The list of prize winners from the third “Vivez l'aventure!” competition includes people from a wide variety of backgrounds and a diverse set of projects

On Thursday 18 November, Schneider Electric rewarded the best entrepreneurial initiatives to come out of its spin-off programme Schneider Initiatives Emploi (SIE), at the Group’s headquarters in Rueil-Malmaison (France).

Awarded during a special “Vivez l’aventure!” day, these prizes recognise the best projects launched by former employees to create businesses or buy going concerns with support from Schneider Initiative Emplois. Emmanuel Babeau, Executive Vice President Finance and Member of the Management Board of Schneider Electric, chaired the jury this year. Eight winners were handed prizes of between 500 and 6000 euros.

The first Jury Prize went to Sylvie Pelgrims, for opening a Rapid’Flore franchise (subsidiary of the Monceau Fleurs Group) selling “self-service” cut flowers. Sylvie’s franchise already has five employees and two points of sale in the suburbs of Limoges, and a turnover of 520,000 euros.

“I’m overwhelmed to receive this honour in recognition of how my business has taken off, declares Sylvie Pelgrims.I wanted to find fulfilment in a job that matched my skills and I never imagined I would get so much support from Schneider Electric for this project.”

The winners were assessed on the basis of four criteria: their project’s development potential; correct assessment of the risk involved in the project; the founder’s leadership abilities and the project’s social responsibility. The list of prize winners from this third competition is notable as much for the variety of backgrounds of the entrepreneurs honoured (balance between the sexes, geographical location, career path) as for the diversity of projects recognised and supported by SIE (creation, buyout or franchise, professional sector targeted, etc).

“It’s fantastic to see the enthusiasm of these entrepreneurs from our Group for such a variety of exciting projects, says Emmanuel Babeau. We are both pleased and proud to be able to support them in a personal adventure while contributing to their professional success.”

On the initiative of Schneider Electric’s Sustainable Development Department and the Schneider Initiatives Emploi association, the “Vivez l’aventure!” competition is designed to:

• Give the selected projects a better chance of survival
• Encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of Schneider Electric employees
• Get entrepreneurs together and help them network

Schneider Initiatives Emploiwas founded in 1994 to provide positive support for changes happening at Schneider Electric and to back and stimulate local economic development. In particular, it is involved in projects to create new businesses, buy out going concerns, integrate family-owned businesses or associations and develop certified personal support services. More than 900 projects, both new businesses and buyouts of going concerns, have received assistance from SIE, with a success rate of over 90% after three years in business.