ReNiYA × Cascador Founders Programme 2026 – Apply For Up To ₦5 Million In Funding

The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has partnered with Cascador to help young Nigerian entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, become investment-ready and gain access to capital. The pilot cohort will support 20 early-stage founders through a four-week programme combining business training, mentorship and pitch preparation, with eight top-performing participants eligible for up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in a four-week business development and investment-readiness programme.
• Complete training focused on business fundamentals and growth.
• Take part in pitch preparation and business presentation activities.
• Participate in virtual learning sessions and one-on-one mentorship.
• Develop stronger business systems and improve investment readiness.
• Present the business at the programme's Pitch Day.
• Participate fully in the programme's learning and engagement activities.

Requirements:

• Must be a young Nigerian entrepreneur or early-stage founder.
• Applicants may include founders who do not yet have formal business registration or established financial records.
• Must be available to participate in the programme in Abuja.
• Must be committed to completing the four-week programme and its associated activities.
• Applicants should meet the eligibility requirements to be published by NiYA when applications open.

Benefits:

• Intensive training in business fundamentals.
• Investment-readiness preparation.
• Pitch preparation and presentation experience.
• One-on-one mentorship sessions.
• Virtual engagements with programme facilitators and partners.
• 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 for participants who successfully complete the programme.
• Priority consideration for future opportunities under relevant NiYA initiatives.