Inclusive Businesses 30% More Likely to Perform and Withstand Crises
This statement by Soukeina Bouraoui sets the tone. It was made during the closing workshop of the "Catalyzing Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CEIID)" project, held on April 30 in Tunis by the Arab Women's Center for Training and Research.
In this context, the official emphasized the need for a profound transformation of the entrepreneurial model. According to her, inclusive entrepreneurship involves thinking ahead to build structures where every profile finds its place, integrating diversity and equal opportunities as structuring elements, not secondary ones. The presentation of the project's results, ensured by Nifel Mahjoub, project coordinator, highlights a persistent gap in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. "A large part of vulnerable people remains excluded," he explains, citing women, rural populations, and people with disabilities, who face obstacles such as access to financing or lack of support.
To address this, the project was structured around two main axes: strengthening support structures and directly supporting businesses. A total of 21 support structures were selected from nearly 150 applications, with a balance between public, private, and associative actors. These structures benefited from training on inclusive entrepreneurship, business model design, and digital transformation, contributing to the creation of a national support network.
On the business side, 105 SMEs and startups were selected from 360 applications, spread across several regions. Among them, 71% are led by women, a key indicator of inclusion. The beneficiaries followed a complete path: development of economic models, financial education, leadership, and digitalization. A personalized coaching program allowed 90 businesses to finalize their business model, integrating inclusive and digital dimensions, as well as a diversity charter.
Funding and International Opening
The project also included targeted financial support. Six businesses received subsidies in the form of equipment and services, for a total amount of $30,000. Additionally, three startups were selected to participate in GITEX Africa, offering them international visibility, networking opportunities, and access to new markets, particularly in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence.
In this regard, Bouraoui considers it a "remarkable success," despite "major challenges" and a limited execution period of 12 months, described as a "real race against time." She highlights several achievements, including the establishment of an inclusive entrepreneurship charter, which she considers the "most significant exercise" of the project. This charter, adaptable to different business profiles, "goes beyond classical social responsibility" and lays the foundation for a new framework.
