Entrepreneurs in their 20s

As we enter the 2020s, it seems fitting to take a closer look at some of the young Tunisians in their 20s who are challenging stereotypes by launching their own businesses.

Around 70,000 students graduate from higher education in Tunisia each year. Faced with rising unemployment and a mismatch between the supply and demand for skills, many struggle to find a job.

The thought of starting a business can be daunting, especially the fear of not enough experience. It’s not surprising, given the typical narrative for an entrepreneur usually starts with getting a degree, followed by a job, building a network and saving seed capital. The assumption is you are not ready to launch and run a business until you are in your 30s or 40s. But a growing number of young entrepreneurs in Tunisia are challenging this idea. These Millenials and Gen-Zers are using their visions and abilities, combined with the support of the Mashrou3i project, to embark on the entrepreneurial career path, many while still at university.

Building an entrepreneurial culture among students

Mashrou3i is a project funded by USAID, the Italian Cooperation and the HP Foundation, which is implemented by UNIDO. As part of Mashrou3i’s efforts to support business creation among youth, the project is working together with the Ministry of Higher Education through Tunisia’s network of institutes of technology (ISETs), to enrich the curricula of higher education institutions using HP LIFE e-Learning.

The added-value of HP LIFE is the experience effect. The 30 courses on the e-learning program cover different areas such as finance, marketing, communication, as well as some more specific topics such as social entrepreneurship. Students can explore technical aspects they may encounter in their future career as an entrepreneur and are better prepared for the creation of their business. - Anis Hamrouni (Mashrou3i Entrepreneurship Expert)

ISET Kairouan and Mashrou3i have been partnering since 2015 to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among students. Mehdi Boujdaria, a professor in Entrepreneurship Culture at the ISET, is one of 34 educators already trained by the project to integrate HP LIFE online courses into the curriculum.

The program has many dimensions linked to entrepreneurial culture - something completely unknown to some students, especially those from mechanical, technological fields ... but necessary in order to prepare them for a leadership role or for a future career as an entrepreneur. To motivate students, I included the completion of HP LIFE courses as part of their end of year grade. - Mehdi Boujdaria, Professor, ISET Kairouan

Recently, Mashrou3i has produced mini case studies that describe the journey of real entrepreneurs working in Tunisia. This brings the entrepreneurial context closer to home, enabling students to identify and project themselves more easily, and without fear, into the shoes of an entrepreneur.

Since integrating HP LIFE into his curriculum, Mehdi Boujdaria, has trained nearly 300 students. Today, almost 80% of students at ISET Kairouan are familiar with the online platform and a growing number are using it to complete their end-of-studies report or finalize their business plans.

Starting a business while studying

Chaima Abidi is 25 years old and currently finishing her Master’s degree in Industrial Performance Management at ISET Kairouan. She is also in the process of launching a smart day care service for children aged 3 to 17 years old, that offers a safe place for learning with the help of an innovative app.

My experience with the HP LIFE program was very positive. I could benefit from several tools which will help me launch my future business and learned new managerial techniques. I particularly appreciated the courses focused on marketing and communication.

Tackling plastic waste

Some students are even further down the path of creating a business. Hamza Guizani and Baligh Amdouni are both 24 years old and got the idea for their plastic recycling start up while studying Accounting, Management and Finance.

We are both passionate about the environment, so we joined forces to create a viable idea that would have a positive impact on our surroundings. Thanks to the IT and commercial skills acquired through HP LIFE e-Learning, and with the support of our professor in entrepreneurial culture, we mastered the key components of our project study, ensuring our business has a smooth start.

TAPPING INTO THE WOOD CHIPPING BUSINESS

Omar Fatnassi, a young graduate in Industrial Performance Management at ISET Kairouan, is currently preparing the launch of his wood chipping business aimed at livestock breeders. With the support of the Mashrou3i Entrepreneurship Expert, Omar was able to finalize his business plan, which became part of his final year thesis.

My entrepreneurial journey begun two years ago when I discovered the HP LIFE experience for entrepreneurs with the help of my professor. Completing the online courses and attending to the face-to-face training, helped me to develop my managerial skills and to discover new IT tools and business concepts. Now I have a viable business plan to help get a bank loan for my business.

FAST TRACK TO SUCCESS

While studying Industrial Performance Management at ISET Kairouan, Nejib Jlassi decided to turn his interest in quality management into a business. Last September, the 27 year old graduate launched FAST Consulting, a quality management and industrial performance consulting firm in Kairouan that provides consulting, assistance and professional training to help businesses achieve or transition to ISO certification. Like other students, Nejib benefited from HP LIFE training to strengthen his entrepreneurial skills. He also received the support of a Mashrou3i expert in the launch of his business and in successfully publishing a book on 'Quality management in Industry', released and distributed by a French publisher.

The training enabled me to get familiar with managerial and business concepts that have nothing to do with mechanical engineering. The Mashrou3i Expert was extremely supportive, helping me to move forward, to gain self-confidence and to communicate about the field of quality management, especially implementing ISO 9001 and the benefits the certification offers.

The stories of these student entrepreneurs, supported by the Mashrou3i project, prove the potential of young entrepreneurs cannot be overstated. These eco-conscious entrepreneurs aspire to new horizons and are keen to have a positive impact on society. And as they adapt to a rapidly evolving world, they are also creating smarter businesses in the process.

How do I see myself in 5 years? It’s hard to say, knowing the current economic situation of the country. But I hope to be at the head of a large day care institution. I’ve always been independent and want to continue pursuing my dreams. - Chaima Abidi, Student Entrepreneur

Last year, 639 students benefited through Mashrou3i's entrepreneurship training, 51% of where were women. As the 2020s unfold, we will keep track of these entrepreneurs as they pursue their dreams and blossom into their new role in society. Stay tuned!

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