alone guarantees eligibility.
When is the deadline?
The currently circulated deadline is 24 August 2026. Applicants should verify the deadline on the official portal before submission.
Final Advice
This is an opportunity worth considering if you are a young Nigerian founder looking to take an existing business to the next level.
Don't submit a rushed application. Prepare your business information, explain your growth strategy clearly, make your video professional and ensure every piece of information you provide is accurate.
Most importantly, use the official portal and never pay anyone who claims they can guarantee you the grant.
👉 Official NiYA Application Portal – Apply Here
Disclaimer: Funding is competitive and not guaranteed simply because an application is submitted. Applicants should rely on the official NiYA/FMYD portal for the latest eligibility requirements, deadline and programme terms.