Young entrepreneurs in Johannesburg are being given a new platform to elevate their businesses with the launch of the 2025 Orange Corners Designs (OCD) programme.
This exciting initiative, aimed at fostering innovation and empowering entrepreneurs with sustainable solutions, is now accepting applications for its upcoming cohort of 20 participants.
Managed by the Craft and Design Institute (CDI) and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the OCD programme has already made significant strides since its inception this year.
The programme has supported 40 businesses across Cape Town and Johannesburg in its first year, and now it aims to take another 20 selected entrepreneurs under its wing for a year long journey of growth and development.
The 12-month intensive programme offers a rich combination of workshops, masterclasses, and personalised one-on-one mentorship.
These resources are designed to help entrepreneurs refine their products, strengthen their business operations, and better meet critical market demands.
An additional incentive comes in the form of funding opportunities. Selected businesses will have access to financial support of up to R1 million, through the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF).
This funding, available as prototyping grants and business loans, is aimed at helping these entrepreneurs develop innovations and scale their businesses to new heights.
Khanya Mpuang, Programme Manager for OCD, highlighted the transformative potential of the programme.
“The OCD programme provides a platform for entrepreneurs to reimagine their impact on society. We’re helping innovators and businesses grow, create jobs, and to contribute to sustainable community development and environmental sustainability,” said Mpuang.
The programme targets innovative businesses in the following sectors:
Circular/Green economy: clean/renewable energy, waste management, recycling, upcycling etc.
Digital innovation: fintech, healthcare, retail, education etc.
Agriculture: horticulture, aquaculture, agro-processing, food and beverage manufacturing etc.
Creative Industries: product design, manufacturing, culinary arts, gaming, interactive media etc.
The programme criteria is existing businesses in Johannesburg with a proven track record and traction and/or those with credible market research that shows viability if proposing a new product or innovation.
Eligible entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 and women entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is 31 October 2024.
A call for new Cape Town applications will follow in 2025.
IOL