HEC Stand UP: A Resounding Success for the Program's First Edition in Marseille
A look back at the first Marseille session, which supported over 150 women from diverse backgrounds on their journey to entrepreneurship.
HEC Stand UP, the free support program designed for women aspiring to launch their entrepreneurial ventures, reached a significant milestone with the conclusion of its first Marseille session in late November. Over 150 women participated in the program from October to November, with 40 women attending the final in-person phase at the end of November and receiving the HEC Stand UP certificate upon completion. An additional 30 women are set to join the in-person sessions in February 2025.
Buoyed by this success, HEC Stand UP will launch a new session next year. Interested women can apply until January 28, 2025.
Celebrating Women’s Entrepreneurship
To honor the participating women and highlight the impact of this inaugural edition, the certificate ceremony took place on Thursday, November 28, at an iconic Marseille venue: the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (Mucem).
In addition to the participants, the event brought together numerous local stakeholders and representatives from the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem, including France Travail and the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis. Martine Vassal, president of the Metropolis and patron of this first HEC Stand UP session, stated: 'Deeply committed to the well-being of women and their professional success, I was determined to support this program, which aims, among other things, to foster financial independence through entrepreneurship. As a woman, entrepreneur, political leader, and patron of this first Marseille edition, I wish all these talented women great fulfillment in their new professional ventures.'
'As a woman, entrepreneur, political leader, and patron of this first Marseille edition, I wish all these talented women great fulfillment in their new professional ventures.'
A Tangible Impact
HEC Stand UP stands out for its inclusive approach, welcoming all women regardless of age, background, or social status. It has been a true revelation for many participants, as reflected in their inspiring testimonials:
Thamis: "I appreciated opening up among women, feeling at ease, and expressing emotions. You feel supported and safe."
Hanaa: "This program allowed me to achieve a dream. Before, I used to think, 'I’d like to do that, but I don’t come from a social background that makes it possible, and I have no network.' I didn’t even know what HEC was because, in my environment, those aren’t the schools people attend."
Ximena: "It’s amazing support for women who want to rediscover themselves and find their voice. Thanks to Stand UP, I feel like there’s a community of women around me, and I’m no longer alone."
Since 2019, HEC Stand UP has supported over 3,500 women in their entrepreneurial journeys through its unique hybrid format combining digital and in-person sessions. More than 1,100 women have earned the HEC Stand UP certificate, a hallmark of trust and competence to help propel their projects forward.
« "It allowed me to fulfill a dream. Before, I used to think, 'I’d love to achieve this, but I don’t come from a social background that makes it possible, and I have no network.' I didn’t even know what HEC was because, where I’m from, those aren’t the schools people attend."
Empowering Women's Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship
HEC Stand UP is structured around three modules spanning a total of 10 weeks, guiding participants from ideation to concrete action:
- Digital Module: Developing an entrepreneurial mindset through webinars and videos that debunk myths about entrepreneurship.
- Field Module: Testing ideas in the market through interactions with potential customers and users.
- In-Person Session: A four-day intensive program with a trainer, consolidating key learnings and experiences.
This comprehensive journey helps participants build self-confidence, fast-track project implementation, and launch their ventures effectively and efficiently.
A New Call for Applications for 2025
Following the enthusiasm generated by this first Marseille edition, HEC Stand UP is launching a new call for applications for its 2025 session.
Applications are open until January 28, 2025, with the program set to begin in February 2025.