Are you a young entrepreneur based in Johannesburg or Cape Town? Listen up, because this incubation programme might be for you! The Orange Corners Designs Incubation programme is now open for applications.
The Orange Corners Designs Incubation programme is a 12-month intensive programme that will provide twenty selected entrepreneurs in each city with impactful workshops, masterclasses, and one-on-one mentoring to help refine their products/services, strengthen business systems, and address critical market needs. The aim of the programme is to enable young SMEs to boost their businesses and create jobs.
The programme, which is also supported by matched funding from the City of Cape Town, the V&A Waterfront, Constitution Hill and the Department of Small Business Development, is tailored to assist businesses with high potential for impact and scalability, especially those led by youth and women. It focuses on innovative businesses that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in areas such as the circular or green economy, digital, creative, and agricultural sectors, among others.
Successful applicants can unlock total funding of R53 000 over six to nine months, which includes a R32 000 prototyping grant if certain milestones are met. Applications opened on Friday, 5 September, and close on 10 October. Applicants who meet the application criteria can apply on the CDI website.
Khanya Mpuang, Manager of the Orange Corners Designs programme at CDI, says: “We are looking for bold young entrepreneurs (18 – 35) who are ready to grow thriving businesses.
“This programme is not just about funding – it’s about equipping innovators with the skills, confidence and networks to grow sustainable enterprises that create jobs and contribute to the SDGs. We encourage anyone with the drive to make a difference to apply.”
Orange Corners and its Incubation Programme
Orange Corners is a global initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands that supports young entrepreneurs across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Since its launch in 2024, the South African programme run by the CDI has supported 67 businesses to date in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Its Designs Incubation initiative is managed by the Craft and Design Institute (CDI).
Operating since 2001, the CDI has an excellent track record of collaborating with partners to grow thousands of creative enterprises and create jobs. With nearly 8000 members nationwide, the CDI supports enterprises in developing the right product or service for the right market and helps them get there while putting in place sound business systems.
Participants of the incubation programme may also apply for a financial grant to support their growth plans from the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF), which the CDI also manages.
Application Criteria for Eager Entrepreneurs
2025 marks the second year that the incubation programme will be guiding and supporting young innovators. The first programme, which concluded in June, saw the class graduate with many success stories. Of the thirty entrepreneurs, fourteen were Johannesburg entrepreneurs, while 16 entrepreneurs were from Cape Town.
Potential candidates who are serious about their commitment can ensure they meet the following criteria:
- An entrepreneur must be a South African between the ages 18-35 years
- Business must be managed and/or run by the owner (Entrepreneur)
- Business must be an existing business with demonstrable history and traction, and/or provide credible market research that shows viability if proposing a new product or innovation
- Businesses must demonstrate innovation and/or a unique proposition that contributes to the SDGs and address pressing needs or opportunities (in sectors such as but not limited to circular/green economy, digital sector, agriculture and creative sectors)
- Demonstrate the ability to scale in terms of impact and/or job creation
- Participants must be willing/able to take time off from business and commit for a period of 12 months
- Must be registered, or confirm a commitment to register, with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)
- Applicants need to complete the application form in full, providing the basic business information required
- Must be registered as a CDI member. If you are not, you can easily register for free.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a 4-day bootcamp and will have to present to a panel of adjudicators for a final selection of 20 participants.
Preference will be given to women entrepreneurs, but all young people are encouraged to apply, so don’t miss your opportunity!
