Cascador ScaleUp Program 2026: Apply for Growth Funding
Are you a founder in Nigeria or Sub-Saharan Africa with a growing business ready for the next big leap? The Cascador ScaleUp Program 2026 offers growth-stage founders like you a chance to build stronger leadership skills, sharpen business strategies, and prepare for major funding. This 12-week program mixes in-person sessions in Lagos, virtual learning, and expert advice to help companies with proven traction scale up confidently.
What is the Cascador ScaleUp Program?
The Cascador ScaleUp Program targets founders who have already shown real market success and now need tools to grow. It runs for 12 weeks and focuses on leadership, strategy, and operations. Participants get hands-on support through mentorship, peer groups, and custom plans to make their businesses ready for big investments.
Founders in the program work on building competitive edges, better governance, and solid financial habits. By the end, they gain clear strategies, wider networks, and skills to raise capital from $2 million to $5 million each year through the Cascador Catalytic Fund.
Who Can Apply?
This program fits specific founders who meet clear requirements. You must be a business founder or co-founder. Your company needs at least two years in operation and annual revenue of $70,000 USD or more, which equals about ₦100 million.
Your base must be in Nigeria or another Sub-Saharan African country. Full commitment to the program is key, as it includes both remote and in-person parts. If your operations can handle growth funding and you aim to lead at scale, this is for you.
Key Benefits for Participants
The Cascador ScaleUp Program 2026 packs real value for busy founders. Travel, lodging, and meals are fully covered for in-person events in Lagos. Each founder also receives a $5,000 stipend to support personal growth during the program.
Standout participants can win from $50,000 in prizes at Pitch Day. Top performers become eligible for the Cascador Catalytic Fund, which offers $2-5 million USD in debt or equity each year. These perks help turn traction into lasting scale.
2026 Program Schedule
The program starts with remote prep work from August 17 to 28. Then comes the in-person kick-off in Lagos from August 31 to September 3. Site visits follow in the week of September 7.
Weekly virtual education runs from September 14 to October 31. The program wraps with an in-person intensive and Pitch Day in Lagos from November 2 to 6. This mix keeps things flexible while building deep skills.
How to Apply
Applications close on June 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. WAT, so act soon. Head to the official page at cascador.org/apply-now for full details and to submit. Check the Cascador Catalytic Fund page too if you want more on funding options: cascador.org/alumni-fund. Founders with strong traction should apply to gain the edge needed for scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cascador ScaleUp Program?
It’s a 12-week program for growth-stage founders in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. It builds leadership, strategy, and operations skills to prepare businesses for major funding.
Who can apply to the program?
Founders or co-founders with companies operating for at least two years, annual revenue of $70,000 USD or more, and based in Nigeria or Sub-Saharan Africa can apply.
What benefits do participants get?
Travel, lodging, meals, and a $5,000 stipend are covered. Top performers can win prizes and access $2-5 million from the Cascador Catalytic Fund.
How and when do I apply?
Applications close on June 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. WAT. Visit cascador.org/apply-now for details and to submit.