National Programs

WEP

Women Entrepreneurship Program

Many women face barriers to business growth, often resulting in informal, home-based enterprises. In response, GEN Algeria designed a Women Entrepreneurship Program (WEP) in 2017 to support women entrepreneurs in transitioning from informal to formal business operations, enhancing their potential for success and sustainability.

The program begins with a selection session, categorizing women by their business types and needs. It is then composed of two sub-programs:

  • Creative: Focuses on finding financing, developing a business plan, and creating a growth strategy for women with informal, home-based businesses. This track helps them structure their enterprises and move towards formalization, aiming to create local employment and evolve into small companies.
  • Growth: Targets existing small businesses with up to five employees, emphasizing on-site marketing, HR, management, and market access. The goal is to enhance their operational efficiency and scalability.

Core Modules: Each program track incorporates essential modules such as:

  • Design Thinking: Encouraging innovative approaches to problem-solving.
  • Problem Solving: Techniques for overcoming business challenges.
  • Process Improvement: Streamlining operations for better efficiency.
  • Idea Validation: Ensuring business ideas are viable and market-ready.
  • Business Model Development: Crafting sustainable and scalable business models.

Timeline and Editions

  • 2017: WEP 1 | The Women’s Entrepreneurship Caravan
    • Partnership: Ministry of Solidarity
    • Scope: Six Wilayas
    • Impact: 480 women trained; 6,000 women engaged
  • 2018-2019: WEP 2 | Tizi Ouzou and Sétif
    • Partnership: United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
    • Scope: Two Wilayas
    • Impact: 160 women trained
  • 2021: WEP 3 | Tizi Ouzou
    • Partnership: Canadian Embassy
    • Scope: Tizi Ouzou and five villages (Zekri, Iferhounen, Ath Abdelmoumen, Azzefoun)
    • Impact:
      • 142 women trained
      • 400 women engaged
      • Training for 10 local trainers and facilitators
      • Workshops on design thinking, business models, and pitching
      • Sessions on business management and growth strategies
      • Speed coaching sessions to identify business challenges
    • Total direct beneficiaries: 492 women

The Women Entrepreneurship Program has achieved significant results in promoting entrepreneurship in Algeria. Through its three editions, WEP reached and positively impacted thousands of women, providing them with crucial entrepreneurial skills and opportunities. The program helped to create a robust network of women entrepreneurs, fostering a supportive ecosystem, and generating new collaboration opportunities. By contributing to the economic empowerment of women in Algeria, the program created new jobs and contributed to economic growth.

GEN Algeria is now actively seeking new financial support for a 4th Edition of the WEP program. Through WEP, we can continue to inspire and support women across Algeria, driving forward the mission of developing a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.