Call For Application: Cascador 2025 Entrepreneurial Development Program ($5,000 USD) for professional development.

Applications are now open for Cascador 2025, Nigeria's premier entrepreneurial development program. This year marks the seventh edition and it promises to be the most ambitious yet, with enhanced curriculum, greater funding opportunities, and expanded support to help you scale your business and create meaningful social impact.

 

Cascador is designed for mid-stage Nigerian entrepreneurs committed to growth and social change. The program offers:

$5,000 USD professional development stipend

Expert mentorship from top Nigerian and American entrepreneurs

Access to a powerful network of alumni who have raised over $55M USD

Eligibility to apply for $2M Cascador Catalytic Fund

The 2025 program includes a 3-day intensive in September, virtual learning, a week-long residency at Lagos Business School, and 6 months of post-program mentorship. What do you need to apply?

2+ years in operation

Annual revenue exceeding ₦50M

A passion for measurable social impact

Cascador is for You

If you are ready to challenge your assumptions, pressure test your business model, and expand your thinking…

If you want to connect to a vibrant community of advisors, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs…

If you seek not just guidance but also funding to scale your impact…

If you are passionate about your mission, committed to your team, and inspired by the impact your business can make on the world…

Apply to join our 2025 cohort and begin your Cascador journey: Application Portal

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.

Our fellows are dedicated to accelerating business growth, improving their leadership skills, and refining their value proposition with the guidance of successful American and Nigerian entrepreneurs. Through our educational program and access to our $2M Catalytic Fund, we provide both knowledge and capital—the two critical resources entrepreneurs need to scale successfully.

Cascador launched in 2019, has elevated six successful cohorts of African entrepreneurs and their companies through a unique blend of education, self-discovery, mentoring, pitch training, and personalized advisory support.

ANNUAL $2M CATALYTIC FUND

Beginning in May 2025, Cascador will allocate $2 million USD annually to empower our alumni with the capital they need to scale their impact.

Through a partnership with Sterling Bank, we offer a tailored mix of debt, equity, guarantees, and collateral investments designed to meet the unique needs of each business. The fund culminates in our annual Pitch Day, where selected alumni present their businesses to our Investment Committee and a curated audience of investors and lenders.

Empowering Entrepreneurs.

Transforming Industries. Changing Lives.

Since 2019, Cascador has been developing transformational Nigerian entrepreneurs who are solving real-world challenges, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. Our alumni are scaling businesses, securing funding, and leading change in key sectors across Nigeria.

The Cascador Effect: By the Numbers

$55M Capital Raised

3 X avg YOY growth

$2M+ USD in annual funding available through the Cascador Catalytic Fund

THousands of jobs created across Nigeria

Alumni also accepted to Y Combinator, Techstars and other Accelerator Programs

Real Stories, Real Impact

Education & Workforce Development

2024 Pitch Competition Winner: Tuteria “Cascador helped us refine our business model, align our team, and identify clear growth opportunities. We now have a roadmap to double our revenue in the short term.”

Tuteria ensures personalized education access through a curated tutor-student matching platform. – Godwin Benson, CEO (2024 Cohort)

2024 Impact Award: Accounting Hub “Cascador transformed the way I tell my story, pushing me to refine my pitch and better communicate our impact.”

Accounting Hub teaches people how to use basic technology in any workplace, with a focus on practical office/administrative skill – Chioma Ifeanyi-Eze, Founder (2024 Cohort)

Utiva equips young professionals with in-demand digital skills so they can work in the tech industry. – Eyitayo Ogunmola, Founder (2024 Cohort)

IMPACT: Thousands of students, professionals, and job seekers have gained essential skills for the future.

Financial Inclusion & Rural Development

Xchange Box

XchangeBox is connecting rural traders & farmers to banking solutions, improving financial access for underserved communities. – Abiola Jimoh, Founder (2024 Cohort)

Lenco provides digital banking solutions tailored for SMEs, enhancing financial inclusion and operational efficiency. – Andrew Airelobhegbe, Co-Founder (2023 Cohort)

Sycamore offers peer-to-peer lending services, facilitating access to credit for individuals and businesses. – Babatunde Akin-Moses, CEO & Co-Founder (2021 Cohort)

IMPACT: Unlocking financial opportunities for underbanked Nigerian communities.

Agricultural Innovation

Soilless Farm Lab is pioneering soilless farming techniques such as hydroponics and aeroponics to revolutionize sustainable food production. – Samson Ogbole, Founder (2023 Cohort)

Afrimash is enhancing agricultural supply chains by providing farmers with access to quality inputs and services through an online platform. – Ayoade Oyedotun, CEO (2020 Cohort)

Crop2Cash is offering financial services to farmers, enabling better access to credit and markets. – Michael Ogundare, Co-Founder & CEO (2020 Cohort)

IMPACT: Addressing food insecurity and promoting modern, climate-resilient agriculture in Nigeria.

Healthcare & Essential Services

ExC Pharmacy is expanding community-driven pharmacy services for better healthcare access. – Christine Omowunmi Emmanuel-Ogah, Founder (2024 Cohort)

Premium Power

Premium Power Solutions is solving Nigeria’s energy crisis with innovative power solutions. – Ejiro Udu, Founder (2024 Cohort)

Advantage Health Africa is improving access to essential medications through an innovative pharmaceutical distribution network. – Abimbola Adebakin, CEO (2019 Cohort)

IMPACT: Thousands of students, professionals, and job seekers have gained essential skills for the future.

Driving Logistics & Mobility Innovation

2024 Exemplary Leadership Award: Drive45 Mobility “Cascador helped me define my core customer, allowing me to refocus on real opportunities and accelerate business growth.” 

Drive45 Mobility is democratizing vehicle access through a subscription-based model. – Oluwaseyi Adefemi, CEO (2024 Cohort)

Fez Delivery is optimizing last-mile delivery services for businesses and individuals. – Olawaseun Alley, Founder (2024 Cohort)

Treepz is revolutionizing corporate transportation across Africa by providing reliable, sustainable shared mobility solutions that reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. – Johnny Enagwolor, Founder (2019 Cohort)

IMPACT: Transforming transportation and delivery networks across Nigeria.

The Cascador Difference

Long-Term Support Beyond the Program

“What impressed me most about this cohort was their ability to build businesses that solve big problems that impact real people. No valuation games. No building for Silicon Valley—just true impact.”

— Iyin Aboyeji, Faculty Advisor & Founder, Future Africa

Cascador is more than an accelerator—it’s a community of innovators and change-makers backed by:

World-class mentorship & faculty

Strategic growth advisory

Ongoing alumni support & funding opportunities

With the Cascador Catalytic Fund ($2M+ annually) and our exclusive Pitch Day, we continue to invest in the future of African entrepreneurship.