The Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) is a dynamic programme aimed at supporting impact entrepreneurs in Tunisia. Funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by Lab’ess, the programme seeks to empower entrepreneurs, particularly those with projects that contribute to sustainable development and and generate a positive social or environmental impact. It provides them with the necessary tools, resources and guidance to grow their businesses and enhance their skills in their fundraising capabilities.
Through the OCIF, entrepreneurs gain access to a comprehensive acceleration programme, which includes technical assistance, individualised coaching and opportunities to connect with experts, mentors, partners and a broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. The programme also offers a robust training and mentorship framework, including specialised workshops and networking sessions. Additionally, participants take part in demo days, where they pitch their business projects to potential investors, partners, and key stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem.
The programme offers significant financial support, providing entrepreneurs with up to €30,000 in funding, composed of 30% of grants and 70% of honour loans. This financial backing is designed to help businesses overcome common barriers to growth, such as funding shortages, and enable them to make strategic investments in their products, services or operations.
Key programme highlights
- Number of cohorts: 5 cohorts
- Entrepreneur selection: 15 entrepreneurs per cohort selected for a 3-month technical assistance programme with individual coaching
- Financial support: entrepreneurs can receive up to €30,000 each (including €10,000 grant + €20,000 honour loan)
- Training & networking: the programme will include 5 training sessions/cohort and 3 networking events/cohort
- Demo day, offering entrepreneurs extensive networking and growth opportunities
What Orange Corners can offer you
- Personalised support
Receive individual coaching with Lab’ess experts, to help you grow and develop your business
- Comprehensive training
Participate in a complete training programme with targeted workshops and expert-led sessions to enhance your entrepreneurial skills
- Financial support
Get access to up to €30,000 in funding, including 1/3 grant and 2/3 honour loan, with a 3-year repayment plan and a 6-month grace period
- Networking opportunities
Engage with a community of entrepreneurs, investors and mentors through demo day and other networking events to expand your connections and opportunities
- Impact maximisation
Benefit from a programme that helps you assess and amplify your social and environmental impact, contributing to SDGs 11 and 12
- Visibility & exposure
Gain visibility through media coverage, social media promotion, and publicity for your project to enhance your brand’s reach
Online application
Are you running an impact-driven business? Would you like to join us? Submit your application by October 26th using the online form above
Pre-selection
The most developed projects with the greatest impact will be selected for the final selection phase, which involves an interview with three members of Lab’ess
Individual interviews
At the end of the process, 15 projects with a social and/or environmental impact will be selected to begin the acceleration programme, which starts on November 17th.
When can I apply?
The call for applications is now open for the second cohort until October 26. You can apply using the link above.
How can I apply?
You can apply through the same link by completing the application form and filling in the provisional budget showing how you plan to use the 100,000 TND funding.
How long is the programme?
The support programme lasts three months.
Who can apply?
Positive impact and engagement
You lead a business with a positive environmental and/or social impact on society, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption).Business model viability
This is an acceleration programme. You are already generating revenue, are growing, and have proven your business model and impact. Your formalised business has existed for at least one year and generates more than 50,000 TND in annual revenue.Based in Tunisia
The business must be implemented and officially registered in Tunisia. All activities, operations and beneficiaries should primarily be located within the country.Growth projections
You must demonstrate clear growth and job creation prospects, with a search for financing of at least 100,000 TND.
Our partners
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OCIF Tunisia
5 rue de Touraine, cité Jardins 1002 Tunis, Belvédère, Tunisie
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