Applications Open: South African OCIF Grow Programme (2026)
The Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW Programme 2026 is an influential initiative designed to unlock the growth potential of South Africa’s most innovative youth-owned businesses. With a unique blend of grant and interest-free loan funding, the programme not only addresses the deep-rooted challenge of access to catalytic finance for young entrepreneurs but also ensures that recipients are investment-ready through robust capacity building.
OCIF GROW stands out by combining rigorous business development coaching with milestone-based funding. Ten promising businesses are shortlisted to participate in “Raise Ready”, a 9-week, high-impact, online acceleration programme tailored to fortify their growth strategy, optimise their pitch, and strengthen financial models. This phase is managed by Viridian, experts in investment-readiness. The curriculum is laser-focused on funding success: participants receive intensive coaching, specialist consultations, and are groomed to face an investment committee.
Following this, up to seven growth-oriented businesses are selected for funding of R200,000 to R1 million. The funding product is deliberately hybrid 50% non-repayable grant coupled with a 50% interest-free loan repaid over 18 months striking a crucial balance between de-risking growth finance and fostering sustainable financial management. No surety is required, and ongoing technical support ensures grantees can navigate scale-up challenges.
The OCIF GROW Programme strongly prioritises impact. Eligible companies must have an annual turnover between R250,000 and R10 million, a profit/cash-positive position, proof of innovation, and clear alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Companies across all industries and from any region of South Africa are encouraged to apply, as long as youth (≤35 years) hold at least 51% ownership.
Beyond finance and business support, OCIF GROW empowers founders to drive job creation, catalyse local development, and deliver market-proven products or services with potential for national and even global scale. Each participating SME joins an ecosystem of peer learning and support, throughout the entire funding cycle—from accelerator to demo day to funding and monitoring.
This is more than a funding initiative it’s a launchpad for extraordinary youth-led businesses ready to deliver real impact, create jobs, and build a more inclusive, innovative economy for South Africa.
Who Qualifies:
- Youth-owned and youth-run SA businesses (main applicant ≤35 years old, majority youth/South African owned)
- Registered and operating for 6 months–7 years
- Annual turnover: R250,000–R10 million
- Proven innovation, market traction, and readiness for growth
- Aligned with SDGs
- Must be profitable/cashflow positive
- Open to all geographies in South Africa
Business Activities Not Considered:
- Businesses without appropriate turnover or market traction
- Sectors not aligned with OCIF objectives (see guidelines)
How to Apply:
- Online application: cdicapital.co.za/OCIF/
- Information session: 25 Nov 2025, 3pm (register: here)
- Download full guide: PDF here
- Steps: Apply → Investment Committee Pitch → Training & Support → Demo Day → Funding Contract
Key Dates:
- Applications open: 6 Nov 2025
- Deadline: 31 Dec 2025
- Online info session: 25 Nov 2025 (3pm)
Contact Details:
- Programme Manager: CDI Capital
- Website: cdicapital.co.za/OCIF/
- Orange Corners: orangecorners.com