Inclusive Entrepreneurship Project "Ceiid" Comes to a Close

Launched a year ago amidst a flurry of private initiatives, the "Catalyser l'entrepreneuriat inclusif : vers un écosystème innovant et durable (Ceiid)" project has finally concluded, marking the culmination of a close partnership between the Centre de la femme arabe pour la formation et la recherche (Cawtar) and the GIZ, through its Digital Transformation Center. The project's closing workshop took place on April 30th in Tunis.

The Project's Background and Objectives

The project was motivated by a general context marked by the growing dynamism of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly through the development of startups and very small enterprises (TPE). However, this opportunity to invest is not given to all, and appears less equitable. "Access to women and vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities or those from rural areas remains limited. These populations face structural obstacles, including restricted access to financing, technical skills, and adapted support mechanisms, hindering their full participation in the economy," reads the project's concept note formulated by Cawtar.

Aiding Vulnerable Entrepreneurs

Cawtar had a strong case to support this category of struggling promoters, aided by the GIZ, with a total funding of approximately €150,000. To achieve its objectives, the "Catalyser l'entrepreneuriat inclusif (Ceiid)" project aimed to promote the socio-economic inclusion of beneficiaries.

Project Outcomes

According to Cawtar, the project was structured around two major axes: strengthening the institutional capacity of support organizations for enterprises (OSE), on the one hand, and supporting TPE and startups, on the other, to promote an inclusive and innovative digital ecosystem. This was done by leveraging the key role of OSE in providing personalized support to entrepreneurs, from idea to implementation. However, their capacity to integrate inclusive approaches and offer adapted services to the specific needs of the target audience needed to be strengthened.

Project Implementation and Impact

Implemented by Cawtar in partnership with the Digital Transformation Center of the GIZ in Tunisia and supported by the Special Initiative "Decent Work for a Just Transition (Invest for Jobs)" of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the project appears to have honored its commitments. It has enabled the strengthening of the capacities of 21 OSE and the accompaniment of approximately 105 startups and micro-enterprises, totaling 120 beneficiaries. This was achieved through a training program encompassing entrepreneurship, financial education, and integrating digital and inclusive dimensions into their activities, capable of responding to market requirements.

Conclusion

The "Catalyser l'entrepreneuriat inclusif : vers un écosystème innovant et durable (Ceiid)" project has come to a close, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of inclusive entrepreneurship in Tunisia. Its success demonstrates the potential of partnerships between local organizations and international development agencies in supporting vulnerable entrepreneurs and fostering a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.