Entrepreneur & Coach: An Inspiring Testimonial

Testimonial from Estelle, Boost Camp OVO Participant – January 2025

“Before I met OVO, my business was facing many challenges: activity planning, access to proper equipment, inability to meet growing customer demand, high production costs, energy issues, lack of guarantees — and above all, limited access to affordable financing. These obstacles were seriously slowing down our growth.

Thanks to OVO’s personalized coaching, I learned how to plan my business activities over the long term, calculate and optimize production costs, interpret financial reports, and write a solid business plan. I also discovered how important it is to align vision with planning — something I hadn’t fully understood before. Now, I have the confidence and tools to manage and grow my company.

The OVO Investment Committee awarded my business the ‘Ready for Change’ label, and I received a loan. This financing is allowing me to make the key investments needed to scale up. The financial support, combined with strategic guidance, is truly a game-changer.

To all fellow entrepreneurs: I encourage you to seize this unique opportunity. Yes, it requires motivation, discipline, and clean accounting — but the Boost Camp is a real launchpad to accelerate your business, create value, and generate employment.

OVO didn’t just equip me with tools — it gave me pride in reaching this key milestone. Today, I’m proud to be an OVO ambassador in Benin, and I truly believe this program can help you become a leader in your industry.

So if you're ready to take your business to the next level, apply to the next Boost Camp. OVO is here to support your success!”

— Estelle, Managing Director, ZOE ROHI SARL

Testimonial from Brigitte, OVO Volunteer Coach – January 2025

"Having worked in international trade between Asia and Africa, I’ve always maintained a strong connection with the continent. When a fellow OVO volunteer asked me to support a Beninese entrepreneur in preparing her funding application, I accepted without hesitation. It was a great opportunity to share my experience while discovering a completely new business sector in a vibrant and rewarding environment.

The coaching process was a real team effort. Together, we structured the data, clarified the strategic vision, strengthened the business plan, and prepared thoroughly for each step leading up to the final presentation. It was challenging but deeply rewarding. One of the highlights was that final pitch: despite a few unexpected questions from the investment committee, the entrepreneur answered confidently. I complemented her answers with more theoretical insights – the duo worked seamlessly.

What makes this mission unique is the depth of the exchange: you give, but you also learn a lot. I reactivated my skills, deepened my knowledge in management and intercultural communication, and above all, discovered a new way of practicing my profession. The trust we built together remains one of the greatest achievements of this experience.

I strongly encourage other professionals to become volunteer coaches. It’s a concrete way to create positive impact on the ground, while bringing new purpose to your own career. OVO offers a structured, inspiring, and deeply human framework."

— Brigitte, OVO Volunteer Coach