Orange is a proud partner of the Escalator, a new incubator which aims to reduce inequalities when it comes to entrepreneurship through access to professional contacts and financial resources.
Entrepreneurial adventure for all
The Escalator initiative gives a vital helping hand to people who may have a great business idea but lack the contacts or funds to get it off the ground. The incubator will oversee 30 projects per year, through two rounds, following the vision summarised by Maurice Lévy who initiated the programme: “Your ideas before your CV”. Selected entrepreneurs will benefit from a co-working space, coaching, sales and marketing support and even IT equipment if necessary.
An environment conducive to development
Entrepreneurs chosen in the first round will have a three-month period to prepare and clarify their idea to ensure it is viable. A jury, made up of entrepreneurs and partners including Orange, will decide whether they will be selected to join the 12-month incubation programme. During this second phase, the selected candidates will work on their business project, with guidance from experts, in an environment conducive to development. The Escalator extends over a space of more than 1,000 square meters on Boulevard Raspail in Levallois-Perret, in the heart of the third largest tertiary (services) centre in Paris.
Committed to equality
The Escalator works closely with equal opportunity associations as well as private sector partners such as Orange. Supporting this initiative makes sense for the Group, a major player in the start-up ecosystem with digital equality at the heart of its strategy. “Like Orange, the Escalator is committed to reducing inequalities,” said Stéphane Richard, Orange Chairman and CEO. “Our goal is to promote sustainable and inclusive innovation and support anyone wishing to participate in this growing entrepreneurial movement. That’s the meaning behind our 18 Orange Fabs (opens in a new window) around the world as well as the Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East which over the past decade has rewarded the best technological projects with a positive impact for Africa and the Middle East.”
Applications are open until 31 September 2021 on the Escalator website. The only requirement is to have a business idea and be ready to move to the Escalator offices.
So don’t hesitate, take the Escalator!