Call for Applications: Orange Corners Designs programme - Johannesburg Cohort, 2025
Are you a young South African entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level? Got an innovative product or service that could shake up the market? Looking to scale, grow your impact, and create job opportunities for fellow youth? If your business is all about making a positive difference and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this is your chance!
The Orange Corners Designs programme is now open for applications! This 12-month intensive programme is aimed at supporting 20 innovative businesses that contribute to the SDGs (in sectors such as but not limited to circular/green economy, digital, agriculture and creative sectors).
As part of the Orange Corners Designs programme, participants will gain access to a range of resources and support, including workshops, mentorship, and business development tools. In addition, those who are selected may also become eligible for opportunities such as prototyping grants and business loans of up to R1,000,000 from the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF), which can further support the growth and innovation of their businesses.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Entrepreneur must be a South African between the ages 18-35 years
- Business must be managed and/or run by the owner (Entrepreneur)
- Business must be an existing business with demonstrable history and traction and/or provide credible market research that shows viability if proposing a new product or innovation
- Business must demonstrate innovation and/or unique proposition that contributes to the SDGs and address pressing needs or opportunities (in sectors such as but not limited to circular/green economy, digital sector, agriculture and creative sectors)
- Demonstrate the ability to scale in terms of impact and/or job creation
- Participants must be willing/able to take time off from business and commit for a period of 12 months
- Must be registered, or confirm a commitment to register, with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)
- Applicants need to complete the application form in full providing the basic business information required
Preference will be given to women entrepreneurs but all young people between 18-35 years are encouraged to apply.
Click here to apply.