The Mastercard Foundation has opened applications for the third round of its FAST (Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition) programme, offering up to $15,000 alongside mentorship and business training to support young entrepreneurs. The initiative is designed to strengthen early-stage ventures by equipping founders with the financial backing, skills, and networks needed to grow sustainable businesses.
FAST is delivered fully online and connects participants to a wide support system made up of experienced mentors, trainers, and like-minded entrepreneurs. Through this structure, selected applicants gain access to enterprise development support that helps refine their ideas, improve operations, and position their ventures for long-term success. The programme typically runs between three to six months, depending on the stage of the business, such as idea or build phase, and participants are expected to fully engage in all required activities.
The programme is implemented through a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and organisations including CCHub Nigeria, MDF Global, Concree, Scale Up, Savannah Innovations Lab, the Center for Enterprising Organizations, Inkomoko, and the African Leadership Academy. This collaborative approach ensures that participants receive diverse expertise and tailored guidance suited to their entrepreneurial journey.
In addition to funding of up to $15,000, selected entrepreneurs will benefit from structured mentorship and hands-on business development training. These components are aimed at helping young founders navigate challenges, scale effectively, and build resilient enterprises.
Eligibility is open to aspiring entrepreneurs or individuals in the early stages of building their businesses, particularly alumni of programmes such as YALI, ALA, Anzisha Prize, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Applicants must be 35 years or younger by the end of the programme, while those nearing graduation may receive provisional acceptance.
Applications are currently open and will close on March 20, 2026. Interested applicants can apply via asu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dhuR0OKBq5ooCN0
