Innovation is the lifeblood of progress, and young South African entrepreneurs now have the chance to elevate their groundbreaking ideas to unprecedented heights through the newly launched Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW programme. This remarkable initiative is positioned to provide essential funding, ranging from R200,000 to R1 million, specifically targeting businesses that are not merely operational, but are truly innovative.

Whether it's a disruptive product, a revolutionary service, or a bold new business model, OCIF GROW is looking for ambitious entrepreneurs aged 18-35 anywhere in South Africa who have proven market traction and the potential to scale.

With a unique mix of grant funding and interest-free loans, as well as expert mentorship and investment readiness support, this initiative, powered by CDI Capital, a subsidiary of the Craft + Design Institute (CDI) and backed by the Kingdom of the Netherlands is designed to fuel the next wave of South African innovation.

OCIF in South Africa is an extension of the global Orange Corners incubation and acceleration programme, an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

OCIF is designed to meet the financing needs of young entrepreneurs across Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

"We are looking for dynamic young entrepreneurs who have a proven innovation, whether it’s a product, processes, or business model, with market traction and the potential to scale," Ryan Rode, Manager of CDI Capital said.

OCIF GROW provides successful applicants with a hybrid grant and interest-free loan model, structured as:

50% grant (non-repayable funding)
50% interest-free loan (repayable over 18 months)

If selected, entrepreneurs will receive mentorship, pitch training, and investment readiness support through a structured programme designed by Viridian, an impact agency specialising in small business financing.

The GROW fund is open to entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria:

Must be youth-owned (majority shareholders and/or CEO must be 35 years or younger when applying for funding)
Based in South Africa
Business operating for 6 months – 7 years
Annual turnover or sales between R250,000 – R10 million
Proven innovation with market traction.

OCIF GROW is managed by CDI Capital, which has invested and helped to unlock over R418 million into local small businesses in South Africa through various growth and innovation programmes.

CDI Capital’s approach recognises innovation beyond technology, encompassing product, process, marketing, and business model transformation.

How to apply Visit https://cdicapital.co.za/OCIF/ to apply before the 31 March 2025 deadline.

BUSINESS REPORT