The Orange Corners Nigeria Incubation Programme, launched in 2019 by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented in partnership with the FATE Foundation, stands as a transformative initiative designed to empower young Nigerian entrepreneurs. With a focus on nurturing innovation, business skills, and sustainable ventures, the programme has been instrumental in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape of Nigeria.

Targeted at ambitious youth aged 18 to 35, the programme equips participants with the tools, mentorship, and resources necessary to transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses. Since its inception, Orange Corners Nigeria has successfully incubated over 240 businesses across 13 completed cohorts in Lagos and Ogun State, positioning itself as a pivotal platform for driving economic growth and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As Nigeria continues to witness rapid urbanization, technological adoption, and a surge in youth-led innovation, the need for structured support systems for entrepreneurs has never been more critical. The Orange Corners Incubation Programme addresses this need through a comprehensive six-month programme, blending enterprise management training, practical business incubation, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities.

Programme Overview

The Orange Corners Nigeria Incubation Programme is a six-month intensive initiative that guides young entrepreneurs through every stage of building and scaling a business. The programme is uniquely designed to foster innovation, sustainability, and social impact, while providing participants with the professional skills required to succeed in competitive markets.

Through the programme, participants gain access to:

• Structured enterprise management training covering finance, marketing, strategy, and operations.
• Business incubation and advisory support, including tailored guidance to help scale ventures and navigate industry challenges.
• Funding opportunities of up to €30,000 to develop prototypes and test market viability.
• Mentorship and networking with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals.

By combining these elements, Orange Corners Nigeria ensures that participants not only develop viable business models but also acquire the confidence, resilience, and leadership skills necessary to thrive in dynamic economic environments.

Programme Goals and Objectives

The programme is underpinned by a clear mission: to empower Nigerian youth through entrepreneurship, skills development, and economic opportunities. Its goals are aligned with broader societal and developmental objectives, including:

1. Fostering Innovation: Encouraging young entrepreneurs to develop original solutions that address pressing societal and economic challenges.
2. Building Sustainable Businesses: Supporting ventures that are financially viable, socially responsible, and scalable.
3. Enhancing Skills and Knowledge: Providing hands-on training, workshops, and mentorship to equip participants with the expertise required to manage and grow their businesses.
4. Connecting Entrepreneurs to Networks: Facilitating meaningful connections with investors, mentors, and other stakeholders within Nigeria and internationally.
5. Contributing to the UN SDGs: Promoting entrepreneurship that addresses issues such as poverty reduction, gender equality, quality education, and sustainable economic growth.

By achieving these objectives, Orange Corners Nigeria not only supports individual entrepreneurs but also strengthens Nigeria’s broader start-up ecosystem, positioning young innovators as agents of social and economic transformation.

Who Can Apply?

The Orange Corners Nigeria Incubation Programme is open to young, ambitious Nigerians aged 18–35 who have innovative business ideas or early-stage ventures. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to entrepreneurship, a passion for creating impact, and the drive to scale their ideas into sustainable businesses.

There are no restrictions on the industry or sector, making the programme suitable for a wide range of entrepreneurial ventures, including but not limited to:

• Technology and digital solutions
• Agribusiness and food innovation
• Creative industries, including fashion, media, and design
• Health and wellness services
• Education and skill development initiatives
• Environmental and sustainability-focused businesses

Applicants are encouraged to bring creative, practical, and socially impactful solutions to the programme, demonstrating the potential to contribute to Nigeria’s economic development and innovation landscape.

Apply Now!

Programme Structure

The six-month programme is carefully structured to combine classroom learning, practical application, and real-world mentorship. Each element is designed to ensure that participants receive a comprehensive entrepreneurial education while developing their ventures into scalable businesses.

1. Enterprise Management Training

Participants undergo intensive workshops covering key areas of business management, including:

• Business Strategy: Understanding market needs, competitive analysis, and developing sustainable business models.
• Financial Management: Budgeting, cash flow analysis, investment planning, and financial sustainability.
• Marketing and Branding: Creating brand identity, customer engagement strategies, and digital marketing techniques.
• Operations Management: Streamlining processes, improving productivity, and optimizing resource allocation.

These interactive sessions are led by experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals who provide practical insights and real-world examples to help participants apply learning directly to their ventures.

2. Business Incubation and Advisory

Each participant receives personalized business advisory support, tailored to their venture’s needs. This includes:

• One-on-one mentorship with seasoned entrepreneurs
• Advisory sessions with industry specialists
• Guidance on prototype development, product testing, and market entry strategies
• Exposure to operational best practices and entrepreneurial problem-solving

In addition, participants have the opportunity to visit successful businesses and learn from industry leaders, gaining firsthand insights into market operations and scaling strategies.

3. Funding Support

Recognizing that access to capital is a critical challenge for young entrepreneurs, the programme provides funding opportunities of up to €30,000. This financial support enables participants to:

• Develop and refine product prototypes
• Conduct market testing and feasibility studies
• Implement business scaling strategies
• Build operational infrastructure

Funding decisions are made based on viability, innovation, and potential social impact, ensuring that resources are allocated to ventures with the greatest likelihood of success.

4. Mentorship and Networking

The programme emphasizes the importance of mentorship and networking. Participants are paired with experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders who provide guidance, advice, and inspiration throughout the programme.

Key benefits of mentorship include:

• Strategic business advice and problem-solving support
• Industry insights and trends
• Introduction to potential investors, partners, and collaborators
• Opportunities to expand professional networks both locally and internationally

Through networking events, pitch sessions, and workshops, participants build connections that extend beyond the programme, fostering long-term relationships that support business growth.

Programme Achievements

Since its inception, Orange Corners Nigeria has achieved significant milestones:

• 240+ businesses incubated: From early-stage ideas to thriving startups, the programme has supported hundreds of young entrepreneurs in achieving their business goals.
• 13 successful cohorts completed: Demonstrating the programme’s consistency and impact in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• National reach: Focused on Lagos and Ogun State, with participants benefiting from strong local networks and connections.
• Contribution to UN SDGs: Ventures supported by the programme have created employment, promoted sustainable development, and strengthened communities.

Past participants have gone on to achieve remarkable success, including securing investment, expanding to new markets, and creating socially impactful solutions that address pressing challenges in Nigeria and beyond.

Cohort Highlights

Each cohort of the programme offers unique experiences, showcasing the transformative power of entrepreneurship. For instance:

• Cohort 13: Focused on digital innovation, agribusiness, and creative industries, enabling participants to test new products, refine business models, and build connections with investors and mentors.
• Alumni success stories: Participants have launched ventures that span tech startups, sustainable agriculture, creative media platforms, and education-focused solutions.

Through these experiences, Orange Corners Nigeria demonstrates a commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent while fostering innovative solutions to local and global challenges.

How to Apply

Applications for Cohort 14 are now open. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through the official Orange Corners Nigeria platform.

Application Requirements

To apply, candidates must provide:

• A brief description of their business idea or venture
• Demonstration of innovation, sustainability, and social impact
• Personal details, including age and location
• Motivation for joining the programme and commitment to completing the six-month incubation

Applications are reviewed based on innovation, viability, scalability, and alignment with the programme’s goals. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews, after which successful applicants are admitted into the cohort.

Apply Now!

Why Join Orange Corners Nigeria

Joining the Orange Corners Nigeria Incubation Programme provides participants with more than just funding or training — it offers a transformative journey that equips them with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to succeed as modern entrepreneurs.

Key Benefits:

1. Practical Business Training: Learn essential skills from experts and apply them directly to your venture.
2. Tailored Mentorship: Gain guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
3. Funding Access: Obtain capital to bring innovative ideas to market.
4. Networking Opportunities: Connect with investors, peers, and mentors locally and internationally.
5. Impact-Driven Entrepreneurship: Build ventures that create social, economic, and environmental impact.

Participants leave the programme better equipped, more confident, and prepared to turn their ideas into scalable and sustainable businesses.

Contact Information

For enquiries and application support, applicants can reach Orange Corners Nigeria via:

• Address: 16 Town Planning Way, Ilupeju, Lagos
• Email: orangecorners@fatefoundation.org
• Phone: 07030347172

Conclusion

The Orange Corners Nigeria Incubation Programme is a beacon of opportunity for Nigeria’s young entrepreneurs. By combining enterprise training, mentorship, funding, and networking, the programme ensures that participants are equipped to transform their innovative ideas into thriving ventures.

With each cohort, Orange Corners Nigeria reinforces its mission to empower youth, foster innovation, and contribute to sustainable economic development, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Applications for Cohort 14 are now open. Young Nigerian entrepreneurs ready to innovate, scale, and make a difference are encouraged to seize this unique opportunity and join a community dedicated to shaping the future of business in Nigeria.

For more opportunities, visit: opportunitiesforwomen.org/