Summary

  1. General presentation of the ‘Les DéCCIdeuses’ incubator in Arles
  2. The challenges of female entrepreneurship in the Arles region
  3. The programs and initiatives offered by the incubator to support innovative women
  4. Testimonials and concrete initiatives through Les DéCCIdeuses
  5. Future prospects and challenges for female entrepreneurship in Arles

Why create an incubator dedicated to female entrepreneurship in Arles?

The recent launch of the ‘Les DéCCIdeuses’ incubator in Arles marks a key step in promoting the place of women in the business world. Located in the heart of the Camargue, this innovative space aims to support a specific entrepreneurial dynamic: that of innovative women. The initiative responds to a reality that, in 2025, remains fragile in the Arles region, where only 28% of business leaders are women, compared to 33% nationally. The local context demonstrates a real need for a dedicated support package to break down the social and economic barriers that hinder their development. The Arles CCI, which initiated this idea, is building on a model launched in 2024 by the Nice Côte d’Azur CCI, which has already been praised for its encouraging results, with 19 women receiving support in diverse sectors such as digital, environmental, and social work.This location is not insignificant. The region, often recognized for its creative and sunny landscapes, seeks to boost its economic fabric through initiatives that combine innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development. The formula offered by the Les DéCCIdeuses incubator is based on personalized support, both individual and collective, to foster prototypes, women’s startups, and project leaders seeking their first wind. The real challenge is to foster a cultural revolution. in the way society perceives female entrepreneurship, by promoting inspiring career paths and providing a platform for exchange and sharing. The creation of this incubator is part of a clear desire to make Arles a creative, enterprising, and egalitarian city.Discover the fascinating world of female entrepreneurship. Inspiring and determined, female entrepreneurs are redefining the rules of success and bringing innovations to various sectors. Join this dynamic movement and learn strategies for succeeding in your entrepreneurial adventures.

An incubation center serving women in the region

This project, an integral part of the region’s economic development strategy, offers several opportunities for women entrepreneurs. These include:

Personalized support based on mastering a business plan and finding financing Personal development workshops to strengthen confidence and professional stance A local and national network of stakeholders supporting women’s entrepreneurship A platform for connecting with experienced mentorsPitching and marketing sessions to gain visibility and attract investors

This program aims to go beyond simple support metrics by tackling the root causes of the obstacles women face. It's not just about supporting a project, but about building a more inclusive entrepreneurial culture, where every woman can confidently envision the emergence of her startup or social initiative.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1fNQvAXl9U

The challenges identified by the “Les DéCCIdeuses” incubator to support women’s entrepreneurship If we compare local figures to the national average, we see a gap of only 5 points. Yet, in practice,getting started in entrepreneurship

  • remains perceived as a path fraught with pitfalls for women. The specific context of Arles presents its own challenges: a still too large majority of women face barriers that limit their access to essential resources. The main obstacles discussed during workshops, meetings, and in studies conducted by the CCI relate to:
  • 📝 Difficulty obtaining financing: banks, investors, or aid funds are still relatively inaccessible to women
  • 🤝 Lack of solid professional networks to boost growth
  • 💡 Low self-confidence or doubt in the face of new challenges
  • ⚖️ Work-life balance, often perceived as an additional burden

🌍 Difficulty integrating into a rapidly evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem

According to Fany Ruin, head of the Amiens-Picardie CCI, one of the major levers for changing this situation is to “address the root causes of the obstacles” and create concrete opportunities for women. The establishment of the DéCCIdeuses in Arles embodies this desire to take the risk of changing the balance of power and opening up more egalitarian prospects for the future. A study shows that, nationally, the proportion of female startups remains low, but is increasing. They now represent approximately 15% of the total, with steady growth in various regions, particularly in the south-east of France, where cultural creativity meets technological innovation. However, to move beyond this stage, we must move beyond isolated initiatives and build a genuine Network of Women Entrepreneurs.

Discover the fascinating world of female entrepreneurship, where inspiring women transform their ideas into thriving businesses. Explore tips, resources, and success stories to boost your own entrepreneurial journey.

Testimonials Illustrating Realities on the Ground Delphine Serpette, an entrepreneur in the consulting sector, emphasizes that “these meetings and workshops help people break out of isolation.” She also emphasizes the need for strong networks to continue growing in an environment still marked by a certain degree of caution. The same dynamic is observed by Karine Moutiez, at the beginning of her career change after a burnout, who explains that “solidarity among women is a real strength.” Discussions during the workshops demonstrate that the majority of participating women seek not only technical support, but also moral support to navigate each step. The strong demand for initiatives like Les DéCCIdeuses proves that external sources can play a catalytic role in transforming mindsets. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2iXPBmPC_Y

Strategic tools to boost the success of women’s startups in Arles

  1. Les DéCCIdeuses doesn’t just offer advice. This innovative incubator implements a series of concrete initiatives to foster the creation and growth of women’s startups. Through support sessions, meetings with experts, and thematic workshops, it builds a solid foundation for the emergence of innovative projects.
  2. Preferred methods include:
  3. 🏢 A dedicated coworking space, which can accommodate up to 6 project leaders at a time
  4. 📚 Training workshops in marketing, communications, and financial management
  5. 🤝 Networking with experienced mentors from the private and nonprofit sectors

🎤 Pitch sessions to test, improve, and present their project to an audience of investors

🌱 Workshops on sustainable and responsible business management The goal is to enable each woman to overcome her inhibitions and doubts to build solid business models. The results are already visible: the results, barely a year after the launch, show strong momentum: more than 19 women supported, several projects in the final stages of implementation.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gZ2G5GI2sY

Special attention to skills and confidence

The posture support workshops, led by Camille Bourel, have proven their effectiveness. These moments, where we discuss confidence, assertiveness, and stress management, are essential for women who often have to deal with conflicting social and professional expectations. This level of detailed support also fosters new mindsets, giving women the tools to master their stance and assert their place in an environment where they are still underrepresented.

Discover the keys to female entrepreneurship: advice, inspiring successes, and resources to encourage women to embark on their entrepreneurial adventure. Join a movement that transforms ideas into reality and promotes women’s economic empowerment.

The concrete impacts and pioneering initiatives of the Les DéCCIdeuses network in Arles

Thanks to the independent network built by the incubator, many inspiring journeys are emerging. Among them, that of Léa Beyris, winner of the last edition of the Ose! competition, who recently joined the program. Her startup ‘Follow Me’ offers an application dedicated to tracking sports performance, an idea that combines technology and well-being.

For Lina Bettoni, an entrepreneur committed to supporting innovation, joining the incubator opens up fundamental opportunities for structuring her project with the support of the network. These women perfectly illustrate the approach: moving from idea to structured project, with real technical and moral support.

The initiatives led by “Nous sommes Entrepreneuses” and other local associations strengthen the momentum. They contribute to networking with other network stakeholders, training, and participation in trade shows and innovation competitions. Female Entrepreneur SectorProgress Made

Visible Impacts

  • 🔹 Léa Beyris
  • Technology & Sports
  • Development of Follow Me, an innovative app
  • Integration into networks, funding underway
  • 🔹 Lina Bettoni

Innovation & Consulting

Structuring and Strategic Support

Partnerships with local and national stakeholders

🔹 Karine Moutiez

Personal Services

Creation of a concierge company

Collective Support and Increased Visibility

Upcoming Events and Workshops

Several events are already scheduled to strengthen this momentum. For example:

🗓️ May 27: Legal workshop on general terms and conditions of sale with Émilie Ridarch

🗓️ June 24: Wellness and stress management workshop with the Time Off agency 🗓️ July 1: After-Work networking event More information is available on the official website of the Arles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) or by calling +33 4 90 99 08 08. The dynamic female entrepreneurship and local support are proving to be a real lever for social transformation in the region. https://twitter.com/businessfrance/status/1841916480071385536
Frequently asked questions about the ‘Les DéCCIdeuses’ incubator in Arles What are the criteria for joining the incubator? Projects must be led by women or women in the launch phase of an innovative startup. The approach prioritizes the desire to bring an idea to fruition in promising sectors such as digital, environmental, or social sectors. How long does the support last?
Most programs last 12 to 24 months, with personalized support based on each project and its specific needs. How do I access the workshops? The workshops are open to all, with priority given to incubator members. To register, simply contact the Arles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) via their website or by phone. What are the long-term benefits for the women who participate?
Beyond technical support, these women gain confidence, visibility, and networks, allowing them to develop their projects and sustainably integrate into the local and regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. Are there any success stories in Arles? Yes, several projects have already benefited from this support, particularly in the sports technology and environmental consulting sectors. These examples illustrate the growing importance of women’s initiatives in the region. Source: www.objectifgard.com

Kevin Grillot

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Kevin Grillot

Consultant Webmarketing & Expert SEO.