If you’re a young South African entrepreneur with a bold idea, a growing business, or a dream to make a real impact — here’s your chance to take things to the next level.
Applications are now open for the second edition of the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW Programme in South Africa, offering funding of up to R1-million to help innovative businesses scale and thrive.
A Global Platform for Local Talent
OCIF GROW forms part of the global Orange Corners programme — an initiative by the Kingdom of the Netherlands that supports young entrepreneurs across Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
This year’s funding opportunity offers between R200,000 and R1-million per business, through a unique hybrid model:
- 💸 50% Grant (non-repayable funding)
- 🤝 50% Interest-free loan, repayable over 18 months
“We are seeking ambitious entrepreneurs aged 18–35 with a disruptive product, a revolutionary service, or a bold new business model showing significant market traction,” says Ryan Rode, Manager of CDI Capital, which manages the programme locally.
More Than Funding: Mentorship and Growth
Beyond financial support, selected entrepreneurs will receive mentorship, pitch training, and investment readiness support through a structured programme developed by Viridian, an impact agency that specialises in startup and small business financing.
Shortlisted businesses will participate in an eight-week Raise Ready programme (April–June 2026) designed to help them refine their growth plans, strengthen their fundraising strategies, and build investor confidence.
After the training, participants will pitch their ideas to the OCIF Investment Committee, which will select up to seven grantees for 2026.
Real Entrepreneurs, Real Impact
The first OCIF GROW cohort — a group of 10 diverse entrepreneurs — is currently completing their Raise Ready phase. Their businesses span a wide range of sectors, including:
- Solar-powered mobile waste buy-back centres
- Precision farm management tools
- Nutrient-rich, vegetable-based coffee alternatives
- Liquid fertilisers and biostimulants
- African-inspired home décor brands
- AI-powered learning platforms
“This has been such an enriching programme that came to me at the right time in my business,” says Samantha van Rooyen, founder of Unearthed Home Décor. “It feels like I’m stepping into my power. I’m so grateful — thank you for helping me grow as both an entrepreneur and a person.”
Who Can Apply
To qualify, your business must:
✅ Be youth-owned and managed (35 years or younger by application date)
✅ Be based in South Africa
✅ Have operated for six months to seven years
✅ Have an annual turnover of R250,000 to R10-million
✅ Demonstrate market traction and innovation
✅ Address at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Important Dates
- Applications close: 31 December 2025
- Shortlist announcement: 28 February 2026
- Raise Ready participants selected: 31 March 2026
- Training phase: April–July 2026
- Final pitching and grantee announcement: August 2026
How to Apply
Apply online via: 👉 cdicapital.co.za/OCIF
Before applying, join the online information session on 25 November 2025 at 3pm to learn more about the process and eligibility criteria.
Click here to join the session
About OCIF GROW and CDI Capital
OCIF GROW is part of the Orange Corners incubation and acceleration programme, an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, supporting young entrepreneurs in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
In South Africa, the programme is managed by CDI Capital (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of the Craft and Design Institute (CDI) — a not-for-profit company committed to empowering small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) through grants, loans, and equity investments.
Since its establishment in 2016, CDI Capital (a Level 1 B-BBEE impact investor) has invested R121-million into 156 local businesses, unlocking more than R418-million in follow-on funding.