Situated in the northern part of the Algerian desert, Ghardaia is the perfect scenery for reflection and creativity. The city, with its rich cultural heritage, serves as the best example of how community and engagement intertwine with sustainability and impact – which in itself offers a unique atmosphere that encourages personal and professional growth.
What better place than this for our impact driven entrepreneurs? Ghardaia was the best destination for an all-in immersive week filled with different experiences designed to inspire, challenge and broaden the entrepreneurial journey of each business owner across our two most recent Orange Corners Algeria cohorts. This experience was crafted not only to nurture their innovative ideas but also to foster collaboration, spark new ways of thinking and enhance their vision of positive change.
Building long-term value through content
During this week, the quietness and peace surrounding the place was an ideal environment for our entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in sessions carefully designed to explore the scalability of their businesses.
The first session focused on understanding the power of storytelling in business, and how it is a vital tool for entrepreneurs looking to inspire others and drive their vision forward. This session encouraged participants to reflect and share their own journeys in a way that will resonate with larger audiences.
The second cohort had another masterclass focused on company diagnosis for business development, a session designed to provide the participants with practical tools to analyse the health of a business and help entrepreneurs identify areas for improvement and growth.
In addition to this, both cohorts attended a fundraising masterclass led by ASF, OCIF implementer in Algeria. This session provided a thorough understanding of the funding process, breaking down the complexities of securing investments and the importance of sound accounting practices.
These sessions were thoughtfully crafted to equip the business owners with the tools and mindset necessary for long-term development.
A week of reflection, adventure and inspiration
This week was not just about training, it was also an opportunity for the participants to reconnect with themselves and their purpose. The immersive environment gave them the opportunity to slow down, reflect and recalibrate, in order to propel their venture with renewed energy and focus.
The cohorts also had the opportunity to engage in various activities and discover local enterprises of the region such as Champidor, a partner of the programme in technical support and a pioneering company that cultivates white mushrooms in the desert. Not only was the cultivation of mushrooms in Ghardaia a challenge, but so was the commercialising of this product to the locals. With much perseverance and determination the company overcame these obstacles by designing and manufacturing their own machinery made to meet the very specific needs of mushroom cultivation, and find the right market for their products. Moreover, throughout the years Champidor became a zero waste, eco-friendly business, and created over 40 green jobs.
The business owners were inspired by the ingenuity and innovative steps taken by the founder Kacem in order to launch his business. His business journey showed our cohorts how true ambition and perseverance can defy the odds.
The cohorts also had the opportunity to visit Les Jardins du Monde, a business nestled in the desert, designed to nurture the spirit of Ghardaia by protecting their region’s oasis and engaging the community to be more environmentally conscious. In order to be fully immersed in the experience, and as a token of sustainability for the many decades to come, each cohort had the opportunity to plant their own palm tree, a symbolic gesture that aligns with the collective commitment to sustainability and the cohorts’ shared values and dedication to a greener future.
Another enlightening experience for the cohorts was the visit to Rahamat centre, a business known for producing a wide range of products with dates as its main component, as well as providing assistance to children with impairment. The venture was built on the values of generosity, community support, and giving back to others with no expectations of return. Throughout the visit participants learned about how a business can be inclusive, impactful and profitable, all while serving as a symbol of dedication to both social and environmental causes.
Overall, these experiences were a testament to the cohorts of what it means to be an entrepreneur through and through, not just in business, but to others, and by extant to society.
Fostering synergy between cohorts
One of the most remarkable outcomes seen right away from this week in Ghardaia was the immediate interaction between the two cohorts. For many participants this was their first chance to meet and interact with one another, creating a remarkable setting.
It was interesting to witness how some of the participants found that they were complementary to one another’s ventures, and how collaboration could potentially sparkle effortlessly between them. This week heightened the strength of shared knowledge and mutual support, emphasising the important role of community within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
It was clear that this week’s true value was not only in the training and experiences shared, but also in the lasting relationships forged among like-minded individuals, all working towards creating a positive impact in their respective sectors.
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