Cascador Program 2025 for Mid-stage African Entrepreneurs ($5,000 stipend): (Deadline 1 June 2025)

Cascador Program empowers Mid-stage African entrepreneurs to scale their mission-driven companies, equipping them with proven business strategies, leadership skills, and exclusive access to the new $2M Catalytic Fund. Application are open now !

They focus on building strong leadership skills, clear value propositions, appropriate funding plans (equity, debt and/or grants), a strong network of local resources and a community of peers. The goal is that you leave the Cascador program as a strong, transformative leader with a strategic plan to scale, and the connections, resources, and capital required to execute your plan.

Benefits of Mid-stage African

The program consists of:

• In person and virtual experience;
• Individual mentorship following the program to ensure that fellows can apply what they learn in the real world;
• $5,000 USD stipend for personal development;
• A small number of alumni may eventually qualify for debt or equity funding from affiliated financing organization.
• $50,000 USD in prizes awarded for Impact, Best Pitch and Exemplary Cascador;
• Eligibility to apply for the $2M Catalytic Fund after program completion, with investments decided at the annual Pitch Day.

Eligibility for Mid-stage African

• Open to mid-stage African entrepreneurs.
• 2+ years in operations.
• ₦50M+ in annual revenue.
• Based in Nigeria.
• All business models are welcome. Impact-driven entrepreneurs are preferred.

Application

Program Dates

• In-person kick-off: September 7-10 at the Radisson Blu, VI in Lagos (lodging & meals provided)
• Virtual education (weekly 2-hour video calls): September 15-October 31
• In-person intensive: November 2-7 at Lagos Business School (lodging & meals provided)
• Catalytic Fund applications open for alumni: February 2026