Apply Now: Mastercard Foundation FAST Program 2026 | Up to $15,000 Funding for Alumni Entrepreneurs
The Mastercard Foundation Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST) Program is now accepting applications.
This initiative provides funding, mentorship, and capacity-building support to help alumni entrepreneurs stabilize, scale, and grow their businesses during critical transition stages.
About the FAST Program
The FAST Program strengthens alumni-led ventures by combining financial support with structured business development assistance.
It targets entrepreneurs navigating key business transitions—whether scaling operations, restructuring, adapting to market shifts, or enhancing sustainability—offering the guidance and resources needed to accelerate growth responsibly.
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What Entrepreneurs Receive
Selected applicants may benefit from:
- Up to USD $15,000 in funding support
- Tailored mentorship
- Structured business development training
- Strategic guidance to strengthen operational capacity
- Access to the Mastercard Foundation network
This support helps entrepreneurs stabilize, scale, or refine their businesses during pivotal growth phases.
Who Can Apply
The FAST Program is open to:
- Alumni of Mastercard Foundation programs
- Founders with active businesses
- Entrepreneurs navigating growth, restructuring, or stabilization phases
- Business owners committed to social and economic impact
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Clear business viability
- Defined market opportunity
- Measurable impact or growth potential
- Strong leadership and ethical entrepreneurship
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Eligible Business Types
The program supports ventures that:
- Create employment opportunities
- Contribute to community development
- Address local or regional economic challenges
- Demonstrate innovation and sustainability
Businesses in early growth, post-pilot expansion, or market adaptation stages are strongly encouraged.
Program Goals
The FAST Program aims to:
- Strengthen resilience of alumni-led enterprises
- Improve sustainability and long-term growth
- Enhance managerial and strategic skills
- Enable job creation and community impact
- Support youth-led economic transformation
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Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Strength of business model
- Growth potential and financial clarity
- Impact on community and job creation
- Founder’s leadership capacity
- Readiness to leverage mentorship and training effectively
Applicants must articulate clearly how FAST support will advance their business.
Application Deadline: March 20, 2026
