As we mark the completion of our first year with Orange Corners, we like to reflect on a journey filled with milestones, challenges and countless growth opportunities. Let’s go through the key numbers and achievements that defined our first year with Orange Corners.
The two cohorts in numbers
In our first year implementing Orange Corners Algeria, we received an impressive 485 applications from 44 different states across Algeria. This incredible response led to the formation of 2 cohorts, composed of 29 innovative businesses working in diverse sectors : agriculture, renewable energy, technology, sustainability, food production, water, circular economy, digital transformation, education & training and more. Our 45 founders and co-founders came from 16 different regions, showcasing the inclusive nature and reach of the programme, and also its impact.
A glimpse into the outcomes
Our journey wasn’t only marked by diversity, but also by meaningful collaborations, measurable outcomes and opportunities for growth. On average, our entrepreneurs rated the programme a 9,26/10, which only encourages us for further improvement. Collaboration and partnerships flourished during this year, with 66,7 per cent of businesses working together, not only within their cohorts, but also across the two cohorts. And product development was at its best, as 93,3 per cent of entrepreneurs reported the improvement of their products during the programme. Together, our entrepreneurs created 132 jobs.
Our trainers are carefully selected, prioritising experts with hands-on entrepreneurial experience. As we support the businesses with tailored technical support and capacity building, we ensure that the schedule is designed to accommodate them. This commitment is reflected in the feedback, as all participants confirmed that the schedule of the sessions and activities was well-aligned with their work commitments as entrepreneurs.
The next generation of entrepreneurs
Besides the two cohorts, Orange Corners Algeria organised programmes for aspiring young entrepreneurs. During the Ideation Bootcamp we guided over 120 young people with projects in the idea phase. We also organised a series of intensive training sessions, attended by 113 participants, covering various areas such as project management and Facebook advertising. These sessions were designed to empower early stage businesses to scale up and, who knows, perhaps become part of future cohorts.
Furthermore, we also hosted 10 meetups with influential Algerian entrepreneurs. These meetups aimed to inspire participants and ease their worries about starting a business. More than just discussions, the meetups were an opportunity for attendees to ask questions, gain insights and be inspired by the founders’ journeys and stories.
To conclude a remarkable year, we organised the Orange Corners Algeria Annual Ceremony as our grand closing. This event brought together esteemed guests like H.E. Mr. Noureddine Ouadah, Minister of Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro-enterprises, H.E. Mr. Yacine El Mahdi Walid, Minister of Vocational Training and Education, Mr. Anne Poorta, Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands in Algeria, Rachel van der Pol, Orange Corners programme advisor for Algeria, and an inspiring mix of businesses, trainers, private partners and ecosystem stakeholders. In our commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial community, we also extended invitations to small businesses and young entrepreneurs. This was the opportunity for attendees to network, collaborate and get inspired.
The day featured three different panels led by the businesses from the two cohorts, who shared their inspirational journeys and the stories behind their businesses. The panels were a testament of the businesses’ diversity, as each tackled a different theme going from: startup pathway, impact stories and empowering jobs.
With each challenge conquered, and every goal achieved we have witnessed the power of collaboration and innovative spirit, and every step of this journey has been a further testament to the boundless potential found in the Algerian entrepreneurial sector.
Applications are now open to join the third cohort of the acceleration programme. Be part of our journey as we create new milestones in the upcoming year!
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