Youth skills development has been argued to correlate with increasing economic activities through the contribution of the youth towards innovative startups, creative enterprises, and productive employment. It is pivotal for a nation to have intentional plans for its youth and the development of their skills. This study explored financing mechanisms for youth skills development that can strengthen SMEs' impact in Nigeria. The study was theoretical and conceptually based on qualitative research using case study analysis of selected countries and their financing mechanism. A purposive sampling approach was used to select Malaysia, South Africa, India, and the European Union as case study nations that have executed effective and diverse financing instruments for youth development. It was found that public-private partnership initiatives are essential in funding youth skills development programmes, also the use of institutional sponsorships and community development funds as well as donations from international organisation can serve Nigeria well in financing youth skills development. These financing schemes are targeted at developing enterprise ability and employability skills in the youth. The study recommended that there should be financing initiatives that target developing youths in the area of innovation, industry and infrastructure to facilitate developing SMEs and set a pathway to addressing Sustainable Development Goal 9 in Nigeria.