Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Deadline: December 31, 2025
The Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW Programme 2026 is a high-impact entrepreneurship initiative designed to support young South African innovators with the funding, skills, and business development support needed to scale their ventures. This programme focuses on uplifting early-stage businesses across various sectors by providing access to growth capital and enterprise development resources.
Delivered through Orange Corners South Africa, the GROW Programme empowers entrepreneurs who have already demonstrated significant potential and are ready to expand their operations. With a combination of financial support, training, mentorship, and market access opportunities, the programme aims to stimulate job creation, economic growth, and sustainable innovation in South Africa.
Benefits
Participants in the OCIF GROW Programme 2026 receive substantial benefits, including:
- Up to R1,000,000 in non-equity, non-repayable funding for business growth
- Access to entrepreneurship training, capacity-building workshops, and business coaching
- Tailored mentorship from experienced business professionals and industry experts
- Support in business model development, financial planning, marketing, and scaling strategies
- Opportunities to connect with corporate partners, investors, and innovation networks
- Assistance in strengthening business structures and preparing for long-term sustainability
This programme provides both financial resources and strategic support, ensuring entrepreneurs grow responsibly and effectively.
SEE ALSO: Umholi we Africa (UwA) Fellowship 2026 for Young African Changemakers
Eligibility Criteria
- All youth (18-35) graduates of the Orange Corners Designs programme and Orange Corners Trust programmes in South Africa, as well as any youth-owned innovative business based in South Africa
- South African citizens with valid South African Identity Documents or legal entities controlled by South African citizens with valid South African Identity Documents or permanent residents who hold a valid RSA ID document
- Must be youth-owned and managed (35 years old or younger – on or before date of application). We strongly encourage female owned businesses to apply
- Business must be in first 7 years of operation
- Post revenue – minimum 6 months trading history
- ZAR 250,000 to ZAR10 million annual turnover or sales
- Clear, well defined innovation addressing a local challenge with proven market traction
- Must address the Sustainable Development Goals
- Must be able to demonstrate how you will be able to repay the loan portion of the funding support provided
- Must be able to demonstrate how additional funding will enable you to grow your business, sales and create impact (including job creation)
- Must be willing to provide the Fund with ongoing reports to measure the impact during the life of the project
- Businesses must be located in South Africa
Application Process and Documents Required
Step 1: complete this application (click on the button below on this webpage)
Step 2: present a pitch to the Investment Committee (if you are selected)
Step 3: contract for training and support phase (if you are selected)
Step 4: attend all training, consultations and demo day
Step 5: complete intervention plan and pitch deck
Step 6: present a pitch to the Investment Committee
Step 7: contract for funding phase (if you are selected)
Deadline: Submit your application by 31st December 2025.
