CDI Capital Opens Applications for Orange Corners Innovation Fund 2025
Funding | Apr 10, 2025 | CDI Capital Funds Ltd
CDI Capital Funds Ltd., a subsidiary of the Craft + Design Institute (CDI), has announced the opening of applications for the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW programme in South Africa. This initiative, supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, aims to support young South African entrepreneurs aged 18-35 with innovative business models. The programme offers a mix of 50% grant and 50% interest-free loan funding, ranging from R200,000 to R1 million per business. The initiative also provides mentorship, pitch training, and investment readiness support through Viridian, aiding businesses that show proven market traction and potential to scale. The fund supports youth-owned businesses operating for 6 months to 7 years with a turnover between R250,000 and R10 million. CDI Capital has previously invested R418 million in local small businesses to drive growth and innovation.
Sectors
- Venture Capital
- Innovation and Technology
- Small Business Financing
Geography
- South Africa – The focus of the OCIF GROW programme is on young entrepreneurs based in South Africa.
- Netherlands – The Kingdom of the Netherlands backs the Orange Corners Innovation Fund, highlighting its involvement in the programme.
Industry
- Venture Capital – The article discusses the launch of a funding initiative for entrepreneurs, a common activity within the venture capital sector.
- Innovation and Technology – The article focuses on promoting innovation among young entrepreneurs in South Africa, applicable to both technological and process-oriented innovations.
- Small Business Financing – The program is designed to provide financial support to small businesses, specifically targeting young innovative entrepreneurs.
Financials
- R200,000 to R1 million – The funding range provided to successful entrepreneurs in the OCIF GROW programme.
- R418 million – Total investment that CDI Capital has facilitated into local small businesses in South Africa through various programmes.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDI Capital | Funding Manager | Company | A subsidiary of the Craft + Design Institute, managing the OCIF GROW programme. |
| Craft + Design Institute (CDI) | Parent Company | Company | The umbrella organization of CDI Capital, involved in promoting craft and design-related businesses. |
| Kingdom of the Netherlands | Financial Backer | Government | Supports the OCIF GROW programme through the global Orange Corners initiative. |
| Viridian | Mentorship and Support Provider | Company | An impact agency specializing in small business financing, providing mentorship and investment readiness support for the programme. |