Mastercard Foundation FAST Program 2026 (Up to $15,000 Funding for Young Entrepreneurs)

The Mastercard Foundation Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST) Program is a global entrepreneurship support initiative designed to empower young innovators and startup founders. The program provides funding, mentorship, and business development support to help entrepreneurs transform their ideas into successful businesses. FAST focuses on supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and alumni from leadership programs who want to create impactful businesses and generate employment opportunities.

Program Overview

• Program Name: Mastercard Foundation Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST)
• Organizer: Mastercard Foundation
• Program Type: Startup funding and entrepreneurship support
• Funding Amount: Up to $15,000
• Target Participants: Early-stage entrepreneurs and innovators

The program connects participants with training, mentors, and a global network of entrepreneurs to help them build sustainable businesses.

Funding Support

The FAST program provides funding in two stages depending on the development level of the business.

Idea Phase

• Average funding: $3,000
• Maximum funding: Up to $5,000
• Purpose: Develop and refine startup ideas

Build Phase

• Average funding: $12,500
• Maximum funding: Up to $15,000
• Purpose: Transform ideas into viable business models and scale operations

Not every participant receives funding, as support is determined based on the startup’s stage and potential impact.

Program Benefits

Participants in the FAST program receive more than just financial support.

• Startup funding of up to $15,000
• Business development training
• Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs
• Access to global networks and partnerships
• Workshops and advisory services
• Opportunities to scale business ventures

The program aims to help young entrepreneurs build sustainable enterprises and contribute to economic development.

Who Can Apply

The program is designed specifically for alumni of major leadership and entrepreneurship programs.

Eligible applicants include alumni from:

• Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)
• African Leadership Academy (ALA)
• Anzisha Prize
• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Applicants should be aspiring entrepreneurs or founders of early-stage businesses.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet several requirements to participate.

• Must be an alumnus of one of the eligible leadership programs
• Must own or co-own a startup or business idea
• The business must be a for-profit venture
• Applicant must be 34 years old or younger
• The startup must be located in an eligible country
• Must provide proof of alumni status Women entrepreneurs, refugees, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply as part of the program’s commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship.

Program Partners

The FAST program is delivered through partnerships with leading entrepreneurship and innovation organizations.

Key partners include:

• CCHub Nigeria
• MDF Global
• Concree
• Scale Up
• Savannah Innovations Lab
• Inkomoko
• Africa Leadership Academy

These partners provide training, mentorship, and ecosystem support to program participants.

Program Focus

The initiative is part of the Mastercard Foundation’s broader mission to help young people transition from education to employment and entrepreneurship by supporting innovative startups and job creation. The program particularly supports businesses that have the potential to generate economic opportunities and social impact.

Why This Program Matters

The FAST program provides young entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to build impactful startups. By combining funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the program helps participants transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.

For young innovators and startup founders, this initiative offers a powerful platform to develop entrepreneurial skills and scale businesses that can create jobs and contribute to economic growth.