Are you an ambitious entrepreneur between 18-35, located in South Africa, with an innovative product or service that has market traction? The Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW programme seeks individuals like you for potential catalytic funding to scale your business.
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When is the Application Deadline:
31 December 2025
Tell Me About the Award:
The Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW Programme 2026 provides catalytic funding of R200,000 – R1,000,000 to young South African entrepreneurs developing innovative, scalable, and impactful businesses.
The fund supports youth-led enterprises with proven market traction and strong potential for growth, combining 50% grant and 50% interest-free loan repayable over 18 months.
Participants also receive investment-readiness training, pitch coaching, and mentorship through a structured acceleration programme.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Any sector is eligible as long as the business is innovative, especially in:
- Product innovation
- Process innovation
- Marketing innovation
- Organisational innovation
- Businesses addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Type:
Hybrid Grant + Interest-Free Loan programme
- 50% grant (non-repayable)
- 50% interest-free loan, repayable in 18 months
Who Can Apply?
Entrepreneurs who are:
- 18–35 years old (on or before date of application)
- Based in South Africa
- Running a business operating for 6 months to 7 years
- With annual turnover R250,000 – R10 million
- With demonstrable market traction
- Leading a business with innovative products, services, or models
- Able to demonstrate impact aligned with the SDGs
How are Applicants Selected?
- Application submission
- Shortlisting (28 February 2026)
- Selection of Raise Ready participants (31 March 2026)
- Eight-week Raise Ready training programme (April–July 2026)
- Pitching to the OCIF Investment Committee
- Final selection of up to 7 grantees (August 2026)
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- South Africa only
Where Will the Award be Taken?
- The programme is conducted in South Africa, with virtual and in-person support sessions.
- Managed locally by CDI Capital.
How Many Awards?
- Up to 7 businesses will receive funding in 2026.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- R200,000 – R1 million in hybrid financing
- 50% grant + 50% interest-free loan
- 18-month repayment period
- Mentorship & investment readiness training
- Pitch coaching
- Support from Viridian impact agency
- Opportunity to scale operations, create jobs, and expand market presence
- Access to the Orange Corners entrepreneurship network
How Long Will the Award Last?
- The Raise Ready training runs April–July 2026
- Funding recipients are announced August 2026
- Loan repayment period: 18 months
How to Apply:
Submit your application online via the OCIF GROW portal:
👉 https://cdicapital.co.za/OCIF/