Funding and support for Malian businesses in the start-up and acceleration phases

Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF)

Zira Capital is an implementing partner of Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF), an initiative that facilitates access to capital for young companies considered too risky by traditional sources of finance.

Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) is an initiative of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency designed to support young entrepreneurs by enabling them to grow their businesses, create jobs and address local social challenges.

OCIF Mali is an extension of the Orange Corners Incubation and Acceleration Programme (OCIAC), aimed at bridging the funding gap faced by Malian start-ups and accelerators.

Through funding in the form of grants and soft loans, OCIF facilitates access to capital for these young businesses considered too risky by traditional sources of finance.

OCIF is being implemented in Mali by JIDIIYA FUND, a consortium of three organisations:

OCIF offers two types of funding adapted to the different development phases of entrepreneurs:

Track 1:

Accessible to all Orange Corners entrepreneurs.
Average grant of €2,000 per entrepreneur.

Track 2:

3 cohorts planned, with 15 companies selected per cohort through a pitch competition in front of a panel of experts.
Access to funding of up to €40,000 in the form of a repayable advance.
Enhanced support with a development programme over 18 to 24 months.

In addition to funding, OCIF offers technical support and capacity-building to improve investment readiness and attract additional financing, thus ensuring the sustainable growth of start-ups.

Selection criteria

OCIF targets start-ups and small businesses that meet the following criteria:

Have previously completed an incubation program with OCIAC. This incubation is an essential condition for access to the two funding and support packages offered by OCIF.
Companies that have been supported or financed under a Dutch program such as FACEJ, Go Green, or any other similar program, can apply directly for the second OCIF Pathway 2, offering them a more advanced financing opportunity to accelerate their growth.

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