Le Carburateur’s decade-long impact

Ten years after opening in Marseille’s northern neighborhoods, Le Carburateur has helped more than 10,000 aspiring entrepreneurs and supported the creation of 250 companies, leading to 500 new jobs in the region.

A hub for northern Marseille entrepreneurs

Located in the 15th arrondissement of Marseille at Madrague-Ville, Le Carburateur focuses on supporting individuals who want to start or grow businesses in the city’s northern areas. Muriel Bernard-Reymond, who has led the organization since its launch, knows many of the entrepreneurs who use its services and highlights a few as she walks through the facility.

Created to fill a gap in support

Launched by the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, Le Carburateur was established to address the lack of resources for starting businesses in the northern neighborhoods. Funded partly by public authorities, it was designated as an "Entrepreneurship Crossroads" by the French government in 2022, alongside another similar organization in Sainte-Marthe.

A large network of support

Each year, around 1,800 aspiring entrepreneurs visit Le Carburateur. Over 85 experts and partner organizations, including BGE, Initiative, France Active, and Marseille Innovation, offer on-site advice, some of which is free or funded by public programs. The goal is to help future entrepreneurs gain access to skills that might not be available in their local areas.

A personalized and accessible approach

Muriel Bernard-Reymond emphasizes that the organization considers each person’s individual circumstances. With two identical applications, priority is given to the entrepreneur who needs the support most. While Le Carburateur does not require users to pay for access, it ensures that the proposed financing plan can cover the cost of renting space.

Professional space for growing businesses

Le Carburateur provides professional workshops and offers 20 spaces for rent, ranging from 25 to 50 square meters, at prices between 410 and 815 euros per month. About a third of the companies based there are in the food or agri-food sector. The organization encourages entrepreneurs to use local suppliers and to host trainees and apprentices from the area.

Support beyond the premises

After three years, companies based at Le Carburateur must typically move out. To help them stay connected to the local area, the organization partners with local businesses and real estate providers. According to internal data, 77.5% of the companies that continue operating after five years are still located in the northern part of Marseille. One example is Krokola, a children’s chocolate brand launched in Marseille in 2021, which has grown to the point where its co-founders acquired Merveilles du Monde from the Nestlé group.