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Call for Applications: Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) × Cascador Business Development Programme 2026 | Up to ₦5 Million Funding
The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, in partnership with Cascador, is supporting young Nigerian entrepreneurs to strengthen their businesses, improve investment readiness, and gain access to funding.
The pilot cohort will support 20 early-stage founders through a four-week programme combining business training, mentorship, and pitch preparation. At the end of the programme, eight top-performing participants may receive up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding.
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Responsibilities
- Participate in the four-week business development and investment-readiness programme.
- Complete training focused on business fundamentals, sustainability, and growth.
- Take part in pitch preparation and business presentation activities.
- Attend virtual learning sessions and one-on-one mentorship sessions.
- Strengthen business systems and improve investment readiness.
- Present the business at the programme’s Pitch Day.
- Fully participate in all programme learning and engagement activities.
Requirements
- Must be a young Nigerian entrepreneur or early-stage founder.
- Founders without formal business registration or established financial records may also apply.
- Must be available to participate in the programme in Abuja.
- Must be committed to completing the four-week programme and associated activities.
- Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria to be announced by NiYA when applications open.
Benefits
- Intensive training in business fundamentals.
- Investment-readiness preparation.
- Pitch preparation and presentation experience.
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Virtual learning and engagement with programme facilitators and partners.
- Access to an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution to support business management and growth.
- Opportunity for eight top-performing founders to receive up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding.
- NiYA alumni status upon successful completion of the programme.
- Priority consideration for future opportunities under relevant NiYA initiatives.
Application opens on 19 August 2026
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