Call for Applications: Orange Corners

Orange Corners Designs Incubation programme - Cape Town and Johannesburg Cohorts, 2026

Application deadline: 20 October 2025 - Apply via the form below on this webpage

Are you a young South African entrepreneur 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!

The Orange Corners Designs Incubation programme is now open for applications! This 12-month intensive incubation programme is aimed at supporting 20 innovative businesses in each site (Cape Town and Johannesburg) 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 Incubation programme, participants will gain access to a range of resources and support, including in-person one-on-one workshops, one-on-one 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. Attendance and commitment to the incubation programme is crucial.

Eligibility Criteria:

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
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)
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
Register as a CDI member: Click here

Selection process:

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 between 18-35 years are encouraged to apply.

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

Application deadline: 20 October 2025 - Apply via the form below

For more information contact: mohau.memeza@thecdi.org.za for Johannesburg or phefumlela.bam@thecdi.org.za for Cape Town.

The Orange Corners Designs Incubation programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and is proudly managed by the Craft and Design Institute (CDI). 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 contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in areas such as the circular/green economy, digital, creative, and agricultural sectors, among others.

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0. Location
Select the city you are applying for *	Cape Town Johannesburg

1. Founder’s Information
First Name *
Middle Name
Last Name *
Age at time of application (enter age number in numerical digits) *
Gender *	Male Female Other
Race *	Black/African Coloured Indian White Other
I.D Number *
Any disabilities? *
Highest level of education *	Matric Degree/Diploma Post-Graduate Other
Relevant experience or skills *	400 of 400 characters remaining
Have you participated in any other incubation or acceleration programmes? If so, which one(s)? *	150 of 150 characters remaining
Why do you want to apply for this incubation programme specifically? *
Would you describe yourself as innovative. If so, what do you think makes you innovative? *	350 of 350 characters remaining
Contact mobile number *
Alternative number *
Relationship *
Email Address *

2. Team or Staff Structure
Total number of team members *
Describe their roles *	350 of 350 characters remaining
Are are currently getting a salary from your business? *	Yes No
Are you registered for PAYE and UIF? *	PAYE UIF PAYE and UIF No
Is your staff registered for PAYE and UIF? *	PAYE UIF PAYE and UIF No
If so, please upload PAYE
Upload UIF

3. Basic Business Information
Name of the business *
Address *
City *
Province *	Western Cape Gauteng Other
Business Contact Details
Website or social media platforms (if any): if yes please provide names and handles	300 of 300 characters remaining

4. Business Description
Brief overview of the business:

Business phase *	Ideation phase Start-up phase 0-2yrs Growth/Scaling phase 2-5yrs
Number of years trading or running your business *
Industry/Sector: *	Creative Industry Digital industry Circular Industry Agriculture
Pick any options that best describe your business activity *	Arts & Culture. visual (incl. graffiti & mural) and performing arts Homeware. bed linen, towels, carpets cushions, soft furnishing Fashion & Clothing. apparel, streetwear, swimwear, under garments, jerseys, uniforms Accessories. jewellery (fine & fashion), handbags, shoes Furniture. small manufacturing, bespoke Dining. table linen, ceramics, cutlery and other table ware Décor & Gifts. candles, diffusers, collectables Beauty. lotions, serums, perfume, haircare, nails Food. chocolate, candy, salts & spices, condiments Garden & Pets. planters, pet accessories Design services. graphic design Content creators. illustrators, copy writers, videographers Social impact. social good services (health, agriculture, education) Agriculture. livestock farming, crops, agri-processing, horticulture Digital innovation. Fintech, AgriTech, EduTech, HealthTech, PropTech, RetailTech / E-Commerce, Media Circular economy. clean/ renewable energy, water management, recycling, upcycling, repair Other
Describe your product/service *	350 of 350 characters remaining
What problem is your product or service trying to solve?  *	500 of 500 characters remaining

5. Growth/Scale
How would you like to see your business grow or scale up? *	500 of 500 characters remaining
How much funding do you think you will need to grow or scale up? *	500 of 500 characters remaining
What are your goals for your business in the next 6 to 12 months? *	500 of 500 characters remaining

6. Market Analysis
Who is your target market? *	200 of 200 characters remaining
Where is your target market? *	Local - RSA Regional - Africa International
Who are your competitors? *	350 of 350 characters remaining
How do you market your business? *	Mainstream media channel (tv, radio, newspaper) Digital media (social media, email marketing, website)

7. Social Impact
Does your business address any of the following Sustainable Development Goals

Please select relevant. You can choose more than one. *	1. No poverty 2. Zero hunger 3. Good health and well-being 4. Quality education 5. Gender equality 6. Clean water and sanitation 7. Affordable and clean energy 8. Decent work and economic growth 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 10. Reduced inequalities 11. Sustainable cities and communities 12. Responsible consumption and production 13. Climate action 14. Life below water 15. Life on land 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions 17. Partnerships for the goals

8. Support Needs
What key areas would you like your business to benefit from the programme? It could be more than one *	Business Systems Training and Development Business Compliance Legal Support/Intellectual Property Product Development Marketing and Advertising Support Consulting Services (Mentorship and Coaching) Customer Support Supply Chain Management Funding/Funding Channels Support
Other: specify

9. Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
Is your business registered as *	PTY Sole Trader
In case of PTY, please attach registration document
Not registered but willing to register	Yes No
Is your business tax registered? *	Yes No
If yes, please attach Tax Clearance Certificate
Not tax registered but willing to register	Yes No
Registered for any industry-specific permits or licenses (if any)

10. Financial Information
Does your business have financial records? *	Yes No
If applicable, what was your turnover in 2024? Please don't use space on digits
If applicable, what will your turnover be at the end of 2026? Please don't use space on digits
Do you have a business bank account? *	Yes No
If so, please attach Bank Confirmation Letter
If not, are you willing to open one?	Yes No

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