One day, an idea is born, accompanied by talent, desire, and passion, but it lacks an ingredient, a piece of the equation, one of the links in the chain, without which the project will likely be doomed: financing. This elusive treasure that project holders covet so much and which financial institutions approach with caution. Do not panic; several options are available to you as entrepreneurs. However, before rushing to the nearest aid fund, it is important to work on your proposal diligently. Here is a brief primer for young adventurers, the courageous, for you, project holders in search of funds.

Know Where You Stand!

A good entrepreneur knows the different stages of a start-up’s development and precisely identifies their current position. This exercise is crucial as it determines the funding channels to target, the discourse to adopt, etc. The growth curve of a start-up can be summarized as follows:

Idea Generation -> Creation/Pre-seeding -> Seeding -> Development -> Expansion/Transmission

Each phase has its challenges and rules to follow, detailed in the article “Start-up Growth: What are the Major Phases?”

Regardless of your phase, consult a professional to adopt best practices. Various assumptions, especially concerning tax and social aspects, are often overlooked when crafting a business plan. Keep in mind that many have been in your shoes before and often share their experiences. Take advantage of their insights to increase your chances of success.

Don’t Just Look at the Tip of Your Nose!

To interest an investor, it’s not enough to promote a project with immediate potential. You must convince them that its success will be tremendous in the future. It’s crucial to integrate a progression plan or scaling proposal into your pitch.

The key is to showcase the project’s potential for significant growth. Upcoming supplementary products, future partnerships, gradual access to new markets – the aim is to segment growth into distinct phases, demonstrating that each corresponds to a specific destination for which you already have a roadmap. Then, listen to your customers to choose the right path forward.

Stay Informed

In Morocco, several support mechanisms exist for entrepreneurship, from private to public initiatives. Explore:

• Online sources first, then directly approach relevant organizations such as MarocPME, CCG, or other private operators offering such support. A compilation of active programs in Morocco has been compiled by the platform www.flowingo.ma and is available here for free access.
• Connect with associations aiding young entrepreneurs and/or project incubation/acceleration structures (Réseau Entreprendre Maroc, CJD, Enactus, AFEM, CEED Maroc, Endeavour, etc.). They are in constant contact with most active investors in Morocco and are best positioned to guide you in your fundraising efforts. However, be prepared for involvement; the check is often the result of coaching sessions, mentoring, upgrades, and equally relevant support.
• Seek advice from your advisor or an expert. Based on your situation, they will recommend suitable financing options and offer practical advice to compile financing files and execute corresponding financial structures.

Remember: an entrepreneur who listens is an entrepreneur who knows! Participate in events highlighting the entrepreneurial ecosystem’s creation/development. Some seminars/webinars may seem irrelevant, but they often offer valuable insights and at the very least, help in building your network. You lose nothing; most are free and available online.”