Applications open: Orange Corners Innovation Fund 2027

Innovative young entrepreneurs across South Africa can now apply for the third cohort of the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW programme, a national growth opportunity managed by CDI Capital. Stage 1 applications open on 2 October and close on 30 October 2026.

OCIF GROW is part of the global Orange Corners programme, an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands that supports young entrepreneurs across Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. It is aimed at established businesses with an innovative product, service, process, marketing approach or business model that are ready to scale, create jobs and increase their impact.

What OCIF GROW offers

Up to 10 businesses will join Raise Ready, an 8-week financing readiness programme run by Viridian, CDI Capital’s implementing partner. The programme runs virtually from mid-January to mid-March 2027. Participants take part in masterclasses on the strategic use of grants and debt, growth planning, financial modelling, due diligence, impact, governance and term sheets. They also receive one-on-one support and pitch coaching and should allow 2 to 4 hours a week.

At the end of Raise Ready, businesses can apply for up to R1 million in growth funding, structured as 50% grant and 50% interest-free loan, repayable over up to 18 months. Funded businesses also receive post-investment support linked to their approved growth plans. Selection into Raise Ready does not automatically qualify a business for funding, and the independent Investment Committee makes the final decision.

The fund is aimed at businesses that have already proven themselves in the market and are ready for the next step.

“At CDI Capital, we want to back youth-owned businesses that have moved beyond the idea stage, are showing real market traction, and have a credible path to growth. OCIF GROW combines practical financing-readiness support with the opportunity to access blended growth funding, helping businesses strengthen their financial strategy before taking on capital and scaling,” says Kieno Kammies, Managing Director of CDI Capital .

A two-stage application

Stage 1 is a short online eligibility and high-level business screen. Businesses that pass are invited to Stage 2, a detailed application covering the business model, market traction, innovation, growth plan, financial information, supporting documents and a pitch video. Stage 2 closes on 16 November 2026. CDI Capital and Viridian then assess applications and shortlist businesses for the Investment Committee.

CDI membership is free and is not needed to submit Stage 1. Businesses that pass Stage 1 will be asked to register as CDI members to continue to Stage 2.

Who can apply

• A South African citizen or permanent resident applicant, with a CIPC-registered business operating in South Africa
• At least 51% youth ownership, with youth owners actively involved in management (preference for founders aged 35 or younger)
• Trading for at least six months and within the first seven years of operation
• Consistent turnover between R250,000 and R10 million a year
• Demonstrable market traction and a clear innovation
• A growth plan that can credibly create jobs and measurable impact, including against relevant Sustainable Development Goals
• Businesses that have taken part in an Orange Corners programme are encouraged to apply, but the call is open to all eligible businesses nationally.

Apply for Stage 1 here: https://cdicapital.co.za/ocif2026/.

Key dates

• Stage 1 opens 2 October and closes 30 October 2026
• Stage 2 (by invitation only) closes 16 November 2026
• Raise Ready: mid-January to mid-March 2027

Business owners are encouraged to register for the Information Session taking place on 13 October 2026 at 10am (online). Register here if you would like more information about the fund or programme.

OCIF GROW and CDI
OCIF GROW is part of the global Orange Corners incubation and acceleration programme, an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It supports young entrepreneurs across Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The OCIF is managed in South Africa by CDI Capital Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of the Craft and Design Institute (CDI) not-for-profit company. CDI Capital was established in 2016 as a Level 1 B-BBEE impact investor, focusing on supporting small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) through grants, loans, and equity investments. CDI Capital is at present rolling out investment of R121million into 156 local businesses through its growth and innovation programmes, which in turn has unlocked over R418-million in follow-on-funding to some of these businesses.

Find out more:
The Craft and Design Institute: https://www.thecdi.org.za/
Orange Corners: https://www.orangecorners.com/
Viridian: https://www.viridian.africa/