Newsletter #2 – April 2025
Insights from the SSE event in Abidjan, training session for philanthropy stakeholders, and a forthcoming study on scaling up
Happy reading !
Social and Solidarity Economy event and training workshop in Abidjan
On 7 April 2025, ScaleChanger took part in a major event promoting the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) in Abidjan. The event was co-organised with the Ivorian SSE Network (RIESS) and the Impact Glory Foundation. This initiative, financially supported by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, was part of a broader effort to raise awareness and mobilise stakeholders committed to a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable economic development.
The event brought together a wide range of participants, including institutional stakeholders, civil society organisations, entrepreneurs, and support structures for entrepreneurship (SSE support organisations). It featured moments of dialogue and collective learning around the key challenges and opportunities offered by the SSE.
The day concluded with a training session for 25 entrepreneurship support practitioners from various regions across the country. Led by ScaleChanger, the workshop aimed to strengthen participants’ skills through a mix of theoretical input and collaborative practical sessions (focus groups).
👉 Read more here
Training for philanthropic stakeholders
On 26 and 27 June 2025, ScaleChanger, in partnership with the Centre Français des Fonds et Fondations (French Network of Funds and Foundations), will lead a training course specifically designed for philanthropic stakeholders (endowment funds and foundations) who wish to strengthen their support for project leaders entering a scaling phase.
This programme is designed to help you:
- Understand the various strategies for scaling,
- Adapt your selection and support criteria to the specific needs of impact-driven initiatives,
- Clarify your positioning and key areas of action as a philanthropic actor,
- Gain access to practical tools and a concrete, actionable plan.
The training will combine theoretical input, case studies, discussion sessions, and hands-on workshops.
📆 Duration: 1.5 days – 26 and 27 June 2025
📍 Paris | In French
Scaling up in exploration: a forthcoming study to be unveiled
Alongside four partner foundations (the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, the Pierre Bellon Foundation, the Degroof Petercam Foundation, and the Entreprendre Foundation), ScaleChanger is leading a groundbreaking nationwide study on the realities of scaling up.
Why such a study ?
To better understand and document the concept of scaling up, while equipping both funders who support organisations undergoing scale and project leaders aiming to amplify their impact. The study will analyse the journeys and development paths of French organisations that scaled up, and will provide practical and concrete insights for any organisation wishing to scale.
This initiative will consist of a guide useful to the entire social and solidarity economy ecosystem.
More details to follow soon ! In the meantime, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the organisations that have taken part so far, as well as to our partner foundations.
Opportunity from our network
Launch of the 2025 Edition of the Cartier Women’s Initiative
This international programme supports 30 impact-driven women entrepreneurs, with no sectoral restrictions, as long as their project contributes to at least one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
Winners will receive financial support, tailored mentoring, and access to a committed global community.
👉 Applications are open until 4 June 2025. More information here.
Date : 25 april 2025
