Cascador Entrepreneur Program 2025 for Mid-Stage African Entrepreneurs
Cascador empowers mid-stage African entrepreneurs to scale their mission-driven companies, equipping them with proven business strategies, leadership skills, and exclusive access to our new $2M Catalytic Fund.
Cascador alumni who complete our program become eligible to apply for funding from our $2M annual Catalytic Fund.
Launching in May 2025, this fund provides a tailored mix of debt, equity, guarantees, and collateral investments in partnership with Sterling Bank. Selected alumni will present at our exclusive Pitch Day event, where investment decisions are made.
Summary of the Cascador Entrepreneur Program 2025
- Type: Empowerment
- Eligible Country: Nigeria
- Location: In-person or Online
- Sponsor: Cascade
- Value: $2M
- Deadline: June 1, 2025
- Benefits: $5,000 stipend, One-on-one guidance after the main event, $50,000 in prize awards, Chance to apply for the $2M Catalytic Fund, etc
Requirements
You must meet all the points below:
- Run a business in Nigeria.
- Be in active work for more than 2 years.
- Earn at least #50 million yearly.
- Use any kind of business model.
- Focus on impact and growth.
Perks of participating in the Cascador Entrepreneur Program 2025
- The training covers both online and in-person meetings.
- You will receive one-on-one guidance after the main event.
- You will get a $5,000 stipend to support learning goals.
- Some past members may get more support later through loans or shares.
- There will be $50,000 in prize awards for those who do well.
- You will also get a chance to apply for the $2M Catalytic Fund after the programme ends.
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
Things to Know About the ProgramÂ
- Cohort limited to 10 entrepreneurs
- Accepting applications for Cascador 2025 until June 1st.
- Semi-finalists will submit financial documents and due diligence forms in June.
- Finalists will be interviewed.
- Accepted cohort members will be notified by August.
Deadline: 1st June, 2025