An innovative program promoting equal opportunity
On October 7, 2025, EM Strasbourg launched the Young Entrepreneur Certificate. This six-month program is aimed at young people aged 18 to 29 from low-income neighborhoods or who are unemployed who want to bring their entrepreneurial projects to life.
Unique in France, this program is co-financed by the European Union (ESF+), the Grand Est Region, and the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg, with a total budget of nearly €191,000. It is part of the 2024–2030 City Contract and addresses persistent socio-economic inequalities in low-income neighborhoods.
Comprehensive and free training
The Young Entrepreneur Certificate offers a structured program: 130 hours of training over six months, individual coaching, mentoring, group workshops, and easy access to resources (computers, coworking spaces, funding opportunities).
Completely free for participants, the program will welcome 36 young people over two years, divided into three six-month sessions. The goal is to achieve a 70% professional insertion rate upon completion, whether through employment, further training, or business creation.
The program is supported by a strong regional ecosystem, bringing together France Active Alsace, DACIP, CSC Meinau, Tesslab, and Banlieues Climat.
A promising launch
The inaugural evening brought together the project's institutional, economic, and nonprofit partners, as well as the first 10 participants. The latter gave one-minute pitches, illustrating the diversity of the projects undertaken by this first cohort.
Irène Weiss, regional councilor for the Grand Est Region, shared with the students some words of encouragement: "Learn to be bold, believe in yourselves, and break down barriers. [...] The Grand Est Region is very honored to provide financial support for this program."
Babak Mehmanpazir, Dean of EM Strasbourg, emphasized the collective dimension of the project: "This certificate program, unique in France, [...] fully embodies our mission to foster inclusion and social responsibility."
Patrick Reimeringer, CEO of Bürkert and mentor of this first cohort, delivered an inspiring message to the students: "This certificate represents a tremendous opportunity for empowerment [...]. Stay clear-headed and ambitious: that's how great successes are born."
A stronger commitment to the region
With the Young Entrepreneur Certificate, EM Strasbourg confirms its commitment to inclusion and social responsibility. Triple-accredited and part of the University of Strasbourg, the School draws on its expertise to support young talent in realizing their entrepreneurial ambitions.
This program contributes to the priorities of the City Contract: reducing inequalities, supporting inclusive entrepreneurship, and revitalizing the local economy.
