Orange Corners launches new 3-year phase to boost youth entrepreneurship

Orange Corners Bangladesh, a global initiative of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has launched a new three-year phase, extending the programme from 2026 to 2028, to further support young entrepreneurs across the country.

Joris van Bommel, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh, inaugurated the initiative at an event, organised by YY Ventures, at Grameen Telecom Bhaban in Mirpur, Dhaka, according to a press release. 
 

Bommel said, “The Netherlands is proud to invest in young entrepreneurs building businesses with both economic and social impact. Orange Corners remains a flagship example of how supporting young changemakers contributes to Bangladesh’s long-term development.”
 

Representing Bangladesh, Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza), stressed the importance of public-private collaboration. 

He urged young entrepreneurs to identify real-market problems, noting, “Some of the challenges government advisers struggle to solve might actually have solutions sitting right here – among you, the young changemakers.”

The event brought together Dutch and Bangladeshi private sector leaders, investors, public officials, mentors, and entrepreneurs to reflect on the programme’s progress and future direction, while strengthening connections between youth-led enterprises and the broader private sector.

Implemented by YY Ventures, the new phase will deepen support for young entrepreneurs, with stronger ecosystem engagement, expanded incubation and acceleration programmes, and clearer pathways to investment.

Since its launch in 2023, Orange Corners has supported over 70 early-stage enterprises across sectors including circular economy, agriculture, water, ICT, education, and health.