Orange Corners Algeria is growing! The programme is extending its reach across the country, as the second Sylabs cohort saw a remarkable increase in popularity, with applications pouring in from 44 regions. We received an overwhelming total of 277 applications, which in itself is testament to the burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit in Algeria.
The programme’s focus on providing support and networking opportunities has encouraged entrepreneurs to apply and join the acceleration programme, which resulted in a diversification of their ventures across various sectors.
Due diligence: final step before onboarding
Assessing 277 applications to identify the most promising companies who can benefit the most from our programme is an arduous process. While the bootcamp and pitch day are essential stages for the 24 pre-selected companies, a comprehensive due diligence process is conducted by the Sylabs team in order to verify the claims made during the pitch in terms of product quality, financial numbers, sales, compliance and customer satisfaction. This step is vital to ensure we are selecting the right entrepreneurs.
A glimpse into the second cohort
This second Sylabs cohort of 15 different Algerian entrepreneurs showcases a wider diversity in business sectors. On one hand, the cohort includes enterprises such as Carabine design, a company providing women with decent job opportunities in the sewing sector by producing women’s clothing. On the other hand, there are ventures boosting the digital transformation like Hellodata, a company that supports data-driven decision-making by providing small and medium businesses with data analyses solutions.
There are also companies dedicated to renewable energy such as Voltagas, an eco-friendly and economical alternative energy solution for farmers that reduces electricity consumption by using different gases in their plantations.
Additionally, the cohort encompasses businesses focused on local food production, such as Fromagerie caffy, a company that produces different variants of cheese using locally sourced milk. There are also initiatives in education, namely Ortho Bougie aimed at revolutionising learning experiences for children facing challenges like autism.
This diverse array of enterprises not only underscores the entrepreneurial versatility in Algeria but also highlights the significant contributions Orange Corners entrepreneurs make to key areas such as sustainability, digital transformation, local food systems and modernised educational and delivery solutions.
And the journey begins
As the programme continues to expand and the number of cohorts grows, it presents an exciting challenge for Orange Corners Algeria’s team, who are both eager and enthusiastic about delivering measurable impact and bettering the programme’s quality.
To commence the programme, we held a kick-off session, which started with a thorough understanding of the programme’s vision featured by Rachel van der Pol, the HQ programme advisor, along with Mohamed Moussaoui, Business Developer at ASF, who outlined potential funding opportunities through OCIF Algeria.
This event featured esteemed guests who shared their expertise and experiences within the programme to further equip the new cohort with the knowledge and tools necessary to maximise their programme experience. We invited Samir Tahraoui, co-founder and CEO of Lablabee, who was part of Sylabs’s 2021 Acceleration programme. Samir shared his experience and the impact of the programme on his business, and how he then was able to expand to a worldwide market. Additionally, Fairouz Mahtout, co-founder of Biosphere and an active participant in the first Sylabs cohort, shared her journey and the benefits she derived from the programme.
The cohort was provided with a comprehensive understanding of the programme’s structure, goals and how to navigate the opportunities presented by Elalia Bentaifour, project coordinator at Sylabs.
Looking ahead, the programme remains dedicated to supporting and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. By fostering an environment of collaboration and growth, Orange Corners Algeria is setting the stage for continued success and transformation across the nation. For those inspired by these stories and eager to contribute, the next cohort presents an exciting opportunity to be part of Algeria’s entrepreneurial sphere, so make sure to stay updated on what’s coming by following us on:
