Applications are now Open for the Mastercard Foundation Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST) Program 2026.
Read about the eligibility requirements and method of application below.
Also see: Fidelity Bank HerFidelity Apprenticeship Program 2026
Quick Summary of The Mastercard Foundation Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST) Program 2026
| Company | Mastercard Foundation |
| Category | Grants |
| Title | Mastercard Foundation Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST) Program 2026 |
| Eligible Countries: | African Countries |
| Benefits | $15,000 Grant | Access to Funding | Business Development Training | Mentorship |
| Application deadline | March 20, 2026 |
About the Mastercard Foundation Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST)
Apply to the FAST Program by completing the application form available starting February 20, 2026.
The third application period for the Mastercard Foundation Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST) initiative is now open. FAST helps and empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs by offering enterprise support, business development training, and a supportive network of like-minded entrepreneurs and mentors.
FAST is a collaboration between the Mastercard Foundation, CCHub Nigeria, MDF Global, Concrete, Scale Up, Savannah Innovations Lab, the Center for Enterprising Organizations, Inkomoko, and the Africa Leadership Academy (ALA).
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the FAST program, the (proposed or established) business must be:
• A for-profit business (Not-for-profit entities do not qualify for FAST)
• Majority owned by Alumni of at least one of these four programs: Mastercard Foundation
Scholars Program, African Leadership Academy (ALA), Anzisha Prize, Young African
Leaders Initiative (YALI)
• Located in one of the qualifying countries (Please check the Application Form for the full
list of countries).
During this period, FAST funding is not awarded to businesses that are owned or co-owned by
anyone who will be older than 35 years of age by the completion of the program (which may
extend into Q1 2027)
Note: Applicants who are about to graduate can receive a provisional acceptance notice and then join the following cohort once their studies are completed.
Submitted applications will be verified to ensure that the applicant fully satisfies the
eligibility criteria. Providing false information in your application may result in disqualification
from the application process.
What are the age requirements for the FAST program?
Applicants must be 35 years of age or younger by the completion of the program (which may
extend into Q1 2027). The proposed or established business cannot be owned or co-owned by
anyone who will be older than 35 by the end of the program period.
Do I need to be an Alumni at the time of applying, or can I apply if I’ll graduate soon?
To be eligible, you must have graduated by the time you apply. Final-year students are also
eligible to apply. The Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST) is offered once per
application cycle, with different cohorts commencing at various times; if you have not yet
graduated, we encourage you to apply in the next cycle.
Financial Support and Disbursement Amounts
Disbursement amounts are based on the needs of the entrepreneur and their enterprise and include considerations such as the stage at which the enterprise is at in its development. Specific funding amounts will be determined on a case-by-case basis, and not all participants will receive funding to support their enterprise.
Benefits of the Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST) Program 2026
Providing support in two key stages
- Idea icon, black line illustration of a lightbulb
- Idea Phase: An average of USD $3000 (up to $5,000) to help develop and refine initial ideas.
- Building and planning icon in black line illustration
- Build Phase: An average of USD $12,500 (up to $15,000) to transform the ideas into viable business models.
- Participants will gain access to funding, business development training, and a supportive network of like-minded entrepreneurs and mentors.
Selection Procedure
- The length of the FAST program varies across implementing partners, but typically lasts between 3 to 6 months.
- The length of the program may also depend on the “stage” of your business as determined by the implementing partner (e.g. “idea,” “build”).
- You are expected to attend the required activities throughout the duration of the program to successfully complete the FAST program.
How long is the FAST program?
The length of the FAST program varies across implementing partners, but typically lasts
between 3 to 6 months. The length of the program may also depend on the “stage” of your
business as determined by the implementing partner (e.g. “idea,” “build”). You are expected to
attend the required activities throughout the duration of the program to successfully
complete the FAST program.
Method of Application
Apply online through the Mastercard Foundation portal below:
If your Application Form is successful, you will be invited to participate in the next stage of
the application process with one of our implementing partners. The implementing partner
assigned to you will then have the opportunity to learn more about your business and the
types of entrepreneurial support you require from them. This can include an interview with
the implementing partner, delivering a business pitch, and sharing relevant business
documents such as financial statements (for established businesses).
The implementing partner will make a decision on your application, and notify you directly
whether you have been selected for FAST funding or if your application has been denied.
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