Orange Corners Bangladesh Incubation Programme
Call for Application for Cohort 8

Background:

Orange Corners Bangladesh is a global multi-year youth entrepreneurship initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, implemented by YY Ventures, in partnership with SAJIDA Foundation, and supported by Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL). The programme empowers youth (18-35 years) and early-stage businesses working on one or more of the SDGs by providing resources, skills, and financing of up to 50,000 euros to build sustainable enterprises. Through incubation, acceleration, and technical assistance, Orange Corners Bangladesh fosters entrepreneurial innovation, strengthens local ecosystems, and drives social and environmental impact.

With a strong presence of 22 Hubs across Africa and the Middle East, Orange Corners launched its 18th Hub in Bangladesh, its first Asian nation, in early February 2023. Since its launch, OCB has incubated over 100 businesses and actively collaborates with public and private sector actors to create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bangladesh. This initiative is providing aspiring Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, aged 18-35 years, with skills, funding, and resources to start and grow sustainable businesses – specifically ones that contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and address the local challenges of Bangladesh. In the interest of gender equality and unemployment reduction, partnerships will be leveraged with government agencies, the private sector, universities, and knowledge institutes to support and strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. The programme is anticipated to result in the development of soft and technical skills and increased access to finance, benefitting around 2000+ youth in Bangladesh.

For Cohort 8, Orange Corners Bangladesh will focus on supporting early-stage businesses, including both SMEs and startups, across diverse sectors. The programme is sectoragnostic in nature and welcomes innovative and growth-oriented enterprises from all industries. However, special emphasis will be placed on enterprises operating within the priority sectors of agriculture, water, port and maritime, and circular economy (textile), particularly those contributing to sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven development.

Orange Corners Bangladesh – Cohort 8 Recruitment:
At Orange Corners Bangladesh, our recruitment for Cohort 8 follows a thoughtfully designed, bias-aware, and inclusive approach to identify and empower the next generation of high-potential entrepreneurs.

Who can apply:

• Early-stage business: Orange Corners Bangladesh is looking for enterprises that are at an early stage and have not yet received significant funding or traction (pre-growth stage), but must have an MVP that has been tested by paid/unpaid users.
• Strong founding team: The enterprise should have a strong founding team with the necessary skills and expertise to execute the business plan. At least one founder must be a Bangladeshi national, aged between 1835, and based in Bangladesh. Have a female team member in co-founding or a senior leadership role (or can commit to onboarding one during the incubation phase). Priority will be given to businesses led by women or those with women in senior leadership roles.
• Impact-Oriented: The enterprise should have a business that is solving at least one of the SDGs in Bangladesh. It should have the potential to make a significant impact in Bangladesh and hopefully globally.
• Business category: The programme is open to all startups, innovative SMEs, and enterprises across all sectors. However, particular consideration will be given to businesses operating within our priority sectors: agriculture, water, port and maritime, and circular economy (textile).
• Full-time commitment to the programme: The enterprise should be willing and able to participate fully in the 6-month-long programme, which includes a minimum 75% attendance during the training sessions and masterclasses, regular meetings with mentors and coaches, workshops, and other capacity-building sessions. Please note, most of our training sessions are in-person in Dhaka.

What You’ll Gain

• Capacity building: Expert-led intensive training sessions and foundational skills building to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity.
• Personalized coaching and mentorship: Entrepreneurs receive structured one-on-one coaching and regular follow-up support to address business challenges and guide growth. In addition, founders gain access to industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs for tailored mentorship.
• Events and networking: Access to exclusive networking events to facilitate connections with other entrepreneurs, key ecosystem players, and potential investors. Also, access to the global alumni network of Orange Corners with over 20 hubs across the world.
• Co-working space: complimentary access to co-working spaces in Impact Hub Dhaka Mirpur (2 seats per company) for the duration of the incubation.
• Exclusive resources: Access to the Entrepreneur toolkit and other resources to support growth outside of and beyond the incubation.
• Funding opportunities: Selected entrepreneurs will access up to 50,000 Euros in blended financing (grants and soft loans).

Application Link: Please find the link here to apply

Deadline to apply: June 14, 2026

If you’re a driven entrepreneur ready to make a difference, apply now and become part of Bangladesh’s next generation of impactful social enterprises!

Emergency Contact: For any queries, please contact Shafadul Islam, Entrepreneurship Programs Associate, YY Ventures, at shafadul@yy.ventures or +880 1329 744 860.