Do you have a business with proven market traction, but you’re on the lookout for an opportunity to take you to the next level? Look no further, the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW programme for young entrepreneurs is here!
The OCIF GROW programme is offering a hybrid grant and interest-free funding from R200 000 to R1 million.
What is the Orange Corners Innovation Fund?
The OCIF GROW programme is a new initiative launched by the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF). This fund falls under the umbrella of Orange Corners. Orange Corners is an initiative of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, which aims to provide support for entrepreneurs in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
The support provided includes mentorship, training, funding, and additional business support to help young entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses.
What Kind of Business is OCIF GROW Looking For?
The programme is adamant in supporting young entrepreneurs with groundbreaking businesses. “We are seeking ambitious entrepreneurs aged 18-35 years across South Africa with disruptive products, a revolutionary service, or a bold new business model showing significant market traction and poised for Growth,” says Ryan Rode, manager of CDI Capital, which manages the programme locally.
The criteria for eligibility are as follows:
- Youth-owned and managed (35 years old or younger – on or before the date of application.
- Business must be based in South Africa
- The business must be in operation for a period of six months to seven years.
- Annual turnover or sales must be between R250 000 and R10 million.
- Applying businesses must demonstrate market traction and have a clearly innovative approach or business model.
- Must address the Sustainable Development Goals.
How Will the Successful Applicants Benefit From the OCIF Programme?
The Orange Corners Innovation Fund doesn’t just support entrepreneurs with funding. The grantees of the fund will also receive mentorship, pitch training, as well as support that ensures they are ready for investment. This part of the programme is developed by a CDI Capital service provider, Viridian. Viridian is an impact agency specialising in startup and small business financing.
Entrepreneurs who are shortlisted will go through a Raise Ready programme for eight weeks between April and June 2026. This programme will equip candidates with the knowledge needed to grow their businesses through Growth and fundraising. Additionally, businesses will receive pitch coaching and one-on-one support, allowing them to gain benefits from the programme in a personalised manner based on the individual needs of their businesses.
Once the shortlisted candidates have gone through the training, they will be presented with an opportunity to pitch to the OCIF investment committee. After pitching, seven businesses will be selected.
Businesses currently participating in the first OCIF cohort span a wide range of industries. These businesses include:
- A mobile, solar-powered waste buy-back centre.
- Precision farm management.
- A business producing a nutrient-rich, vegetable-based coffee alternative.
- Businesses manufacturing liquid fertilisers and biostimulants.
- African-inspired home décor.
- An AI-powered platform that enables hyper-personalised micro-learnings.
- Modular software libraries.
How Do I Apply for the Fund?
If you meet the application requirements for the Orange Corners Innovation Fund GROW programme, follow these steps to apply:
- Head to https://cdicapital.co.za/.
- In the menu on the top-left corner, click on OCIF.
- Once you’re on the OCIF page, scroll down and tap on the Click Here to Apply button.
- The website will lead you to an application form. Fill in all the necessary requirements and follow the prompts and instructions until your application is complete.
Key Dates For the OCIF Programme
The programme takes applicants, shortlists candidates, and selects businesses through different stages as the programme progresses. Here’s a list of dates to look out for:
- Application deadline: 31 December 2025.
- Shortlisting takes place and the shortlist is announced: 28 February 2026.
- Adjudication and selection of Raise Ready participants: 31 March 2026.
- Raise Ready training takes place: April to July 2026.
- Final pitching and announcement of successful funding applicants: August 2026.
Growing Impactful and Innovative Businesses
The OCIF GROW programme provides a hybrid funding and support opportunity for young
South African entrepreneurs with market-proven, groundbreaking businesses.
The programme doesn’t just end at finding. Through the programme, businesses gain skills, training, and mentorship they can use even for long-term business growth. OCIF is a crucial catalyst for scaling innovative ventures that are committed to driving positive change and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
