Since the start of 2022, Fair & Sustainable Consulting is implementing a new programme in Mali entitled Projet d’Accompagnement à la Croissance des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises or PAC-PME (accompanying small businesses to growth). This accelerator programme, financed by the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO), is implemented in Bamako and in the Regions. In total, 100 enterprises and their promotors, among whom 40% women, will be supported with mentorships, training courses, and connections to investors to enable them to grow. These entrepreneurs are sourced from the graduates of 2 predecessor programs called FACEJ and EPEC.
PAC-PME adds a crucial ingredient to the growth journey of these entrepreneurs. The final objective is increasing employment opportunities, both for the entrepreneurs themselves, and the people they will hire. Mentoring is the key activity in PAC-PME, and the entrepreneur occupies a central place in our 12-month mentorship trajectory. This contrasts with more traditional approaches in which coaches, with the best intentions, sometimes prevent the entrepreneur from taking the lead in their own journey of personal development and business growth. Our mentors receive intensive training, including on-the-job training to acquire the necessary skills that allow them to create a healthy and effective relationship with their mentees.
In addition, the entrepreneurs receive specialized short-term trainings in the form of masterclasses, peer learning sessions, and facilitation of access to financial services. PAC-PME will deliver more established companies, resilient to changes in the Malian business environment, who are able to offer employment opportunities.
Lady in picture: Ms. Fatoumata Touré
On September 8 PAC-PME was officially launched at the Conseil National du Patronat du Mali in Bamako. The first cohort of PAC PME with its group of mentors was presented in the presence of the Minister of Entrepreneurship, Employment and Vocational Training Mr. Bakary Doumbia, the Ambassador of the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in Mali, Mr. Marchel Gerrmann, as well as the promotor of the first cohort, Mr. Mossadeck Bally, CEO of the Azalai Hotel Group.
Are you interested in partnering with our programme or more generally in support for SMEs in Sub-Sahara Africa? Please contact:
Victor van der Linden: victor.van.der.linden@fairandsustainable.org
Annelien Meerts: annelien.meerts@fairandsustainable.org
