FUNDING
BY TARRYN-LEIGH SOLOMONS
THE OCIF GROW PROGRAMME IS OFFERING UP TO R1 MILLION IN FUNDING AND MENTORSHIP TO HELP SOUTH AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS AGED 18 – 35 SCALE THEIR IDEAS INTO SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES.
For young South African entrepreneurs eager to move beyond ideas and into genuine growth, the Orange Corners Innovation Fund( OCIF) GROW programme is opening doors and providing capital to help bold ventures expand their impact.
Supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the OCIF GROW initiative is part of the broader Orange Corners network, which assists emerging entrepreneurs across Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The programme aims to provide founders with the tools, skills, and strategic guidance to establish sustainable businesses.
This second South African edition offers between R200 000 and R1 million in blended funding – half grant, half interest-free loan – providing participants with a financial runway to test, refine, and scale their models.
“ We’ re looking for ambitious entrepreneurs aged 18 – 35 with disruptive products, bold services or breakthrough business models showing real traction and growth potential,” says Ryan Rode, manager of CDI Capital, which oversees the programme locally.
Beyond funding, selected entrepreneurs will receive mentorship, pitch training and investment-readiness support, developed in partnership with Viridian, an impact agency specialising in startup financing.
The Raise Ready programme, running from April to June 2026, will guide shortlisted businesses through eight weeks of strategic development – shaping growth plans, refining fundraising skills, and preparing founders to confidently engage with investors. Each venture will receive personalised guidance and pitch coaching before presenting to the OCIF Investment Committee. Up to seven entrepreneurs will secure final funding in 2026.
The first OCIF South Africa cohort – now concluding its Raise Ready phase – encompasses a range of sectors, from solar-powered waste buyback centres and farm management technology to nutrient-rich coffee alternatives and AI-driven learning platforms.
For Samantha van Rooyen, founder of Unearthed Home Décor, the experience has been transformative.
“ This programme came at exactly the right time in my business journey. It’ s helped me step into my power,” she says.“ I’ ve grown as both an entrepreneur and a person.”
WHO CAN APPLY:
• South African entrepreneurs aged 18 – 35
• Businesses operating for 6 months to 7 years
• Annual turnover between R250 000 and R10 million
• Demonstrated market traction and innovation
• Commitment to addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals
KEY DATES: Applications close: 31 December 2025 Shortlist announced: 28 February 2026 Raise Ready training: April – July 2026 Final pitch & grantee announcement: August 2026 Entrepreneurs can apply via cdicapital. co. za / OCIF
18 INBOUND SA / December 2025