Cape Craft & Design Institute

What Cape Craft & Design Institute does

Cape Craft & Design Institute (CDI), legally The Craft and Design Institute, is a South African non-profit company founded in 1999 that supports creative entrepreneurs, artisans, and small businesses across the craft and design sector. The organization delivers a three-pillar service model: Business Support (workshops, coaching, mentoring, the free LEARN online learning platform), Product Support (an assisted-DIY prototyping facility equipped with 3D printing, CNC, laser cutting, electronics, welding, thermoforming, woodworking, and mould-making tools, plus SOLIDWORKS software donated by Dassault Systems), and Market Support (the PEEK.org.za marketplace hosting over 7,000 products, the monthly Kuier@TheCastle market serving 100+ businesses, the Watershed Design Lab retail incubator at V&A Waterfront, and recurring international trade show participation at Shoppe Object NYC and Maison & Objet Paris). CDI Capital operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary providing loans and grants, while the Orange Corners Designs incubation programme (an initiative of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs managed by CDI) and the UNDP timbuktoo Creatives Lab (managed by CDI) extend its accelerator footprint. CDI holds POPIA compliance certification and runs membership management on the YourMembership platform with Facebook and LinkedIn social login.

The organization is headquartered at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal, V&A Waterfront, with a Johannesburg regional office at Transwerke Studios, Braamfontein, operational since 2024. Its customer base of 8,400 members represents over 41,000 jobs, and over the last decade CDI has leveraged R200m of direct investment into 1,200 SMMEs, stimulated 4,960 sustainable jobs, and generated over R420m in additional investment. Revenue mechanics are dominated by institutional grants rather than commercial income: major funders include the National Treasury Job Fund (R1.5m for the SCALE project), the National Lotteries Commission (R612k), the National Arts Council, the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape Government (DCAS, DEDAT), the Department of Trade Industry and Competition, SEDA, V&A Waterfront, and international partners (Netherlands MoFA, UNDP). Membership is free, services are free or highly subsidized, and in June 2026 CDI introduced non-refundable booking fees for select webinars and workshops as a first revenue-model diversification step.

Go-to-market combines community-led outreach (free membership registration, referrals, workshops, individual consultations) with event-driven engagement (monthly physical markets, national and international trade shows, B2B matchmaking, Creative Exchange panel events), supported by a digital marketing mix including a content website, the LEARN learning platform, the PEEK marketplace, social channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X), a YouTube channel, and a monthly newsletter reaching over 10,000 readers. The leadership team is anchored by Group CEO Erica Elk (in role 20+ years), Chairperson Nomshado Twala, and a board that includes Howard Gabriels (Vice-Chairperson), Henry Mathys, Mandisi Kibito, Margaret Sibiya, Nwabisa Mayema, Rashid Lombard, and Paul Slack (Company Secretary).

Name

Cape Craft & Design Institute

Legal name

The Craft and Design Institute

Website

https://thecdi.org.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cape Craft & Design Institute (CDI) is a South African non-profit founded in 1999 that supports 8,400 creative entrepreneurs and SMMEs nationwide through integrated business, product (prototyping facility), and market support services, including the PEEK.org.za marketplace, LEARN platform, and international trade show access.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Cape Town

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: CDI is a not-for-profit company with all activities and support free or highly subsidised. Registration is free via the website. Revenue generation is minimal with membership being free.
2. Booking Fees (Recent): CDI recently introduced non-refundable booking fees for select services including webinars and workshops, effective from late June 2026.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

CDI is a non-profit company providing free or highly subsidised Business Support, Product Support, and Market Support services to South African creative entrepreneurs and SMMEs. Offerings span skills workshops, coaching and mentoring, a well-equipped prototyping facility, an online learning platform (LEARN), an online craft and design marketplace (PEEK.org.za), a monthly physical market (Kuier@TheCastle), and targeted incubation programmes including Orange Corners Designs and the Watershed Design Lab, alongside access to funding through its CDI Capital subsidiary.

Product overview

The Craft and Design Institute (CDI) is a non-profit company offering a multi-service support ecosystem for creative entrepreneurs, small businesses, and the craft and design sector in South Africa. The organisation operates a platform-plus-services model built around three core pillars: Business Support (workshops, coaching, and online learning via the LEARN platform), Product Support (a prototyping facility with tools, machines, and specialist advisors), and Market Support (access to trade events, the PEEK.org.za online marketplace, and the Kuier@TheCastle physical market). CDI Capital provides funding through its subsidiary, while programmes such as the Orange Corners Designs incubation programme (with OCIF funding up to R1,000,000), the Watershed Design Lab retail incubator, the SCALE project (R23,000 grants), and the UNDP timbuktoo Creatives Lab offer targeted support at different stages of business development. The organisation also manages the NEXT Showcase for global market access and operates a physical CDI Shop at the V&A Watershed. CDI has leveraged R200m in direct investment, stimulated 4,960 sustainable jobs, and generated over R420m in additional investment over the last decade, with 8,400 members representing over 41,000 jobs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CDI Capital: Subsidiary providing funding and financial services for creative entrepreneurs
• LEARN
• PEEK
• Orange Corners Designs
• Watershed Design Lab

Products and services

• Business Support Business skills development, personal development, creative development, coaching and mentoring services for creative entrepreneurs and artisans, including workshops, webinars, business templates and factsheets. Free or highly subsidised for CDI members.
• Product Support Assisted DIY prototyping facility with access to tools, machines, and skilled Product Support Advisors to help craft producers and designers develop new or refine existing products through research, conceptualisation, and object prototyping. Includes 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC engraving, electronics, welding, thermoforming, woodworking, and mould making, plus SOLIDWORKS software.
• Market Support Market access services connecting creative entrepreneurs to local markets, national and international trade and consumer events, B2B matchmaking, and support for export-ready businesses.
• CDI Capital CDI's wholly-owned subsidiary providing financial grants and loans to member entrepreneurs through impactful projects designed to scale up and accelerate creative business growth.
• CDI Online Learning Platform (LEARN) Free online learning platform offering business skills courses covering HR management, finance, marketing, and social media, plus personal development, creative development courses and webinars for creative entrepreneurs.
• PEEK.org.za Platform South Africa's largest craft and design online platform, showcasing over 7,000 local products to local and global markets, enabling creative businesses to reach wider audiences.
• Kuier@TheCastle Market Monthly creative market at the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town, creating trading opportunities for over 100 businesses monthly. A top City of Cape Town attraction and family-friendly creative destination.
• Orange Corners Designs Incubation Programme 12-month intensive incubation programme for 20 young entrepreneurs (aged 18-35) per site in Cape Town and Johannesburg, supporting innovative businesses contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Includes workshops, mentorship, business development tools, and access to prototyping grants and business loans up to R1,000,000 from the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF). An initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, managed by CDI.
• Watershed Design Lab Retail incubator run as a collaboration between CDI and V&A Waterfront, offering a 16-month training programme as a living retail laboratory. Emerging brands gain real-world retail experience, refine products, and develop essential business skills before occupying store space for a year.
• SCALE Project (Supporting Creatives + Accelerating Local Enterprises) Project supported by National Treasury's Job Fund designed for informal businesses with annual turnover under R1m, providing each participant with a R23,000 grant, access to training via the LEARN platform, mentorship, market exposure through PEEK, and YOCO point of sale devices.
• UNDP timbuktoo Creatives Lab Groundbreaking accelerator programme managed by CDI and designed to ignite innovation, promote sustainability, and unlock business growth across Africa's Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs). Includes Design Thinking workshops and access to the timbuktoo Creatives Hub.
• Products of Place Project Capacity building and product support project funded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) and Western Cape DCAS, supporting 139 craft producers in Hermanus, Swellendam, and Worcester to develop new products reflecting their local heritage and place, expanding creativity for tourist-facing markets.
• NEXT Showcase Exhibition CDI programme dedicated to showcasing South African craft, design, and manufacturing on the global stage, supporting high-potential creative enterprises to reach international markets.
• Circular Maker Space at Cape Town Cruise Terminal V&A Waterfront-funded initiative operated by CDI, creating a new platform for circular making, creative enterprise and innovation at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal.
• Market Sales Skills Development Project CDI project supported by the National Arts Council (NAC) creating 15 funded part-time job opportunities while developing retail and market-ready skills for women and youth in the craft and design sector. Includes five-day training covering POS systems, cash handling, inventory management, and merchandising.
• CDI Shop at V&A Watershed Physical CDI retail shop located at the V&A Watershed in Cape Town, offering local craft and design products to visitors and tourists.

Quantifiable outcome

• R200m direct investment into 1,200 SMMEs over the last decade
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• V&A WaterfrontcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner supporting CDI through Design Lab incubator space at Watershed, funding for Circular Maker Space at Cape Town Cruise Terminal, and ongoing programme support. One of CDI's most significant institutional partners.
• SEDA (Small Enterprise Development Agency)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment agency providing support for CDI's international trade show participation and SMME development initiatives.
• Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting the Design Lab programme with marketing support and awareness campaigns to drive traffic to the retail incubator space.
• Invest Cape TowncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Market Intelligence events hosting expert panels on retail, tourism, and wholesale trade at Invest Cape Town Centre in City Hall.
• Constitution HillminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJohannesburg cultural institution providing support for Orange Corners Designs programme in Johannesburg.
• UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) - timbuktoo Creatives LabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGroundbreaking accelerator programme designed to ignite innovation and unlock business growth across Africa's Cultural and Creative Industries. Proudly managed by CDI.
• Hasso Plattner School of Design Thinking (d-school) at UCTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner providing Design Thinking workshops for CDI programmes including Orange Corners Designs and timbuktoo Creatives Lab participants.
• University of Johannesburg Technology Transfer Office (UJTTO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Orange Corners Designs Johannesburg cohort graduation ceremonies and programme activities.
• The #cocreateSANL (Netherlands Mission Network in South Africa)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLed the #cocreate Circular Design Challenge collaboration with CDI, driving circular economy solutions with R60,000 in awards to innovators.
• African Circular Economy Network (ACEN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in #cocreate Circular Design Challenge 2024 providing circular economy expertise and workshop facilitation.
• Circular South Africa (CSA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in circular economy initiatives and #cocreate Circular Design Challenge supporting sustainability innovators.
• GreenCapeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in circular economy initiatives supporting CDI's sustainability and green economy programmes.
• ViridianminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFacilitated Growth Levers workshop for Orange Corners Designs participants helping shape business growth strategies.
• BusinessNLminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrought Dutch and South African entrepreneurs together in Cape Town through CDI-hosted networking event.
• Constitution HillminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJohannesburg cultural institution supporting Orange Corners Designs programme as partner providing match funding.
• WesgrocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWestern Cape Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency partnering on export advancement and market intelligence programmes.
• National Empowerment FundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment investment institution participating in Orange Corners Designs Creative Exchange sessions sharing knowledge with cohort entrepreneurs.
• Gauteng Tourism AuthorityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvincial tourism body participating in Orange Corners Designs Creative Exchange sessions.
• TourvestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrand Manager & Buyer Maureen Waldeck participated as expert panelist at CDI Market Intelligence event sharing retail insights.
• Kamers/MakersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOwner and Creative Director Wanda Du Toit shared wholesale trade expertise at CDI Market Intelligence panel.
• Kalk Bay ModernminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOwner Cheryl Rumbak provided insights on local retail and tourism market opportunities at CDI event.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Not On The High Street: Curated UK online marketplace aggregating independent designer-makers. Closely comparable to PEEK in model (curated craft/design catalogue) and mission (supporting small creative businesses to reach wider markets), though operating in a different geography.
• Etsy: Global online marketplace for handmade craft and design products. Directly comparable to CDI's PEEK.org.za platform as a two-sided marketplace showcasing artisan-made goods to a global buyer base, though at vastly greater scale.
• Prince's Trust Enterprise Programme: UK non-profit providing enterprise support, mentoring, and start-up funding for young entrepreneurs aged 18-30. Closely comparable to CDI's Orange Corners Designs cohort programme in youth-focused intensive incubation with grant access.

Regional players

• MEST Africa: Pan-African entrepreneur training and seed-investment programme for technology startups headquartered in Accra. Comparable to CDI in training-led incubation of African founders, but focused on tech ventures rather than craft/design.
• Injini: African EdTech accelerator and think-tank running cohort-based programmes for impact-driven education ventures. Comparable to CDI's OCD and SCALE programmes as an African-focused, cohort-based accelerator with grant and partnership support.
• Westerwelle Startup Haus Africa: Network of innovation spaces across Sub-Saharan Africa supporting early-stage entrepreneurs with workspace, training and mentorship. Comparable to CDI's regional hub infrastructure (Cape Town + Johannesburg offices) and entrepreneur support programming, but tech-and-SME focused.

Broad incumbents

• Impact Hub Network: Global network of physical innovation hubs providing co-working, incubation and programming for impact-driven entrepreneurs. Comparable to CDI's physical spaces (V&A Watershed Design Lab, Cruise Terminal) as a multi-service creative enterprise hub model.
• Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme: Large pan-African philanthropy running a flagship entrepreneurship training, mentoring and seed-capital programme for African entrepreneurs across sectors. Comparable in mission to support African SMEs and in scope of mentorship and capital access, broader than CDI's craft/design specialism.
• British Council Creative Enterprise Programme: UK government-sponsored programme supporting creative entrepreneurs internationally with training, mentorship and international showcase access. Comparable in mission (creative sector enterprise development), but operates as a broader foreign-policy cultural tool.

Emerging players

• Africa Eats: Early-stage African venture fund and accelerator backing young African food and retail entrepreneurs with capital and mentorship. Comparable to CDI Capital + Orange Corners Innovations Fund model of combining acceleration with grant/loan capital for African SMMEs, though sector and stage differ.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Craft_andDesign
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCo59IuogoUmyvLyFjJuo-Kg/playlists
• Facebookfacebook.com/Craft-and-Design-Institute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-craft-and-design-institute-cdi

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cape Craft & Design Institute