Eligibility Criteria
- The FAST Program is open to alumni of Mastercard Foundation programmes who currently operate active businesses.
- Applicants must be founders navigating growth, restructuring, or stabilization phases and demonstrate a clear commitment to social and economic impact.
- Eligible applicants should show clear business viability, a defined market opportunity, measurable impact or growth potential, and strong leadership grounded in ethical entrepreneurship.
Benefits
- Successful applicants may benefit from up to USD $15,000 in funding support.
- In addition to financial assistance, participants receive tailored mentorship, structured business development training, strategic advisory support to enhance operational capacity, and access to the wider Mastercard Foundation alumni and partner network.
- This comprehensive support package is intended to help founders refine business strategies, unlock new market opportunities, and build resilient enterprises capable of long-term impact.
Eligible Business Types
- The programme supports ventures that create employment opportunities, contribute to community development, address local or regional economic challenges, and demonstrate innovation and sustainability.
- Businesses at early growth stages, post-pilot expansion phases, or undergoing market adaptation are particularly encouraged to apply.
Selection Criteria:
- Applications will be assessed based on the strength and clarity of the business model, growth potential, financial sustainability, measurable community impact, leadership capacity of the founder, and readiness to effectively leverage mentorship and training opportunities.
- Applicants must clearly articulate how FAST support will directly advance their business goals and long-term impact.
Application Closing Date:30th March, 2026.
For full details and to apply, visit the official webpage
