Federal Government’s NiYA x Cascador Founders Programme 2026: How to Apply for Up to ₦5 Million Non-Dilutive Funding

The grant portal is live. If you are a young Nigerian founder running an early-stage business, the NiYA x Cascador Founders Programme now offers a clear path to capital.

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development, through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), partnered with Cascador to select 20 early-stage founders. Eight top performers will each receive up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding plus an ERP solution. Applications opened on 19 August 2026 and close on 21 August 2026.

This guide covers everything you need: exact eligibility, required documents, step-by-step application process, and what happens after you submit.

ALSO READ: related post on other NiYA grants

What Is the NiYA x Cascador Founders Programme?

This is a four-week intensive pilot programme designed for early-stage Nigerian youth founders. It focuses on business fundamentals, investment readiness, pitch preparation, and one-on-one mentorship.

The programme runs in-person in Abuja with virtual sessions. At the end, participants pitch at a NiYA/FMYD Pitch Day. The eight strongest founders leave with capital and keep 100% equity.

Key numbers:

• 20 founders selected for the cohort
• 8 receive up to ₦5 million each (total pool ₦40 million)
• Non-dilutive funding — no equity given up
• ERP solution included for the funded founders
• All 20 retain NiYA alumni status and priority for future opportunities

Cascador provides the funding and investment-readiness support. NiYA and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development handle sourcing, training, and delivery.

ALSO READ: How previous NiYA Startup Pitch winners used their grants

Full Eligibility Criteria for the NiYA x Cascador Founders Programme

You must meet all of these conditions:

• Completed at least one course on the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) platform and hold the certificate
• At least 51% of the business owned by founder(s) aged 18–35
• At least one founder aged 18–35 works full-time in the business and holds a leadership role
• Business registered and operating in Nigeria
• Product or service already launched with clear evidence of customer adoption
• Operating for at least 6 months
• Sector creates positive economic or social value (tobacco, gambling and other restricted industries are not eligible)
• Clear and credible plan for how you will use the funding to accelerate growth
• Founder available to attend the full four-week programme and final pitch in Abuja

Note: Earlier announcements mentioned support for founders without formal registration. The live portal and detailed criteria now require CAC registration and evidence of traction.

Required Documents

Prepare these before you start the application:

• Business Registration Certificate (CAC)
• Clear passport photograph with white background
• National Identification Number (NIN) slip
• Pitch deck
• Certificate of Completion from at least one NiYA Academy course

Have digital copies ready. The portal accepts uploads directly.

ALSO APPLY: related post on how to create a strong pitch deck

How to Apply for the NiYA x Cascador Founders Programme (Step-by-Step)

1. Go to the official grant portal: startup.niya.gov.ng/fmyd/grants/
2. Create a profile or log in if you already have one on the NiYA system.
3. Locate the NiYA x Cascador Founders Programme (Reference GAPOOO0003 / NiYA Startup Pitch Fund).
4. Complete every section of the application form carefully.
5. Upload the five required documents listed above.
6. Review your answers and submit before the deadline.
7. Track your application status on the same portal.

The portal opened on 19 August 2026. Closing date is Friday, 21 August 2026. Do not wait until the last day — technical issues and high traffic are common on government grant portals.

What You Actually Get If Selected

All 20 selected founders receive:

• Four weeks of structured training on business fundamentals, investment readiness and pitch preparation
• One-on-one mentorship
• Virtual support sessions
• NiYA alumni status with priority access to future programmes

The top eight performers additionally receive:

• Up to ₦5 million non-dilutive grant each
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution to help structure, manage and scale operations

Non-dilutive means you do not give up any equity or ownership. The money is a grant, not a loan.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Complete a relevant NiYA Academy course now if you have not done so. The certificate is compulsory.
• Show real customer evidence — screenshots, sales records, testimonials or traction metrics work better than projections.
• Make your pitch deck clear and short. Focus on problem, solution, traction, team and exact use of the ₦5 million.
• Explain how the funding will move the business forward in the next 6–12 months.
• Confirm you can commit fully to the four weeks in Abuja.

Founders with early traction and a clean, complete application have the strongest chance.

ALSO APPLY: Other open Federal Government youth grants

Key Differences from Previous NiYA Startup Grants

Earlier NiYA Startup Pitch editions offered smaller grants (₦1 million range) to larger numbers of winners. This Cascador partnership raises the individual funding amount to ₦5 million, adds professional investment-readiness training, and includes an ERP tool. It is more selective (only 20 participants) and focuses on founders ready to pitch for capital.

Important Dates

• Applications opened: 19 August 2026
• Applications close: 21 August 2026
• Programme duration: Four intensive weeks (exact start date to be confirmed after selection)
• Pitch Day: At the end of the four weeks

Check the official portal regularly for any updates on selection timelines.

ALSO READ: related post on NiYA Academy free courses

Conclusion

The NiYA x Cascador Founders Programme gives young Nigerian founders a real chance at non-dilutive capital and professional support. Only 20 spots exist and eight will leave with up to ₦5 million each.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, complete your NiYA course certificate, prepare your documents and submit your application today at startup.niya.gov.ng/fmyd/grants/.

Deadline is 21 August 2026. Apply early.

ALSO READ: How to write a strong pitch deck for Nigerian grants