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Frequently Asked Questions

You're not quite sure whether to apply for our Food System Incubation programme and you still have questions? 
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

They are sorted by category so feel free to scroll down and contact us if you still can't find your answer!  

About Oribi

Does Oribi invest in entrepreneurs?

We provide grant funding to 1-2 selected entrepreneurs who have completed the Food System programme and show great promise. We are not an investment or grant-making organisation.

About the Food System Incubation Programme

What kind of businesses can apply?

We’re looking for food businesses looking to make a positive impact in South Africa that have the potential to scale. We welcome businesses that are anywhere from 6 month – 3 years old.

What is a Food System business?

A Food System business is a business that is working on solutions across the food value chain. We think about the food system from farm to mouth! That includes people working in agriculture, food supply chains, AgriTech, Farmer Support & Education, advocacy or consumer marketing.

Is the Food Systems Programme only open to local (Cape Town) businesses?

We welcome anyone who resides in the areas of Cape Town, Gauteng and Limpopo, as parts of the programme requires in person attendance in any of those 3 hubs. However, we do not want to exclude opportunities, options for fully remote programs are available, subject to discussion with the team

Does Oribi only work with women and young people?

(No, we encourage all Food Business social entrepreneurs to apply. However during the Food System programme, we help entrepreneurs understand what it means to be more gender inclusive as it is very important to us.

What do I get if I join the programme?

Once you’re selected to join the programme, you will get access to industry experts and a mentor, coaching and all the resources you’ll need to work through your business idea, go-to-market, and investor readiness.

How much time do I need to dedicate if I join the program?

​This programme requires weekly engagement. You’ll need to set aside 4-6 hours a month (which includes meetings with your mentor and coach). That said, the more time you put into your business through this programme, the more value you’ll receive out of it.

I have another job / I have a full-time job; can I still participate?

The programme calendar will be filled with various components ranging from mentor chats, masterclasses, and opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs. We’ll communicate it with you well ahead of time, so as long as you are able to dedicate the right amount of time to it, it can be compatible

Do you have examples of successful businesses from the Food System Programme? 

Here are some of our graduates' businesses: 

Does Oribi provide funding?

It is at Oribi’s discretion which of the 10 entrepreneurs that have entered phase 3 will be selected to qualify to receive funding. For further questions on this, please email us. 

About My Application

How will Oribi evaluate the applications?

We evaluate applications based on our entry criteria:

• Early-stage social enterprises and non-profits (6m - 3yrs)

• Potential to create social economic and environmental value

• Well-tested idea with validated proof of concept

• Proven capacity to generate revenue

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The best thing you can do to strengthen your application is to show us you’ve really thought about your business and have gotten out there to do something about it!

How and when will I know if I’ve been successful?

You will receive an email before the 25th of January letting you know whether you’ve been selected to join the Bridging the Gaps Innovation Challenge.

Can more than one person from my business apply/can we apply as a team?

Yes. However, the person in your organization who has the signing authority to accept grant funding is your organization's Authorized Representative (also referred to as the Signing Authority). This person must be empowered to receive funds on behalf of the organization and must be legally authorized to enter into agreements on the organization's behalf.

I don’t think I'm ready to participate now, but can you keep me updated about future opportunities?

Yes, by signing in our newsletter, you’ll receive news of upcoming programs and events!

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