NiYA Partners with Cascador to Empower 17 Young Founders with ₦49 Million in Grants
The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD), has partnered with Cascador to empower young Nigerian entrepreneurs through the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme, implemented by Sapphital.
On Monday, 9 November 2026, 17 founders received grants totalling ₦49 million at the Final Pitch Day and Grant Award Ceremony held at the Afreximbank African Trade Centre, Abuja. The awards were presented by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande.
How the Founders Got Here
The programme attracted over 19,000 applications from young Nigerians across the country. Following a three-stage selection process, 20 promising founders were shortlisted for four weeks of intensive training, mentorship and practical business development at NiYA Headquarters in Abuja.
Participants received guidance from key institutions, including OVP, NITDA, SON, NDPC, NEXIM Bank, NASENI, CAC, NAFDAC and NRS, before presenting their businesses to a panel of judges at the Final Pitch.
Meet the Grant Recipients
₦5 Million Each:
SewPRO, Biuda, Sparklean Station, Backel Food Services, Shellify, Rèkool Access Technology, Agrosavvy Consult and Craft Planet.
₦1 Million Each:
Eeshas Cake and Foods, Zannytecture Recycling, ParaLearn, Drych Digital, Sol-Uniq Green Resources, Bidvans, UpSmart Energies, Agro-Chill Solutions and TrashGo.
Beyond Funding: SMECore Supports Founders’ Business Growth
Beyond the financial grants, all 17 founders received one year of complimentary access to SMECore, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform developed by Sapphital to help small and growing businesses manage their operations more efficiently.
Through SMECore, the founders can access essential business management tools, including finance and accounting, sales and customer relationship management (CRM), inventory management, human resources, business performance reporting and executive dashboards.
The platform will help founders maintain accurate financial records, manage daily operations, track business performance and make informed decisions as they grow their enterprises.
By combining financial support with practical digital business management tools, the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme aims to equip young entrepreneurs with both the capital and operational capabilities needed to build sustainable businesses.
The ceremony also gained national recognition, featuring on the front page of The Guardian on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
What’s Next?
All participating founders retain their NiYA alumni status, providing continued access to the Academy’s growing ecosystem of learning, networking and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Have a business idea or looking to grow an existing venture? Visit niya.gov.ng to start learning, develop your skills and stay informed about upcoming opportunities.
