Le Phare, the CMA CGM Foundation’s social incubator, launches a new call for applications in Marseille and the French West Indies

The CMA CGM Foundation’s social incubator is launching a call for applications for its 2023–2024 cohort in Marseille and the French West Indies. Le Phare aims to provide support and guidance to the leaders of social and educational projects by making the Group’s expertise, network and entrepreneurial spirit available to them.

Le Phare has hosted 14 organizations in Marseille working on innovative education and access-to-employment solutions since September 2021. Addressing inequalities in schools and helping vulnerable or poorly qualified individuals to find work is a key point of emphasis. In the French West Indies, Le Phare launched its first support and guidance program in September 2022. Three projects addressing major priorities in overseas territories have already benefited in Guadeloupe.

In the firm belief that its support will help nurture innovative solutions, Le Phare is today launching a call for applications from organizations that will form its third intake in Marseille and its second in the French West Indies.

Le Phare provides startups and non-profits with nine months’ tailor-made support and guidance starting from September 2023. It aims to help bring their development goals to fruition while meeting their priority needs, including:

• A coworking space available five days a week. In Marseille, this will be at l’Épopée, a 12,000 sq. m. (approx. 130,000 sq. ft) educational innovation hub hosting dozens of social economy operators. In Guadeloupe, the project leaders will be based at ZEBOX coworking space – an international ecosystem for startups developing innovative and sustainable solutions, founded by Rodolphe Saadé. Both these ecosystems provide entrepreneurs with major opportunities for working collaboratively and unlocking synergies.
• Daily oversight provided by the CMA CGM Foundation’s teams and 150 hours of mentoring support delivered by CMA CGM’s engaged employees. Under the Group’s skills-based volunteering program, they will provide entrepreneurial skills in various areas tailored to the needs of each organization at the incubator (project steering, fundraising, marketing, accounting, legal affairs, etc.).
• Contacts with potential partners by drawing on the Group’s and the CMA CGM Foundation’s ecosystem and network, in France and around the world.