Operating in the eastern part of the Occitanie region,
France Active Airdie-Occitanie is a solidarity association that
encourages entrepreneurship for women in Montpellier’s “priority districts”, offering
comprehensive assistance for women entrepreneurs.
The second edition of the Les Essenti'Elles competition was held this year. A total of
36 women entrepreneurs applied and 20 were pre-selected to
pitch their project to the jury. After deliberation, we are pleased to welcome
fifteen new winners into the Les Essenti’Elles program.
The winners selected for this class will benefit from a
grant ranging from 1,000 € to 3,000 €, plus other
financial tools such as honorary loans and guarantees,
sponsorship,
custom training adapted to their needs, intensified
one-on-one follow-up,
communication support,
networking with entrepreneurship stakeholders, and
mutual assistance among winners.
This support initiative sends out a powerful message to women entrepreneurs, enabling them to step out on their own and become an active part of the business world, thereby putting an end to precarious employment. It also gives them the opportunity to overcome the obstacles too often encountered by these women, including challenges related to childcare, invisibility, cultural barriers, and language difficulties. During the welcome day that took place on Thursday, May 4, 2023, the new class was able to ask questions of the previous year’s winners, gaining valuable insight into the experience and challenges they could encounter on their entrepreneurial journey.
The Les Essenti'Elles competition is a clear example of our commitment to
gender equality and the promotion of entrepreneurship among women.
In particular, it encourages women to set up their own businesses, expand their skills, and actively contribute to the vitality and diversification of their community and the city of Montpellier.