Orange Corners Bangladesh : Incubation Programme
Orange Corners is an initiative of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs that provides young entrepreneurs from Africa, Asia and the Middle East with training, mentoring, networking, funding and facilities to start and grow their business. Orange Corners Bangladesh is authorized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh in partnership with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and is implemented by YY Ventures Limited, Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center and SAJIDA Foundation, with support from Unilever Bangladesh Limited.
The Orange Corners program adopts a holistic approach to instill and nurture entrepreneurial spirit in young talent at the pre-incubation stage and sharpen their business acumen. It then moves to the incubation and acceleration phase, which consists of training, mentoring, community building, funding, etc.
The initiative provides aspiring Bangladeshi entrepreneurs aged 18-35 with the skills, funding, and resources to launch and grow sustainable businesses, especially those that contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and address local challenges in Bangladesh.
Orange Corners strive to help Bangladeshi youth solve local problems and encourage young people aged 18 to 35, particularly aspiring female entrepreneurs and innovators, through a variety of initiatives such as Ideation Challenges, PowHER events, and the Campus Coordinator program. Their Incubation programme is designed for young Bangladeshi entrepreneurs under the age of 35, with a focus on female founders, who are addressing local challenges and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. During this phase, they help startups and SMEs build their capacity through training sessions, masterclasses, and mentorship, as well as pro bono office space and networking opportunities and funding of up to 5,000 euros. Top graduates who meet all eligibility requirements and successfully complete the Incubation program will have the chance to apply for funding up to 50,000 euros to advance their businesses and attract venture capital (VC) and other investor funding.
What does the programme offer?
Skills development: interpersonal and intergroup master classes on the stages of establishing social enterprises
Coaching and mentoring: personal development week, structured observation on soft skills, mentoring
Personalized follow-up: advisory board (strategic committee), collective creativity workshops (hold-up), twice monthly monitoring, etc.
Regular gatherings: For networking and relationship building.
Accommodation and sufficient to absorb: access to incubator space and a reduced price for commercial domiciliation.
Funding: Opportunity to access funding up to 50,000 euros and take their businesses to the next level so that they can raise funding from VCs and other investors.
When can I apply?
The Campus Coordinator Programme accepts applications on an annual basis. The next cohort will begin in early 2025.
Applications for the Ideation Challenge are open twice a year. Applications for the Incubation programme are accepted twice a year. Applications for Cohort 3 are currently open and will close in May 2024. To stay up to date, follow Orange Corners!
How can I apply?
You can apply by clicking on our application form for the Incubation Programme here.
Am I eligible to apply to the incubation programme?
The Incubation programme is open to young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 years. The Incubation Programme is open to:
- Early-stage enterprises that have not received substantial grant money or traction allowed to seek, date are as are for-profit and non-profit businesses, both registered and unregistered.
- Successful candidates have a strong core team with the skills and expertise to carry out the business plan, including at least one female co-founder or leader.
- The program is open to both startups with scalable business models and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) from all industries.
- Applicants must be fully committed to the 6-month Incubation programme, including all training sessions, masterclasses, workshops, and meetings. Failure to attend mandatory sessions for any reason will prevent teams from meeting funding eligibility criteria or graduating from the program.
Is the programme open to other cities outside of Dhaka?
Yes, entrepreneurs from all over Bangladesh are invited expected to participate. apply; however, the Selection Boot Camps and Incubation Programme activities will take place in Dhaka, and all selected teams are
When does the programme start?
The Incubation programme for Cohort 3 will start in July 2024.
How will I know if I am selected?
Applicants will be contacted via e-mail after the application review process.
What are the costs of participation?
There are no application fees for such programme. However, any fees charged by participants to participate in the Incubation programme, such as travel, communication, and so forth, must always be incurred by programme participants.
