The HEC Stand Up program, dedicated to women aspiring to launch entrepreneurial ventures, is finding its feet.

Launched in 2018 by the HEC Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute, the initiative so far has supported 3,200 women—with 1,000 gaining certifications—across France and its overseas territories, all at no cost. The program’s six years of success were celebrated on June 20 at the Meet Up event held at La Fabrique République in Paris. Highlights included a motivational talk by Nathalie Riond, academic director of the HEC Paris Center for Social Entrepreneurship, networking activities, and the launch of a new HEC Up Île-de-France program. More than 150 women entrepreneurs from the Stand Up community attended. In the second half of the year, HEC Stand Up expanded its reach across France, calling for applications in new regions. It held sessions for local entrepreneurs in Marseille and Picardie in September, and Poitou-Charentes in October, while maintaining its presence in areas like Guadeloupe and Martinique. This geographic expansion is set to continue into Africa by 2025. With its steady growth, HEC Stand Up proves that women’s entrepreneurship knows no boundaries.

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HEC Up takes the next step

Since 2023, HEC Up has helped certified graduates of the HEC Stand Up program strengthen their businesses. This free six-month initiative offers comprehensive training focused on sales and commercial strategy, thematic workshops, personalized mentoring from the HEC network, and access to a close-knit community of women entrepreneurs. The program’s first cohorts, launched in France’s overseas departments and regions (DROM), have already supported over 85 women. In September, 18 entrepreneurs joined the third DROM cohort, while the first Île-de-France cohort welcomed 32 participants.

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