Applications for Orange Corners South Sudan’s fourth cohort are closing soon. The six-month, in-person incubation program in Juba is designed to equip young entrepreneurs with the skills, mentorship and networks needed to grow their early-stage ventures. Entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 from Juba or elsewhere in South Sudan are encouraged to apply before the October 5 deadline to take part in a program that combines business training, mentoring and access to seed capital to strengthen the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Orange Corners South Sudan is part of a broader initiative by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, aimed at supporting young changemakers in starting and scaling their businesses. By offering capacity-building training, masterclasses, coaching, mentoring and access to networking opportunities, the program provides practical tools that help participants navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. The goal is to empower young people to turn innovative ideas into sustainable ventures while contributing to the development of South Sudan’s startup ecosystem.
Participants in Cohort 4 will benefit from hands-on business training and mentorship designed to address the specific challenges of their ventures. Training sessions focus on practical skills that entrepreneurs can immediately apply in their operations, ensuring they acquire the knowledge and capabilities necessary for growth and sustainability. This hands-on approach allows young innovators to build confidence and develop strategies that can work even in South Sudan’s challenging business environment.
The program also includes specialized masterclasses led by experienced industry professionals. These sessions offer deeper insights into business management, market strategies and innovation, giving participants the chance to learn from experts who have successfully navigated similar challenges. The interactive format encourages entrepreneurs to apply these lessons directly to their ventures and refine their business approaches in real time.
In addition to training and masterclasses, participants receive ongoing mentoring support and access to business development services. Experienced professionals guide entrepreneurs in refining their business strategies, solving operational challenges and making informed decisions that promote growth. Personalized one-on-one advisory sessions ensure that each entrepreneur receives tailored guidance suited to their specific needs, helping them optimize their operations and overcome obstacles.
Networking and community-building are central to the program. Entrepreneurs connect with peers, investors, mentors and potential partners through events and networking sessions, creating opportunities for collaboration and professional growth. Being part of a supportive community allows participants to share experiences, exchange ideas and build relationships that can lead to future partnerships.
Cohort 4 participants also gain access to a dedicated workspace within a fully equipped incubation hub in Juba. The collaborative environment fosters creativity, encourages interaction among participants and provides the resources needed to work on their ventures effectively. This shared space strengthens the sense of community and collaboration, which is vital for innovative problem-solving and business growth.
The program includes immersive boot camps and graduation events. Boot camps are intensive, focused sessions that accelerate learning and skill development, allowing entrepreneurs to refine their ideas and approaches quickly. Graduation events celebrate participants’ achievements and provide a platform to showcase their ventures to investors, policymakers and other stakeholders, enhancing visibility and opening doors for potential partnerships.
Orange Corners South Sudan also offers seed funding support to help participants test and refine their ideas, alongside the broader training and mentorship package. While the program does not guarantee future investment beyond this phase, the combination of practical experience, mentorship and funding support increases the chances of entrepreneurs establishing sustainable and scalable businesses.
The overarching aim of Orange Corners South Sudan is to strengthen the local startup ecosystem by empowering young entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills and connections needed to succeed. In a country where economic opportunities are limited, programs like this provide a vital platform for young people to become changemakers and contribute to inclusive growth.
With applications closing on October 5, young entrepreneurs in South Sudan have a limited window to join this transformative program.
