The Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW Programme 2026 for young South African Entrepreneurs (R1,000,000 in funding)Deadline:  31 December, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026 Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW programme. OCIF GROW, the newly launched fund of the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) in South Africa, is an extension of the Orange Corners incubation and acceleration programmes internationally, designed to address the financing needs of young entrepreneurs in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. OCIF supports young entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, create jobs and address local social challenges.

Requirements

• 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

Benefits

• Funding between R200,000 – R1,000,000 to fuel your business growth
• Support your innovative products, processes, business models, or marketing strategies
• A chance to scale up and grow your workforce
• The opportunity to drive positive change through alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Application Procedure

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)

For More Information:

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY