Al Akhawayn University is holding the fourth “Entrepreneurship Week” from November 16–17 in an effort to promote creativity and give young Moroccan entrepreneurs more power.
Al Akhawayn University (AUI) is holding the fourth “Entrepreneurship Week” from November 16–17 in an effort to promote creativity and give young Moroccan entrepreneurs more power.
The event focuses on providing valuable support to startups through initiatives like “Speed Mentoring,” where expert mentors from around the world offer one-on-one guidance. The program also includes master classes and an angel round aimed at exploring the potential of these emerging businesses.
Deborah Bartlett, Chief Entrepreneurship Officer at Al Akhawayn University, emphasized the university’s commitment to helping students envision futures that involve launching businesses, creating jobs, and enhancing lives.
In an interview with Morocco World News (MWN), Bartlett highlighted the crucial role of mentoring, stating that “mentoring is more important than money.”
During her participation as a mentor at the event, Bartlett identified three common challenges faced by the startups present. The first challenge revolves around the need for mentorship, emphasizing the importance of guidance and support from experienced mentors. The second challenge centers on acquiring customers, acknowledging the risk-averse nature of consumers, while the third challenge pertains to securing financing.
Addressing these challenges, Bartlett recommended the establishment of “incubators,” whether virtual or live, where mentors are actively connected with startups. Regarding access to finance, she commended Morocco’s efforts in providing diverse avenues for startup funding and highlighted the pivotal role of the business angel network in overcoming financing obstacles.
Al Akhawayn University is actively fostering a growing community of business angels, currently boasting fifteen members with plans for continued expansion, according to Bartlett.
As the Chief Employability and Entrepreneurship Officer, Bartlett commended the progress of young entrepreneurs across Morocco. She noted a significant positive shift over the past seven years, attributing it to increased awareness, mentorship, and the availability of funding.
Chaimae Abou Lahsen, a Moroccan entrepreneur and mentor at the event, praised Morocco’s efforts in creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurs. Abou Lahsen emphasized the importance of supporting the business ideas of aspiring entrepreneurs, noting their potential to positively impact Moroccan society on both social and environmental fronts.
Aziz Benslimane, CEO of Hopla Mob and another mentor at the event, encouraged young Moroccan entrepreneurs not to fear failure and to seize opportunities to launch their projects. Benslimane highlighted the concept of launching and iterating as integral to the current startup landscape, echoing the mentoring principles emphasized during the event.