Orange Corners Designs Incubation programme Opens Applications for Joburg and Cape Town Entrepreneurs

Young entrepreneurs in Johannesburg and Cape Town can now secure vital support and funding to grow their businesses. Applications opened on Friday, 5 September, for the Orange Corners Designs incubation programme. This programme is designed to boost innovative enterprises and create new jobs.

Notably, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands launched the Orange Corners Designs Incubation programme, while the Craft and Design Institute (CDI) proudly manages it. As a result, participants receive strong organisational backing.

Furthermore, this intensive 12-month programme will select 20 entrepreneurs in each city. They will benefit from impactful workshops, masterclasses, and one-on-one mentoring. These activities help refine products and services, strengthen business systems, and address critical market needs.

Funding Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs

In addition, participants may apply for a financial grant to support their growth plans from the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF), which the CDI also manages.

Successful applicants can unlock a total funding of R53,000 over six to nine months, which includes a R32,000 prototyping grant if certain milestones are met.

Support for Sustainable and Scalable Businesses

If you meet certain milestones, you can unlock a total of R53,000 in funding over six to nine months, including a R32,000 prototyping grant. It focuses on innovative businesses that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in areas such as the circular/green economy, digital, creative, and agricultural sectors, among others.

Global Reach of Orange Corners Initiative

Orange Corners is a global initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands that supports young entrepreneurs across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Since its launch in 2024, the South African programme run by the CDI has supported 67 businesses to date in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

“We are looking for bold young entrepreneurs (18 – 35) who are ready to grow thriving businesses. This programme is not just about funding – it’s about equipping innovators with the skills, confidence and networks to grow sustainable enterprises that create jobs and contribute to the SDGs. We encourage anyone with the drive to make a difference to apply.”

~ Khanya Mpuang, Manager of the Orange Corners Designs programme at CDI.

Success Stories from Orange Corners Graduates

Johannesburg Graduates

Fourteen Johannesburg entrepreneurs graduated from the first year-long incubation programme in June this year.

“Joining the programme has been a truly rewarding experience. Each part of the journey pushed me beyond what I was used to, and the mentorship and workshops played a big role in strengthening my business.”

~ Phindile Kotane, founder of PeachyPlum accessories.

The programme not only sparks innovation among enterprises but also contributes to job creation throughout the region. Ultimately, it aims to help businesses transition smoothly and confidently into their next stage of growth.

Meanwhile, Sifiso Mthethwa of Maphike Inc Attorneys reports steady growth. He attributes their recent success to expanded market contacts and new business opportunities, which have resulted in a noticeable increase in revenue.

“We have expanded our market contacts and are now in talks with people from Geneva, Davos, Zurich and Amsterdam. We have also hired two new people this year.”

~ Sifiso Mthethwa, Maphike Inc Attorneys.

Cape Town Graduates

Sixteen entrepreneurs from Cape Town graduated in July, showcasing remarkable achievements.

• Winner: Samantha van Rooyen – Founder of Unearthed Décor, increased revenue by over 40% during the past three months, compared to when she started the programme.
• Winner: Mel Laubscher – Founder of GenderWearSA, increased revenue by an impressive 1,286%. The brand was only one month old and under new ownership when it began the Orange Corners Designs programme, and underwent an extensive rebranding process.
• Winner: Faizel Abrahams – Founder of UpCycle Designs, noted key takeaways included learning tools to run a business successfully, networking, and financial assistance. “We were able to venture into what we really wanted to do and streamline our production.”
• Winner: Marleen van Wyk – Founder of Kinkel Jewellery, who highlighted the importance of meeting fellow entrepreneurs and rethinking her business strategy. “My programme highlights were meeting fellow entrepreneurs and being able to collaborate and get advice from them, and also to rethink my whole business, and plan to improve it.”
• Winner: Mapitso Thaisi – Founder of Shweshwekini Active Wear, valued meeting like-minded entrepreneurs and accessing funding for new products. “Highlights were meeting like-minded entrepreneurs, learning about the financial vehicles for running a business, and funding that enabled her to experiment with new products.”

How to Apply for Orange Corners Designs

The programme starts in January 2026. Apply by 10 October 2025. You can apply for Orange Corners Designs on their website here: www.thecdi.org.za/page/OCD