Mastercard Foundation FAST Program is open to aspiring entrepreneurs or those in the early stages of their entrepreneurship journey.
The Mastercard Foundation FAST Program will support and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs by providing up to $15,000 in support for each venture.
his post will guide you on the full details of the eligibility, benefits, timeline, and application process.
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About Mastercard Foundation FAST Program
TThe 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.
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Benefits of Mastercard Foundation FAST Program
The Mastercard Foundation FAST Program offers beneficiaries
- funding of up to $15,000 Grant Idea Phase: An average of USD $3000 (up to $5,000) to help develop and refine initial ideas.
- Build Phase: An average of USD $12,500 (up to $15,000) to transform the ideas into viable business models.
- business development training
- supportive network of like-minded entrepreneurs and men
Requirement for Mastercard Foundation FAST Program
Mastercard Foundation FAST Program is open to aspiring entrepreneurs or those in the early stages of their entrepreneurship journey. It offers a unique opportunity for Alumni from the following programs:
- Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)
- African Leadership Academy (ALA)
- Anzisha Prize
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Note: Applicants who are nearing graduation can receive a provisional acceptance letter and, upon completing their studies, join the next cohort.
The application and program are available in English, French, Portuguese, and Arabic.
- 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.
- If you are a current Mastercard Foundation Scholar and have not yet graduated, you are ineligible to apply. However, Mastercard Foundation Scholars in their final year are eligible
to apply.
You are ineligible for FAST if you have participated in other Mastercard Foundation programs,
including:
- Young Africa Works
- COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery Program (CRRP)
- Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship
- Mastercard Foundation Young Impact Associate (YIA)
- Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture (EYiA)
- Mastercard Foundation Associate
- Mastercard Youth Think Tank
Documents Required for Mastercard Foundation FAST Program
While applying for the Mastercard Foundation FAST Program, you will be required to submit the following documents.
- Complete Application Form
- Alumni from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will need to provide a student ID from the institution they attended. This ID will be used to verify your Scholars Program Alumni status.
- Business Proposal
How To Apply for Mastercard Foundation FAST Program
To apply for the Mastercard Foundation FAST Program, follow the instructions we have outlined below:
Application Deadline: March 20th, 2026
