Orange Corners Ignites Youth Innovation in Morocco's Beni Mellal-Khenifra Region
Orange Corners Morocco recently celebrated the graduation of 36 young entrepreneurs in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, highlighting a significant push for youth innovation and startup growth outside traditional urban centers. The program, an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, culminated in pitch events and a graduation ceremony, empowering the next generation of Moroccan founders.
Key Details
The events, organized by Orange Corners Morocco in partnership with Impact Lab, took place in late March and early April 2024. A Pitch Day was held on March 28 where entrepreneurs presented their projects, followed by a Graduation Ceremony on April 2.
The program welcomed participants from two cohorts (Cohorts 4 and 5), totaling 36 young entrepreneurs from the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region. These individuals received comprehensive support designed to accelerate their startup journeys, including:
Intensive training and capacity building
Personalized coaching and mentorship
Networking opportunities with local ecosystem actors
Access to potential funding sources
The graduation ceremony marked the successful completion of the acceleration phase for these startups. The event saw the attendance of key stakeholders, including representatives from the Netherlands Embassy in Morocco, local authorities, and prominent figures from the regional entrepreneurial landscape, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the initiative.
Implications
The Orange Corners Morocco program's focus on the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region is a crucial step in decentralizing startup support in Morocco. By investing in entrepreneurial talent in diverse regions, the initiative helps to:
Foster local economic development
Create job opportunities outside major cities
Empower youth in areas that may have fewer traditional resources
Build a stronger, more inclusive national innovation ecosystem
The program not only provides essential skills and networks but also instills confidence and provides crucial early-stage momentum for founders tackling local challenges and opportunities. The symbolic seed funding awarded to promising projects during the pitch event further demonstrates tangible support for these nascent ventures.
About Orange Corners
Orange Corners is a global initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, designed to support young entrepreneurs and startups in emerging markets. The program operates through local hubs that provide a safe space for learning, networking, and business development. Its core mission is to contribute to sustainable economic growth and job creation by empowering the next generation of business leaders. In Morocco, the program is implemented by Impact Lab, leveraging their local expertise and network.
Looking Ahead
The graduation of these two cohorts signifies the continued commitment of Orange Corners Morocco and its partners to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region. The skills, connections, and initial support provided aim to equip these 36 startups for sustainable growth. The program is expected to continue its efforts, further integrating into the local ecosystem and supporting future cohorts of young innovators, contributing to the region's economic dynamism and positioning it as a growing hub for Moroccan entrepreneurship.
Source: Morocco World News