Calling all young innovators: Joburg and Cape Town entrepreneurs offered support and funding

Young entrepreneurs in Johannesburg and Cape Town are being urged to seize an important opportunity to propel their business ventures through the Orange Corners Designs Incubation Programme.

Launched on 5 September 2025, this initiative, backed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and expertly managed by the Craft and Design Institute (CDI), promises vital support and funding for innovative business concepts aimed at generating jobs.

Designed for ambitious entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35, the 12-month incubation programme will select 20 participants from each city to take part in transformative workshops, masterclasses, and personalised mentoring.

The focus is sharp: refining products and services, enhancing business systems, and addressing pressing market demands.

This structured support aims not only to elevate individual enterprises but also to foster a more robust economic environment.

In addition to the invaluable knowledge and skills gained, participants will have the opportunity to apply for a financial grant from the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF).

Successful candidates can access funding of up to R53,000 over a six to nine-month timeframe, which includes a prototyping grant of R32,000 contingent upon achieving specific milestones.

This initiative is further strengthened by partnerships with the City of Cape Town, the V&A Waterfront, Constitution Hill, and the Department of Small Business Development.

It specifically seeks to support ventures with high impact and scalability potential, prioritising businesses led by youth and women.

Entrepreneurs in sectors such as the circular economy, digital innovation, and agriculture are particularly encouraged to apply.

The Orange Corners initiative forms part of a broader global movement by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, aimed at nurturing young entrepreneurs across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Since its inception in 2024, the South African programme has successfully supported 67 businesses across Cape Town and Johannesburg.

“We are looking for bold young entrepreneurs who are ready to grow thriving businesses,” said Khanya Mpuang, Manager of the Orange Corners Designs programme at CDI.

“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 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We encourage anyone with the drive to make a difference to apply.”

The success stories from previous cohorts are testimony to the effectiveness of this programme.

In June, 14 entrepreneurs from Johannesburg and 16 from Cape Town celebrated their graduation from the first year-long incubation session.

• Phindile Kotane, Johannesburg’s jewellery designer and founder of PeachyPlum accessories, said: “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.”
• Sifiso Mthethwa of Maphike Inc Attorneys noted a steady revenue increase and ongoing negotiations with international partners.
• For Cape Town's Samantha van Rooyen, founder of Unearthed Décor, revenue surged by over 40% in just three months, illustrating the programme's profound impact.
• Mel Laubscher, founder of GenderWearSA, achieved an astonishing revenue increase of 1,286% after extensive rebranding.
• Faizel Abrahams, founder of UpCycle Designs, highlighted the importance of learning tools for successful business operation.

The second iteration of the programme is set to start in January 2026, with applications open until 10 October 2025. Interested applicants can find more information and submit their applications through the CDI website: here.

BUSINESS REPORT