Deadline: 27th April 2025
The Mastercard Foundation Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST) program is designed to support the entrepreneurial efforts of young people who have graduated from one of the following programs:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program- African Leadership Academy (ALA)
- Anzisha Prize
- Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)
The FAST program helps young entrepreneurs establish or grow their business by providing access to funding and structured support, including mentorship by experts, business advisory and workshops, and networking opportunities.
Benefits
Participants will gain access to funding, business development training, and a supportive network of like-minded entrepreneurs and mentors.
The Mastercard Foundation FAST program will provide support in two key stages to assist entrepreneurs at different points in their journey:
- Idea Phase:Â Up to $5,000 to help develop and refine initial ideas.
- Build Phase:Â $10,000 to $15,000 to transform the ideas into viable business models.
Eligibility
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)
- Applicants must be 34 years of age or younger.
- 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).
For more information and application.