What BGE Alsace-Lorraine does

BGE Alsace-Lorraine is a French non-profit association (association loi 1901) operating as part of the national BGE Réseau network, providing business creation and development support services across the Alsace and Lorraine regions of Grand Est. Founded within the regional structure around 2012 (with the broader BGE network dating to 1984), the organization is headquartered at 3 Place du Capitaine Dreyfus in Colmar and employs approximately 40 staff serving entrepreneurs through more than 29 physical access points. The organization holds Qualiopi certification, the mandatory French quality label required for accessing public training funds under CPF and France Travail mechanisms, and is GDPR compliant with a designated DPO (Chloé Weber).

The core offering is a four-step entrepreneur journey (Envisager, Affiner, Structurer, Développer) delivered through two flagship accelerator programs: the Accélérateur Émergence (195 hours for QPV-based aspiring founders) and the Accélérateur Création Individuelle (241 hours for QPV-based entrepreneurs under 3 years in operation), each running 15-20 entrepreneur cohorts per promotion. Supporting programs include Activ'Créa Émergence (for France Travail job seekers), CitèsLab (Colmar QPV focus), FORMA Créa and Chèque Créa 1/8 (Grand Est Region funded), Ma TPE 4.0 (digital transformation), and Ateliers de la Com'Digitale (social media, SEO, SEA training). Physical infrastructure centers on La Pep's de Colmar, a business incubator and coworking space at 2 rue de Prague, with mobile outreach via the Bus de l'Entrepreneuriat and ongoing community engagement through BGE Club, Cafés de la Création, Clapping des ENTREPRENEUSES, and Semaine Pleine de Pep's.

The business model is predominantly grant- and subsidy-funded rather than fee-based. Revenue sources are public institutional funders including Bpifrance, the French State (Ministère des Armées, prefectures), Banque des Territoires (Caisse des Dépôts), Région Grand Est, France Travail, AGEFIPH, and metropolitan authorities (Strasbourg Eurométropole, Eurométropole de Metz, Colmar Agglomération). Programs are largely free or fully covered for eligible entrepreneurs—particularly QPV residents, France Travail registrants, and AGEFIPH beneficiaries. The organization's technology stack is non-proprietary: it operates standard digital tools including the BGE portal, online registration, and visio-conferencing, with no patents, no proprietary models, and no AI products, though it has begun integrating AI and digitalization modules into training curricula. Sub-brands include La Pep's (incubator) and BGE Club (entrepreneur community).

Name

BGE Alsace-Lorraine

Legal name

BGE ALSACE LORRAINE

Website

https://bge-alsace-lorraine.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

BGE Alsace-Lorraine is a French non-profit association providing free, publicly-funded business creation and development support across Alsace and Lorraine, primarily serving aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in priority urban areas, France Travail job seekers, and entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Colmar

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Public funding and subsidies: BGE Alsace-Lorraine operates as a non-profit association primarily funded by public institutions including the Grand Est Region, the French State (État), Bpifrance, the Ministry of Armed Forces, local prefectures (Haut-Rhin), and metropolitan/urban authorities (Strasbourg Eurométropole, Metz, Colmar Agglomération, etc.). These subsidies finance the organization's core operating costs and free or subsidized programs for eligible entrepreneurs.
2. Training and accompaniment programs: The organization delivers fee-for-service training programs eligible for public financing mechanisms including CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation / Mon Compte Formation), France Travail financing, and other public skills investment funds. Programs such as the Accélérateur Création are described as 'intégralement pris en charge' (fully covered) for eligible QPV residents, meaning costs are covered by public funds rather than the entrepreneur.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

BGE Alsace-Lorraine is a non-profit association that supports aspiring and existing entrepreneurs across the Alsace and Lorraine regions of France through training, coaching, and incubation programs. Its core offerings include two flagship accelerator programs (Accélérateur Émergence for pre-founders and Accélérateur Création Individuelle for entrepreneurs in activity under three years), a business incubator and coworking space (La Pep's), and an entrepreneur club (BGE Club) for ongoing networking and skill development.

Product overview

BGE Alsace-Lorraine offers a comprehensive ecosystem of business creation and development support services across Alsace and Lorraine. The core offerings consist of two main accelerator programs: the 'Accélérateur Émergence' for aspiring entrepreneurs in ideation phase, and the 'Accélérateur Création Individuelle' for existing entrepreneurs seeking to develop their businesses. Supporting these are specialized programs including Activ'Créa Émergence for France Travail job seekers, CitésLab for priority urban neighborhoods, and FORMA Créa/Chèque Créa for region-funded training. Physical infrastructure includes La Pep's business incubator and coworking space in Colmar, while the BGE Club provides ongoing networking. Digital training is delivered through Ateliers de la Com'Digitale and Ma TPE 4.0. The 'Mon bureau virtuel' platform provides online access to BGE network resources. Regular events like Cafés de la Création and Clapping des Entrepreneuses foster community among entrepreneurs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• La Pep's: Business incubator and co-working space in Colmar offering office space, meeting rooms, and business support services for entrepreneurs.
• BGE Club

Products and services

• Accélérateur Création Individuelle An intensive 12-month business development program for entrepreneurs in activity for less than 3 years, located in priority urban policy neighborhoods (QPV). Includes 241 hours of accompaniment with collective training (182h), individual coaching (29h), and networking (30h) across 10 learning modules covering business structuring, market analysis, communication, and growth levers. Free for eligible QPV residents, fully financed by Bpifrance, the French State, and Banque des Territoires.
• Accélérateur Émergence An intensive business creation acceleration program for aspiring entrepreneurs from priority urban policy neighborhoods (QPV) in Alsace and Lorraine. Offers 195 hours of training across 12 modules covering business planning, market analysis, marketing strategy, legal/fiscal aspects, AI, and digital transition for individuals still in ideation or early project development. Free for eligible QPV residents.
• Activ'Créa Émergence A business creation support program targeted at France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi) job seekers who wish to explore or formalize a business creation or takeover project. Delivers structured modules on micro-enterprise, creativity and ideation, self-knowledge, project management methodology, and transversal skills. Free for France Travail registrants.
• La Pep's — Pépinières d'entreprise et espace de co-working A business incubator and coworking space located in Colmar offering offices, meeting rooms (large and small), and shared workspaces for entrepreneurs. Also hosts regular networking events such as the weekly 'Cafés de la Création'. Targets resident entrepreneurs and hosted startups.
• BGE Club An entrepreneur club in Alsace providing networking opportunities, workshops (credit-bail immobilier, communication, RSE, etc.), and peer support for business owners and BGE alumni. Serves as both a retention mechanism for past clients and a referral channel for new participants.
• CitésLab à Colmar A business creation support service targeting priority urban neighborhoods (QPV) in Colmar, providing specialized accompaniment for entrepreneurs from these areas via a dedicated project manager.
• Chèque Créa Financial aid programs from the Grand Est Region, including Chèque Créa 1 for project preparation (business plan, market study, legal status) and Chèque Créa 8 for post-creation follow-up, supporting entrepreneurs at different stages of the creation journey.
• Ma TPE 4.0 by BGE A digital transformation program for micro-enterprises (TPE), providing tools and training to help small businesses digitize their operations, including online presence, e-commerce, and digital tools adoption.
• FORMA Créa A training program funded by the Grand Est Region for business creation and development support, covering practical training modules to help entrepreneurs build skills.
• Le Bus de l'Entrepreneuriat A mobile entrepreneurship unit that travels to various locations to provide business creation support and raise awareness about entrepreneurship in underserved areas, particularly priority urban zones and rural communities.
• Cafés de la Création d'Entreprise Weekly networking events held every Wednesday at La Pep's Colmar, providing entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners with free advice and exchanges with business creation professionals.
• Clapping des Entrepreneuses An annual entrepreneurial event dedicated to women entrepreneurs and those aspiring to become entrepreneurs, featuring workshops on societal commitments and the positive impacts of entrepreneurship. Held in Strasbourg and Metz.
• Mon bureau virtuel A virtual office portal providing BGE network members and entrepreneurs with access to digital tools, resources, and online services for business management via portail.bge.asso.fr.
• Ateliers de la Com'Digitale A series of digital communication training workshops covering social media (Instagram/TikTok, Facebook/LinkedIn), search engine marketing (SEA), search engine optimization (SEO), and digital communication strategy for entrepreneurs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99% of trainees recommend BGE Alsace-Lorraine (2025)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers22 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrance Travail refers job seekers interested in entrepreneurship to BGE Alsace-Lorraine programs, particularly Activ'Créa Émergence which targets France Travail registrants.
• Crédit Agricole Alsace VosgesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCrédit Agricole Alsace Vosges partners with BGE Alsace-Lorraine to deliver workshops such as the RSE (corporate social responsibility) workshop at the Clapping des ENTREPRENEUSES event.
• KeobizminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKeobiz partnered with BGE Alsace-Lorraine to co-host a webinar on the electronic invoicing reform, providing expertise on regulatory changes affecting entrepreneurs.
• CarrefourminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarrefour, through its franchise expansion program, partners with BGE Alsace-Lorraine to offer workshops on opening or taking over a local grocery store. Paulo Da Silva Lopes (delegate for Grand Est) animates these workshops.
• CIC (Crédit Industriel et Commercial)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCIC is listed among the partners of BGE Alsace-Lorraine, providing financial services and support for entrepreneurs.
• Banque PopulaireminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBanque Populaire is listed among the institutional partners supporting BGE Alsace-Lorraine's activities.
• Caisse de Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA) LorraineminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMSA Lorraine is listed among the institutional partners of BGE Alsace-Lorraine.
• ACORIS MutuellesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerACORIS Mutuelles partners with BGE Alsace-Lorraine to animate workshops on social protection for business leaders, with Karine Mansuy serving as presenter.
• CMA (Chambre des Métiers et de l'Artisanat) – CCI (Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie) des VosgesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe CCI des Vosges partnered with BGE Alsace-Lorraine to support entrepreneurs like Marion Robert (KUTCHE) in their business creation journey.
• La Pep's de Colmar (incubator venue)coreOthersLa Pep's de Colmar is BGE Alsace-Lorraine's business incubator and coworking space located at 2 rue de Prague, Colmar, hosting accelerator programs, workshops, networking events, and housing resident entrepreneurs.
• Maison de l'Entreprise à Maxéville (Nancy)coreOthersThe Maison de l'Entreprise à Maxéville serves as the venue for the Accélérateur Création Individuelle program in the Nancy area.
• Numbr (Expert-Comptable)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNumbr, an accounting firm, partners with BGE Alsace-Lorraine to animate workshops on legal status (statut juridique) and electronic invoicing for entrepreneurs.
• SwapnminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSwapn partners with BGE Alsace-Lorraine to animate workshops on choosing the right legal status for entrepreneurship.
• CAAV (Compagnie des Experts Agréés en Véhicules)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCAAV is listed among the partners of BGE Alsace-Lorraine, providing expertise in vehicle appraisal for entrepreneurs.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Initiative France: French non-profit network supporting business creation through mentoring, financing, and accompaniment. Highly comparable as a regional-network model delivering integrated entrepreneur support services with similar mission and funding structures.
• ADIE (Association pour le Droit à l'Initiative Économique): French non-profit providing microcredit and accompaniment to entrepreneurs excluded from traditional banking. Comparable as a non-profit delivering complementary financial and coaching services to underserved entrepreneur populations, often in QPV zones.
• France Active: French non-profit network financing and supporting social economy entrepreneurs and business creators. Comparable as a similarly structured public-interest organization providing accompaniment, financing, and training to entrepreneurs, especially those facing barriers to conventional finance.
• Réseau Entreprendre: French non-profit network offering entrepreneur mentoring by volunteer business leaders. Comparable as a regionally-organized non-profit providing intensive accompaniment and peer support for business creation and growth.
• BGE Réseau: National parent network of BGE Alsace-Lorraine, providing the same business creation support and training methodology across France. Most directly comparable peer as the umbrella organization operating the same model at scale in other regions.

Broad incumbents

• CMA France (Chambres de Métiers et de l'Artisanat): National network of Chambers of Trades supporting artisans and craft entrepreneurs. Comparable as a publicly-funded business support institution with similar missions around entrepreneur accompaniment, though focused on the artisanal sector.
• Bpifrance: French public investment bank supporting entrepreneurs through financing, guarantees, and innovation programs. Comparable as a major institutional partner providing funding to entrepreneur support ecosystems, though Bpifrance operates at much larger scale and focuses on direct financing rather than accompaniment.
• CCI France (Chambers of Commerce and Industry): National network of Chambers of Commerce providing broader business support services including creation, training, and international development. Comparable as an institutional provider of entrepreneur support but with a much wider remit and publicly-mandated role.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC7AeJmlrfykZfNSJailwnWw
• Facebookfacebook.com/BgeAlsaceLorraine
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bge-alsace-lorraine

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BGE Alsace-Lorraine