Cascador is a transformative program for mid-stage entrepreneurs in Africa who are scaling mission-driven companies.
Launched in 2019, Cascador has elevated five successful cohorts of African entrepreneurs and their companies through a unique blend of education, self-discovery, mentoring, pitch training, and personalized advisory support.
The Cascador program is an intensive, in-depth examination of your leadership skills, business model, and value proposition by veteran faculty. The program includes six months of mentorship post-program to ensure our fellows can apply what they learn in the real world.
Cascador is offering a professional development stipend of $5,000 USD to each participating entrepreneur accepted into the 2024 cohort.
- Cascador Alumni have been accepted to YC, Techstars and Harambe
- Our alumni have raised over $55M USD in capital in the past 4 years
- Alumni have powered 3x average year-over-year revenue growth
- 90% of alumni gave Cascador the highest possible satisfaction rating
- The financing affiliate of Cascador has provided a total of over $1.5M USD of debt and equity financing to a small number of qualified alumni
- All business models welcome – not just venture-backable models
- Impact entrepreneurs encouraged to apply
Program Details
2024 Dates:
- In person kick-off: September 9-11 at the Radisson Blu, VI in Lagos
- Virtual education (weekly 2 hour video calls): September 15-October 31
- In person intensive: November 4-8 at the Lagos Business School.
Housing and meals are provided
Cohort Size: Limited to 10 entrepreneurs
Applicant targets: 2 years in operation and ₦50M per year in revenue.
Semi-finalists will be asked to submit financial documents and due diligence form on July 7.
What can you expect in the Application Process?
Our application process is unique.
We are not only focused on the strength of your business model and your fundamentals, we are also interested in getting to know you as a person and assessing your leadership potential and willingness to receive input.
Step 1 is to complete the application form below that shares basic information about yourself, your company, and your growth stage. Semi-finalists will be asked to submit financial information and self-descriptive video. All finalists will be interviewed.
Personal development is the foundation of professional growth. Our application process includes self-discovery and an exploration of your personality and strengths. We also collect and analyze your business history, value proposition, financials and future plan prior to the program. During a one-on-one video call, our faculty will work with you to identify what support and resources you need to take your company to the next level.
This process not only helps us select the right cohort of entrepreneurs, but also prepares you to make the most of your Cascador experience!
Our 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.
MEET OUR ALUMNI
What can you Expect during the Program?
PRE-PROGRAM
Several weeks prior to Cascador’s Welcome Weekend, we will orient you to the program and review your submitted documentation. During this time we engage in self-discovery, including an exploration of your personality type, strengths and weaknesses, and coaching on how to work best with people of other styles. We practice these interpersonal skills during Cascador with the faculty and your peers. Lastly, you will have a kick-off meeting with your personal mentor to map out how to get the most out of the program.
WELCOME WEEKEND
Our Welcome Weekend (September 9-11) is designed to orient you to the program, and also establish trust, openness and community that will carry throughout the Cascador experience. Programming for our 3 day kickoff will help you increase self-awareness, improve leadership skills and learn how to leverage that knowledge to build a high-performing team. We will also provide in-depth 1:1 advisory support to sharpen your value proposition and reveal the weaknesses and strengths of your business model.
VIRTUAL Program
Our 7 week virtual program involves weekly 2 hour work sessions to deliver education and prepare you to complete ‘homework’ in your company’s real-world environment. Session topics include:
- Customer Focus
- Brand Differentiation & Storytelling
- Scale & Business Resiliency
- Team Building
- Capital Structures & Fundraising
- Business Development
Power Week Intensive
Our power week intensive is hosted in person at Lagos Business School from November 4-8.
- Day 1: Stage setting and topical 1:1 sessions with faculty
- Day 2: Topical 1:1 advisory sessions with faculty
- Day 3: Additional topical 1:1 advisory sessions with faculty and role playing pitch exercise
- Day 4: Pitch training and pitch practice
- Day 5: Practice your pitch to an expert panel for feedback
Post-Program Mentoring & Support
- Cascador is offering a professional development stipend of $5,000 USD to each participating entrepreneur accepted into the 2024 cohort.
- Each participant will have monthly mentor calls for six months to support the implementation of new business plans and leadership skills.
- In the long run, a small number of highly qualified alumni may eventually get debt or equity funding from our affiliated financing organization.
Our 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.