Young entrepreneur wins local award

Bilal Afellah, a 23-year-old from Porto-Vecchio, won the "Coup de cœur" prize at the Talents des Cités competition, an event that highlights entrepreneurial efforts in neighborhoods identified as needing special support. His company, MYCE, focuses on content creation and artificial intelligence tools.

Entrepreneur's background and mission

Afellah emphasizes the importance of breaking down stereotypes linked to growing up in certain areas. He notes that young people in his neighborhood often feel excluded from opportunities due to their background. He began creating content and managing social media two years ago and has since built his skills in various areas.

Award ceremony and recognition

The award was presented on October 16 in Ajaccio at Bpifrance headquarters. It serves as both a recognition of Afellah's work and an opportunity for increased visibility and networking. He hopes to inspire other young people in his neighborhood to take initiative without waiting for complete readiness.

Competition's 25th anniversary

Talents des Cités, now in its 25th year, aims to highlight entrepreneurial efforts in priority neighborhoods and provide them with visibility. This year, over thirty candidates applied from Corsica, with eight projects preselected and three winners chosen across different categories.

Challenges for young entrepreneurs

Tiffany Varlet, responsible for entrepreneurship at Bpifrance for the South and Corsica regions, notes that while there is a strong entrepreneurial spirit in these areas, challenges remain, such as access to information, networks, and funding. Afellah mentions the financial barriers of starting a business, noting that small businesses can require investments of up to 200,000 to 300,000 euros.

Other winners and their goals

Marion Perez, a winner in the "Jeune Pousse" category, is developing her Pilates Reformer business from her home and aims to find a dedicated space for her clients. She was surprised to be recognized and sees the award as a boost for visibility. She has lived in a priority neighborhood for seven years and intends to continue developing her business in the area.

Importance of role models and support

Varlet highlights the importance of role models in these areas, stating that people who create and lead by example are crucial for inspiring others. Winners of the competition receive financial rewards ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 euros, depending on the category, as well as visibility and professional networking opportunities.