Orange Corners is a global initiative of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs managed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) in collaboration with local embassies and consulates of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Launched to support young entrepreneurs across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, Orange Corners strengthens local entrepreneurial ecosystems through partnerships with experienced local implementing partners.
Each Orange Corners programme is run in partnership with local partners, often the country’s leading start-up incubator, NGO, or development consultancy, which possesses the expertise to help young entrepreneurs establish and scale businesses. The initiative aims to contribute to thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems that provide economic opportunities, skills, and empowerment for young people, and to support innovative solutions to local challenges that advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Orange Corners currently operates in 24 countries and regions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The programme has supported over 500 businesses to date with demonstrable impact on job creation and economic development. The initiative combines capacity building through training, masterclasses, events, coaching, mentoring, and access to potential customers, markets, and financing. Orange Corners operates through structured cohorts that typically run for 6 to 12 months, during which participants receive comprehensive business development support. Since its inception, Orange Corners has become established as a leading platform for entrepreneurship development in emerging markets, with programmes tailored to local contexts whilst maintaining consistent quality standards and methodologies across all locations.
Funding Amount
The total programme investment per entrepreneur is typically €5,000- €30,000, covering training, mentorship, access to facilities, and potential seed funding. Funding varies by country and programme structure.
Target
Young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 who are developing innovative business solutions to address local challenges in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, including target includes: students with business concepts; employees developing side ventures; early-stage entrepreneurs with budding ideas or start-ups; entrepreneurs with existing businesses seeking to scale; individuals demonstrating commitment, creativity, and passion for problem-solving through entrepreneurship.
Closing Date
Application periods vary by country and specific program.
Focus Areas
Entrepreneurship development addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals through innovative business solutions. Eligible sectors and focus areas include: circular economy and waste management; agriculture, food security, and agri-tech; health, healthcare, and medical technology; technology, ICT, and digital solutions; water and sanitation solutions; climate change and environmental sustainability; manufacturing and industrial innovation; fashion, creative industries, and design; financial inclusion and fintech; education and skills development; renewable energy and clean technology; social entrepreneurship addressing vulnerable populations; economic empowerment and job creation.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application (age verification required).
- Must be a national or legal resident of the programme country. Some programmes have a specific geographic focus within countries (check country-specific requirements).
- Early concept stage to existing businesses with an innovative business idea seeking scale; must have an existing early-stage business, some programmes require demonstrated business history and traction.
- Must demonstrate commitment, creativity, and passion for problem-solving through entrepreneurship; must be willing to fully participate throughout the entire programme duration (6-12 months); must commit to attending all workshops, masterclasses, and coaching sessions; must be available for in-person and/or virtual sessions as required.
- Business must be owned and/or managed by the applicant entrepreneur; for existing businesses, the applicant must be the primary decision-maker. Innovation and impact: the business concept must demonstrate innovation or a unique approach; address one or more UN Sustainable
- Show potential for measurable social, economic, or environmental impact, and be viable and commercially sustainable.
- Access to a reliable internet connection (especially for virtual components)
- Ability to communicate fluently in English (some programmes accept local languages)
- Access to a stable electricity supply for virtual participation.
- Completed application form with all required fields
- Business pitch deck outlining the idea, problem statement, target market, and financial projections
- Recent CV or résumé
- Valid identification (national ID, driver’s licence, or passport)
- Additional documents may be required depending on the programme.
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered, and selection is competitive based on innovation, feasibility, impact potential, team capability, and alignment with programme objectives. Multi-stage selection process with shortlisting, interviews, and pitch competitions.
