Call for Applications – Incubation Programme
Do you have an innovative entrepreneurial idea? At Orange Grove we help turn novel business ideas into reality and support startups & innovative SMEs to grow bigger, better, faster.
Applications are now OPEN for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs to join Orange Grove’s online Incubation Programme.
The participants of our next cohort will benefit from an intensive 24-week programme of entrepreneurial training and access to an international network of experts.
We offer
· 12 weeks of interactive workshops on developing an innovative entrepreneurial mindset and skills delivered by acclaimed international and local trainers.
· Followed by 12 weeks of tailor-made, specialized workshops.
· Mentoring and ad-hoc one-on-one sessions with our professional experts’ community, consisting of exceptional entrepreneurs and leading international corporations.
· Connections to the global network of Orange Grove and the Embassy of the Netherlands.
· Digital training materials through our platform.
· Access to a vibrant ecosystem of alumni entrepreneurs.
· Discounted services from selected partners.
You may download the programme brochure here.
Deadline:
Applications will remain open until Sunday 21st May 2023, at 23:59 (GMT+3). You may submit your application in draft form and edit until the deadline (see application form for instructions). We encourage you to open your application process early on, as this will allow us to help you with possible questions and challenges.
Launch:
The 2023AUT Incubation Programme will begin in mid-September. We hold weekly workshops which usually take place every Monday at 18:00 (local time) via our platform and attendance is mandatory. Additional workshops, meetups, 1-1s or other activities may be scheduled during the week. All dates and times are subject to change.
FAQs
- Who can apply to join Orange Grove?
Individuals or teams with a viable and innovative business idea who are determined to commit into growing their idea into a successful business. Our programme is open to both idea-stage and early-stage startups or innovative SMEs. No relevant academic or professional background is mandatory in order to apply but in-depth knowledge of your market will be needed if you want your idea to evolve. Applicants must speak English and Greek. Most workshops and materials are delivered in English, though a select number of workshops and materials may be delivered in Greek (usually ones related to legal or accounting). There is no upper age-limit, but applicants must be over 18. Applicants must have a connection to either Greece or the Netherlands. And the business proposition must conform with the EU and Greek law framework.
- Who is Orange Grove looking for?
Do you have an innovative idea that can turn into a viable, fast-growing business? Are you full of entrepreneurial spirit and truly committed to your dream? Then Orange Grove is the place for you. In OG you will meet like-minded talented entrepreneurs and receive support from inspiring professionals who will share their insights on opportunities, niche markets and pitfalls, among many things.
- Is Orange Grove looking into specific sectors?
Orange Grove accepts applications from all sectors, except ideas related to military products or services, gambling, tobacco or products / services illegal by EU or Greek law. Furthermore, Orange Grove does not support ideas that infringe the rights of third parties of any kind, and/or are contrary to accepted principles of morality, and/or whose implementation may jeopardize public order, the public interest or fundamental human rights.
- What happens after I apply?
Once the application process closes, all applications will be reviewed. Shortlisted applications will be invited to an interview in order to present before our selection committee. After the interviews, a final selection of applications will be offered a spot at our Incubation Programme. Orange Grove, at its discretion, may offer you a spot in a different programme should the selection committee recommend this to be a better fit.
- If I apply, am I legally bound to join the programme?
No, there is no legal obligation. But, the members of our selection committee are offering us their valuable time as volunteers and we wish to bring them applications by committed applicants!
- Is there a fee to join Orange Grove?
Due to the amazing support of our donors and sponsors, our Incubation Programme is fully sponsored and, therefore, there is no participation fee.
- Is there a limit to the team size?
Yes, we aim to host only up to 5 members of a team in our programme. If your core team consists of over 5 members, please get in touch with us ([email protected]).
- Does Orange Grove have any claim over my new business idea?
No, when joining our program Orange Grove does not have any claim over the gains or equity of your new business.
- I don’t live in Athens or Patras, can I still apply?
Yes, there is no geographic limitation to applications. This is an online programme. Once the circumstances related to COVID-19 allow it, we may transition to a hybrid model. Then physical presence in our offices (Athens or Patras) may be asked on occasion for specific events (eg. bootcamps, special guest speakers, meetups etc.).
Important Notice:
Please note that your application will be shared with members of the Orange Grove team and our selection committee. We kindly ask you not to include “sensitive” information that might affect your IP such as designs, algorithms or other, or other information regarding your “secret sauce”.