Entrepreneurship

This ideation program is designed for aspiring SKEMA entrepreneurs to help them conduct market research and structure an idea into a fully-fledged entrepreneurial project.

Every year, we support more than 200 students and alumni with an entrepreneurial idea around the world.

Program content

During the program, project leaders work on:

• Defining the value proposition and differentiation
• Identifying the customer (B2B/B2C) and personas
• Structuring the business model and pricing strategy
• Validating the project team (skills, complementary strengths, partnership)
• Identifying startup and operational costs, as well as initial funding needs

Who is it for ?

For students and alumni who are aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and who wish to receive guidance.

What for ?

To emerge with an idea that has been tested against real-world conditions, along with a detailed understanding of the problem, the target persona, and the market—all essential before moving on to the next stage.

Admission Requirements and Approval

• Attend a 45-minute individual interview
• Be approved for admission to the program
• Accept the SKEMA Entrepreneurs Charter

At the end of the program, project leaders present a deck of a few slides summarizing the key points of the project, which is used to make a GO/NO GO decision.

This pre-incubation program is a support program designed for project leaders who have validated the fundamentals of their project and wish to enter a phase of active business creation and revenue generation.

The support is personalized and provided under a contract, for a variable duration of 1 to 9 months, determined based on the project and the project leader’s situation.

Each year, we support between 60 and 80 new SKEMA students and alumni with entrepreneurial projects from all over the world.

Program content

During the program, project leaders receive support in the following areas:

• Defining the company’s legal structure
• Team structuring and the partners’ agreement (if necessary)
• Prototyping and market testing
• Developing the sales strategy and business plan
• Preparing the pitch and accessing initial funding
• Connecting with experts

Who is it for ?

SKEMA students and alumni who want to turn their project into reality.

What for ?

To come away with a beta version of your solution & the beginnings of an MVP, the first user/customer prospects as well as meetings and exchanges with other players in the sector in which you want to operate.

Eligibility and Approval Requirements

To join the COMMIT program, you must have successfully completed the SEEK program or submitted a pitch deck that meets the SEEK stage’s approval criteria.

Admission to the program implies a moral commitment on the part of the project leader.

The duration and pace of the support are determined jointly.

At the end of the program, project leaders will have a structured business plan and a pitch, enabling them to seek funding (interest-free loans, investors, partners). They will pitch their business plan to a committee composed of their Startup Manager and community members, who will approve their advancement to the BUILD program.

This is a two-year support program designed for SKEMA entrepreneurs who have already launched their businesses and wish to structure, consolidate, and ensure the long-term viability of their operations. It is aimed at companies seeking to grow their businesses and demonstrate proven market traction. The program covers all aspects of business operations: sales, communications, finance, and human resources.

Each year, we support 50 to 60 projects in the BUILD phase.

Program content

During the program, entrepreneurs benefit from:

• Team building and strengthening (organization, HR, management)
• HR coaching (recruitment, managerial structuring)
• Support from experts
• Dedicated mentoring
• Assistance with securing funding through network partners
• Support for sustainable business establishment and international expansion

The BUILD program is everything you need to propel your business’s growth toward new horizons.

Who is it for?

SKEMA students and alumni wishing to surround themselves, develop and grow their business.
 

For what ?

To emerge with an expanded network, refined commercial and financial strategies and new development perspectives for your company. At the end of the two-year mentorship program, companies that demonstrate their strength may join the GROW program.

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

To join the BUILD Program, you must:

• Have successfully passed the COMMIT final review
• Be the head of an already operational business
• Have demonstrated commercial traction