Developing an entrepreneurial spirit has become essential, not only to innovate but also to adapt to market challenges. Within ADEO companies, and at Weldom in particular, this dynamic is fully encouraged. In 2018, Weldom launched The Entrepreneur Campus, a unique programme open to all group employees, to make entrepreneurship accessible to the greatest number.
Karim Houchi, Weldom Recruitment Manager and the driving force behind the Entrepreneur Campus, talks to us about this innovative programme.
The Weldom Entrepreneur Campus: A programme accessible to all
34% of French people want to set up their own business, and 44% of them are planning to do so under a franchise*.
This is why Weldom, the ADEO franchise chain, decided to create a support and development programme for all employees wishing to explore the entrepreneurial option. Whether it’s taking the first step towards setting up a business or developing an entrepreneurial mindset, this programme offers personalised support every step of the way.
“Going from being a salaried employee to becoming an entrepreneur is a real leap of faith and it can sometimes be quite difficult to see it through from start to finish. Entrepreneurship is an introspective process. You have to overcome your obstacles and fears, identify your resources, be able to define your project, align it with your values and then be able to promote it. It is a complex process which needs to be supported.”
The Entrepreneur Campus is structured in such a way as to be accessible to as many people as possible.
The sessions are scheduled entirely remotely and take place over the course of a month, allowing participants to follow the programme without constraints. Employees can choose to enrol during their working hours, with their manager’s consent, or on their own time.
“My job is to help candidates see the whole process clearly and get a true sense of what is involved.”
More than just a training course, the Entrepreneur Campus is an incubator for ideas and projects.
It represents a unique opportunity for those who are still hesitating to take the plunge into entrepreneurship or who are simply looking to enhance their skills.
Since 2019, 67 employees have been coached, leading to the successful completion of 13 Weldom projects, while 11 others are in the pipeline and 9 are awaiting an opportunity. The success of this twice-yearly programme is based on its human and personalised approach, with small classes of between 8 and 12 participants to encourage discussion and interaction.
A stepping stone for the expansion of the Weldom franchise
The Weldom Entrepreneur Campus also plays a key role in the expansion of the franchise network.
By developing a pool of talent, this programme supports the local retailer’s growth strategy by training future franchisees.
The support offered by the Campus is not limited to theory. Participants learn to develop an entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial posture, essential for success in a constantly changing economic environment. The programme helps them to anticipate change, adapt to new market challenges and boosts their employability.
The Weldom Entrepreneur Campus: A programme in line with the values of ADEO
“This approach serves entrepreneurship as much as intrapreneurship” explains Karim, pointing out that the company itself benefits from this process by contributing to the development of all its stakeholders.
By giving each employee the tools and resources they need to succeed, this programme contributes not only to the personal development of our teams, but also to the collective success of the company. The Weldom Entrepreneur Campus embodies our culture, a company where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential, whether as an independent entrepreneur or an intrapreneur within ADEO.
*Figures taken from the Annual Franchise Survey – Banque Populaire:
Read the full survey
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