Encouraging the emergence of very small businesses and SMEs
Since 2011, Orange has organized the Orange African Social Venture Prize: a competition that recognizes innovative projects focused on social initiatives, targeting at least one of the 17 countries where the Group is present. Selected based on criteria looking at their social impact, innovation, replicability and economic viability, the top three projects are awarded 25,000, 15,000 and 10,000 euros respectively, in addition to six months of support from Orange's teams.
As Amine Beloubad, CSR project and partnership manager in Africa, explains: “Small businesses are the driving force for development!”.
The aim is to offer support that will benefit the rapid development of a strong ecosystem for very small, small and medium-sized businesses. The winning businesses from 2011 to 2014 are all still active and dynamic today!
“In 2015, we passed a major milestone, with 608 quality projects showing real maturity”, confirms Amine Beloubad.
Dedicated portal for entrepreneurs in Africa and the Middle East
Orange is showcasing its offer to support people setting up francophone and anglophone businesses on its all-new site: Entrepreneur Club
Fréderic Bléhaut, Chief Executive of StarAfrica, Orange's pan-African portal, explains the approach:
With this site, we want to create a richer relationship with entrepreneurs. The content will be regularly enhanced based on feedback from the first users in order to become even more practical.
Available in English and French, Entrepreneur Club is aimed at all entrepreneurs whom activities are in Africa and the Middle East, not just in tech fields: for instance, a startup offering a clothing collection will find all the information and contacts to create its website.
The site offers information based on the level of progress made with projects:
- A simple idea to be launched? Find out how to challenge this project, enable it to progress, protect your idea, etc.
- A concrete project? Find all the advice to make it a reality.
- A business that is already set up, with your first customer? Find all the information to move forward, start developing internationally or secure financing.
Solidarity FabLabs: already in five African countries
To enable project owners to access the vital but expensive equipment they need, the Orange Foundation has come up with a tailor-made response: the Solidarity FabLabs.
These FabLabs, run by volunteers and supported by Orange employees, who also volunteer their time, enable project owners to access cutting-edge tools (3D printers, laser cutters, digital sewing machines and even digital engraving machines). By combining technical resources with skill sharing, the Solidarity FabLabs offer real opportunities for beneficiaries to move forward with their projects or gain new skills.
The Solidarity FabLabs are organized around an international network and exist in nine countries across Europe and Africa. Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, Madagascar and Mauritius already have their own Solidarity FabLabs in place!
