The Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) Grow Programme 2026 is now open, offering young South African entrepreneurs the chance to access funding between R200,000 and R1,000,000. This initiative supports innovative, impact-driven businesses looking to scale, create jobs, and transform their communities.
If you are a bold, forward-thinking founder aged 18–35, working anywhere in South Africa, and building a business with real market traction, this programme is designed for you.
About the OCIF Grow Programme
OCIF Grow is a new financial instrument under the Orange Corners Innovation Fund, developed to close the funding gap faced by youth-led businesses in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The programme supports companies with strong potential to grow, innovate, and contribute to social and economic development.
Managed in South Africa by CDI Capital, OCIF Grow complements the Orange Corners incubation and acceleration programmes by providing catalytic funding that helps entrepreneurs expand and strengthen their operations.
What You Get: Benefits of OCIF Grow 2026
Entrepreneurs selected for the programme gain access to:
✔ Up to R1,000,000 in Funding
A hybrid financial package consisting of 50% grant and 50% interest-free loan, repayable over 18 months.
✔ Support for Innovation
Funding can be used to advance products, services, business processes, or marketing strategies.
✔ Business Scaling Opportunities
The programme helps you grow your team, expand operations, and increase market presence.
✔ Impact Alignment
Businesses contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) receive special consideration.
✔ Investment-Readiness Support
Participants benefit from specialised training in financing, scaling, and investment preparation.
Also Apply For: Friedrich Ebert Foundation Young Leaders Initiative 2026
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
The OCIF Grow Programme is open to:
- Entrepreneurs aged 18–35
- Operating anywhere in South Africa
- Running a business with proven traction and potential to scale
- Startups demonstrating innovation, whether through their product, model, or impact
- Youth-owned companies addressing local or national social challenges
Certain business activities may be excluded from funding based on the programme’s investment guidelines.
Funding Structure
Amount: R200,000 – R1,000,000
Type: Hybrid (50% grant + 50% interest-free loan)
Repayment Period: 18 months for the loan portion
Applicants will also receive training to improve their financial systems, market strategy, and readiness for future investment opportunities.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: 6 November 2025
- Applications Close: 31 December 2025
Entrepreneurs are also encouraged to join the information session on 25 November 2025 at 3 PM (online).
How to Apply
Eligible business owners can submit an online application through the OCIF Grow platform. Before applying, applicants may download the official information PDF and register as free members of the Craft and Design Institute (CDI) to stay informed about future opportunities.
For more information, visit the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF).
