OVO is working in Côte d'Ivoire for the first time and discovering an inspiring network of SMEs.

Entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of economic growth and job creation. In Ivory Coast, we see promising opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but also challenges in areas such as financing, digitalization, and market integration. That is why we, Ondernemers voor Ondernemers (OVO), are committed to sustainably strengthening these businesses.
With our latest program, we aim to develop an approach, together with local partners, that aligns with the specific needs, culture, and context of Ivorian entrepreneurs. By supporting 135 SMEs and collaborating with Ivorian business coaches, we strive to create a sustainable support model that remains valuable in the long run and contributes to the growth of entrepreneurship in Ivory Coast.

Our approach: direct impact & sustainable knowledge transfer
We believe in a dual strategy:
Supporting 135 SMEs: Helping entrepreneurs optimize their business operations and achieve their growth ambitions.
Training Ivorian Business Coaches: By fostering collaboration, local coaches can contextualize the insights shared by their colleague OVO coaches, ensuring that the program’s impact remains relevant and sustainable beyond its duration.

What Do We Do in Practice?
Our program consists of six phases, with coaching and knowledge-sharing at its core:

1. Analysis & selection of 135 SMEs
We start with a thorough evaluation of each company to identify strengths and areas for improvement. This forms the basis for a tailor-made support plan.

2. Collaborative workshop with local and OVO Business Coaches
Over two days, Ivorian and OVO Business Coaches will jointly design a support plan to help entrepreneurs achieve the shared goals they have set together

3. Boost Camp: intensive entrepreneur training
In a three-day training, entrepreneurs gain insights into strategic growth, innovation, and sustainable management.

4. Personal coaching & business guidance
For three months, we provide individual and group coaching to entrepreneurs, helping them strengthen their strategies and achieve concrete results.

5. Specialized workshops
Workshops on financial management, accounting, creative entrepreneurship, and sustainability (SDGs) equip entrepreneurs with the tools to better organize and future-proof their businesses.

6. Collaboration & knowledge sharing
We closely collaborate with partners such as Enabel and local stakeholders to ensure the impact is widely shared and firmly embedded in the ecosystem.

A first for OVO!
OVO is working in Côte d’Ivoire for the first time and discovering an inspiring network of SMEs. Exited to share our approach by connecting these entrepreneurs with our volunteer international experts.
This initiative provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, co-develop tailored support strategies, and creatie a lasting impact for entrepreneuers.