Impact News

Young entrepreneurs can apply for up R1-million in funding

Young South African entrepreneurs have an opportunity to transform their businesses and take them to the next level, by applying for funding through the second edition of the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW programme in South Africa.

The OCIF GROW offers individual funding from R200,000 to with successful applicants benefiting from a hybrid grant and interest-free loan model, structured as:
• 50% grant (non-repayable funding) and
• 50% interest-free loan, repayable over 18 months.

Grantees will also receive mentorship, pitch training and investment readiness support through a structured programme. Shortlisted businesses will embark on an eight-week Raise Ready programme between April and June 2026 and gain the knowledge and confidence to shape their business’s growth plan and fundraising strategy. Each business will also receive one-on-one support, as well as pitch coaching. After this training, the selected businesses will pitch to the OCIF Investment Committee, which will select up to seven grantees in 2026.

Eligibility criteria
• Youth-owned and managed (35 years old or younger – on or before date of application)
• Based in South Africa
• Business operating for six months to seven years
• Annual turnover or sales between R250,000 and R10-million
• Market traction, with a clearly innovative approach or business model
• Must address the Sustainable Development Goals
Key dates
• Application deadline is 31 December 2025.
• Shortlisting takes place and shortlist announced: 28 February 2026.
• Adjudication and selection of Raise Ready participants: 31 March 2026.
• Raise Ready training takes place: April to July 2026.
• Final pitching and announcement of successful funding applicants: August 2026.
Apply here: https://cdicapital.co.za/OCIF/

Business owners are encouraged to register for the information session taking place on 25 November 2025 at 3pm (online): click here to join the session: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_M33BA598SL-2HLopdl6JCg?_x_zm_rtaid=udRqmK-jTQWX2PjQyQzxNA.1763967509477.8dce5ca24cf4a628b2074e12d6b21447&_x_zm_rhtaid=547 #/registration