Apply Now: Mastercard Foundation FAST Program 2025 – Up to $15,000 in Venture Support for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs

 

Introduction

The Mastercard Foundation, in collaboration with main entrepreneurship and innovation companions throughout Africa, has formally launched the second application drive for the Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST) program. This initiative is designed to determine, help, and scale promising entrepreneurial ventures led by younger African changemakers.

FAST is extra than simply funding—it’s a platform to present monetary backing, enterprise growth coaching, and entry to a strong community of mentors and like-minded entrepreneurs. Whether you might be refining a brand new thought or scaling a younger enterprise, this program presents the instruments and help you want to transfer ahead.

About the Opportunity

Program Overview:

– The FAST program helps younger African entrepreneurs in transition from ideation to enterprise growth.
– Each chosen enterprise will obtain up to $15,000 in monetary help.
– The program is funded by the Mastercard Foundation and delivered in partnership with:
– CCHub Nigeria
– MDF Global
– Concree
– Scale Up
– Savannah Innovations Lab
– The Center for Enterprising Organizations
– Inkomoko
– African Leadership Academy (ALA)

Who is it for?
– Alumni from the next networks and applications:
– Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)
– African Leadership Academy (ALA)
– Anzisha Prize
– Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
– Aspiring entrepreneurs or early-stage founders trying to develop their ventures
– Entrepreneurs looking for enterprise coaching, funding, and mentorship help

Funding Phases
The FAST program helps ventures in two distinct phases:

Idea Phase: Up to $5,000 to assist members develop and refine their enterprise ideas.
Build Phase: Between $10,000 and $15,000 to flip refined concepts into sustainable and scalable companies.

Additional Program Benefits
– Business growth coaching
– Access to a community of skilled mentors
– Opportunities for peer-to-peer studying and collaboration
– Visibility via Mastercard Foundation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem

Important Dates

– Application opens: April 3, 2025

– Virtual data session: April 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM (EST) – Meet program companions and listen to firsthand from previous FAST members

– Deadline: April twenty seventh, 2025

– Register for the occasion:

Application hyperlink: 

For FAQs, go to – 

Conclusion

The Mastercard Foundation FAST program is a uncommon alternative for younger African innovators to entry capital, coaching, and a thriving entrepreneurial group. If you’re a passionate founder or an idea-stage entrepreneur with the drive to make a difference, this program might help deliver your imaginative and prescient to life. Don’t miss your probability to be part of this transformative journey.

 

For extra alternatives, go to – 

 

 

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