Cascador, Nigeria’s flagship initiative for cultivating transformative entrepreneurs, has officially opened applications for its highly anticipated 2025 cohort.
Now in its seventh year, the entrepreneurial development program has continued to empower mid-stage Nigerian business leaders to scale their ventures.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the 2025 program promises to be Cascador’s most robust yet, featuring an expanded curriculum, a $2 million Catalytic Fund for alumni, and a $5,000 USD stipend for each participant.
The 2025 program is designed for entrepreneurs with at least two years of operation and annual revenues exceeding ₦50 million (or $50,000 USD), the program offers a unique blend of intensive education, personalized mentorship, and access to critical funding opportunities.
Dave DeLucia, Cascador Founder, stated: “We’re building a powerful force for positive change in Africa’s economic future. Our entrepreneurs aren’t just building companies—they’re creating solutions that address critical challenges across Nigeria.”
With a competitive selection process underway, early applications are encouraged. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2025. Interested entrepreneurs can submit their applications at www.cascador.org and explore testimonials from past participants on Cascador’s YouTube channel.
The 2025 program will provide participants with:
A comprehensive three-month development experience
A $5,000 USD professional development stipend
Access to a powerful network of alumni who have collectively raised over $55M USD
Expert mentorship from successful Nigerian and American entrepreneurs
Eligibility to apply for capital from the annual $2M Cascador Catalytic Fund
Opportunity to compete for $50,000 in program prizes
The 2025 Cascador program includes:
3-day kickoff intensive (September 7-11)
6 weeks of virtual learning, real-world application, and advisory support
Week-long residency at Lagos Business School (November 2-7)
6 months of post-program mentorship