Organized by the Initiative Réunion network, The final of the Challenge of Western 2024 entrepreneurs was held on December 5 at the port. The event has once again highlighted the audacity and imagination of women wishing to embark on business creation.
Highlight female entrepreneurship in Reunion : This is the objective of this annual event. The awards ceremony evening was an opportunity to discover an unprecedented study on female entrepreneurship in Reunion, Unveiled by Isabelle Ramdiale, Vice-president of the Initiative Réunion network, To better understand the courses of entrepreneurous women accompanied by the network with the Beelab initiatives and manufactures to undertake. This study highlights issues such as access to funding, conciliation between professional and personal life, and confirms the under-representation of women in certain sectors of activity. It also underlines the many opportunities offered by a dynamic and in full development territory such as the meeting, conducive to the emergence of projects. By emphasizing the importance of support systems and collective support, Isabelle Ramdiale recalled the role of local networks to promote a fair and inclusive participation of women in the Reunion economy. "These women represent the economic and social future of our island. Their talent, Their courage and vision deserve to be supported and celebrated, Even if it's only for an evening ", said Jacques Guillamot, president of the Réunion Initiative network.
A springboard for female entrepreneurship
The Challenge of Western Entrepreneurs is supported by institutional partners, in the forefront of which the prefecture of Reunion and the paref (Regional action plan for women's entrepreneurship). But also by private actors. After weeks of preparation, 80 applications submitted and a rigorous selection process, The names of the four winners emerged after the last pitch of the finalists. The winners were chosen for their ability to innovate, but also their determination to overcome obstacles. Each of them embodies a facet of female entrepreneurship. Beyond the winners were praised all the finalists in the challenge. Strong this success, The Challenge of Western Entrepreneurs intends to continue its mission in 2025, And Reunionese are invited to join this adventure and help write the next pages of Western entrepreneurial history.
Projects that inspire and transform
The finalists of the challenge presented projects combining creativity, engagement social et ancrage local.
• Inspiring entrepreneur : Marie-Angélique Leman for her artistic project the murmur of the petals. Ode to poetry and sustainability, His project transforms floral art into an activity marked by poetry, eco -responsibility and emotion.
• Impactful entrepreneur : Sybille Lorna Lamant for her Toda Institute project, A Medical Happy Protthia Institute, providing psychological and aesthetic support to people in fragility.
• Persistent entrepreneur : Elsa Andoche pour son projet Beauty of the Soul. An Indian clothing store in the Galet River, also offering tailor -made sewing services, Creation and retouching. It has proven that with determination obstacles can become opportunities.
• Entrepreneur "Jury's favorite" : Marine Guignard for her Pastry Marine project. Only 18 years old, Marine Guignard, Best apprentice from Reunion in pastry in 2023, embodies the future of entrepreneurship with audacity, Simplicity and authenticity.
