EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Moroccan Entrepreneurs Network

Moroccan Entrepreneurs Network

Introduction

Marokkaans Ondernemers Netwerk (MON) is an initiative for active self-employed entrepreneurs of Moroccan origin in Amsterdam. MON focuses on network activities for Moroccan entrepreneurs which make them more competent and professional. Within MON, members find information on entrepreneurship, the opportunities and dilemmas that accompany it, support of activities and opportunities for cooperation.

Problem

How can a network for Amsterdam’s established entrepreneurs of Moroccan origin be facilitated and developed?

Description

Five Moroccan representatives and entrepreneurs joined forces in 2004. Together they founded the first entrepreneurs’ network for Moroccans. The MON has the following objectives:

The MON offers a platform to strengthen the contact between entrepreneurs with the objective of gathering and distributing relevant entrepreneurial information.
The network serves as the axis between the information needs on the one hand and the current range of services in Amsterdam on the other hand.
The MON is committed to improving the image of Moroccan entrepreneurs and researches statistical data.
Making Moroccan entrepreneurs aware of opportunities and risks inherent to entrepreneurship is a priority.
The network aims to professionalise and improve entrepreneurial skills.
The MON looks for affiliation with already established relevant networks.

Approach

In order to achieve its objectives, the MON organises the following activities:

Theme meetings with professional speakers to improve the competences of the participants.
Informal network meetings, during which the entrepreneurs can discuss with others what is going on and what needs there are.
Maintaining a website on which the entrepreneurs can find relevant information, such as a company guide of affiliated Moroccan entrepreneurs.

Results

The MON was launched during the first meeting on 17 December 2004. The kick-off was visited by more than 140 interested parties, of which 80 percent were Moroccan entrepreneurs.
On 8 April 2005, the MON organised a meeting on 'matchmaking', where agencies were introduced to Moroccan entrepreneurs. More than 70 interested parties participated in the meeting.
Since its foundation, MON has established an entrepreneurs office which potential entrepreneurs can visit if they have questions.

Contact info

STEW
R. Boussaid, tel. +31 20 6239369

Project start date

17/12/2004

Links

STEW (in Dutch)Moroccan Entrepreneurs Network

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Keywords

Business support