Cascador launches $2M Catalytic Fund for mid-stage African entrepreneurs

Cascador, a transformative programme for founders scaling mission-driven companies, has opened applications for its 2025 cohort. African entrepreneurs currently running mid-stage businesses are invited to apply for a chance at $50,000 in prizes and follow-on access to its $2 million Catalytic Fund. As one of the leading high-growth entrepreneurial events across the nation, the Cascador programme 2025 supports business owners with funding, blended with business strategy and leadership development.

Chief among the goals of Cascador is to equip selected participants with high-level resources for building and expanding their enterprises. High-impact business owners also derive insights and tools required to drive sustainable growth across borders. Beyond its activities as an accelerator, Cascador participants enjoy a thriving community of bold innovators, backed by global faculty and mentorship guided by experts, personalised tactics for long-term expansion, long-term alumni assistance and exclusive access to funds.

Dave DeLucia, Cascador`s founder, says, the programme is“creating a strong movement to shape Africa’s economic future for the better.”

Since its birth in 2019, Cascador has helped six successful cohorts of mid-stage African entrepreneurs and their businesses grow by providing a special combination of mentoring, education, self-discovery, pitch training, and individualised advisory support.

One previous participant and 2024 pitch competition winner, Godwin Benson, Tuteria CEO, discussed the effects of his Cascador experience: “The Cascador program literally changed my life and the trajectory of my business. When I came in, I wasn’t satisfied or happy with our rate of growth. Cascador gave me clarity. The mentors we met, the instructors, the faculty, they really helped me see opportunities that I hadn’t considered before.”

Benefits

Participants will gain the following from Cascador programme 2025:

• A combination of online and face-to-face learning experiences
• $5,000 for your personal and professional development
• $50,000 awarded across several categories, such as exemplary Cascador, impact, and best Pitch
• One-on-one mentoring to make sure fellows can put what they’ve learnt into practice
• Participants can apply for the $2 million Catalytic Fund after graduating; selections are determined at the yearly Pitch Day
• Through its collaboration with Sterling Bank, an opportunity is been provided for business owners with financial options that are appropriate for their stage of expansion, including investment guarantees, debt, equity, and collateral support

Amanda Etuk, Program Director and alumna of Cascador, explains what makes it different. “Cascador isn’t just about helping businesses grow — it’s about helping the people behind them grow too. We support founders to become the kind of leaders who can build something that lasts and truly makes a difference.”

Eligibility

Mid-stage African entrepreneurs who are already operating expanding firms and are prepared to advance to long-term scale, need to:

• Be based in Nigeria
• Have been in business for more than two years
• Generate at least ₦50 million in annual revenue
• Have a mission-driven mindset, regardless of the business strategy

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Key dates to remember:

• Applications Open: 7–10 September (Radisson Blu, VI Lagos)
• Virtual Training: (weekly 2-hour call) 15 September–31 October
• In-person wrap-up: 2–7 November (Lagos Business School)
• Fund applications: Starts February 2026

How to apply

Cascador welcomes all business models — not just venture-backed ones — and encourages impact-driven entrepreneurs to apply. With over $55M raised by alumni, 3x average year-over-year revenue growth, and a 90% satisfaction rate, the program continues to attract Africa’s boldest mid-stage founders. Applications to Cascador programme 2025 cohort are to be submitted via the official Cascador portal and will close on Sunday, June 1st, 2025.

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