Call for Applications: Orange Corners Designs programme - Cape Town Cohort, 2025

Please note that applications have now closed for Cape Town 2025. Applications for Johannesburg 2025 will open later in the year.

Are you a young South African entrepreneur based in Cape Town and ready to take your business to the next level?

Got an innovative product or service that could shake up the market? Looking to scale, grow your impact, and create job opportunities for fellow youth? If your business is all about making a positive difference and contributing to the  Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this is your chance!

*Please note: applicants must be South African and between the ages 18-35 years.

The Orange Corners Designs programme is now open for Cape Town applications! This 12-month intensive programme is aimed at supporting 20 innovative, Cape Town-based businesses that contribute to the SDGs (in sectors such as but not limited to circular/green economy, digital, agriculture and creative sectors).

As part of the Orange Corners Designs programme, participants will gain access to a range of resources and support, including workshops, mentorship, and business development tools. In addition, those who are selected may also become eligible for opportunities such as prototyping grants and business loans of up to R1,000,000 from the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF), which can further support the growth and innovation of their businesses.

For those accepted onto this programme the first round of funding available is R56 000 per business (subject to achieving specific milestones):

- A monthly business enabler grant to support operational costs, while you test for growth (over 6-9 months)
- A further prototyping grant of up to R32,000, to test and build on key aspects or growth levers of your business.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Entrepreneur must be a South African between the ages 18-35 years
2. Business must be managed and/or run by the owner (Entrepreneur)
3. 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
4. Business must demonstrate innovation and/or 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)
5. Demonstrate the ability to scale in terms of impact and/or job creation
6. Participants must be willing/able to take time off from business and commit for a period of 12 months
7. Must be registered, or confirm a commitment to register, with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)
8. Applicants need to complete the application form in full providing the basic business information required

Preference will be given to women entrepreneurs but all young people between 18-35 years are encouraged to apply.

Entrepreneurs and innovators are encouraged to register as a member of the CDI prior to applying to benefit from CDI programmes, including business webinars and resources related to entrepreneurship available throughout the year.

Apply now to join a transformative journey and unlock your business's potential! 

An initiative of the CDI supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the Orange Corners Designs programme supports visionary individuals whose businesses are poised for growth and dedicated to making a positive impact in under-resourced communities.

How to Apply:

If you fit the criteria above and believe your venture has what it takes to make a difference, we want to hear from you!

Application deadline: 20 February 2025

Should you have any questions on this project please contact:

Phefumlela Bam
Email: phefumlela.bam@thecdi.org.za

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