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Among the top 5 favorite activities of the French, with 2 out of 3 people participating at least once a year, cycling has always been a popular, accessible sport, deeply rooted in the regions. Historically, it was often small local businesses that supported cycling teams, contributing to a unique proximity between sponsors, teams, and the public. However, over time, this model was replaced by an increased reliance on large corporations and multinationals, thus distancing SMEs from this ecosystem. It was while discussing this observation that six SME leaders and/or sports club presidents had a somewhat crazy idea: to restore the rightful place of VSEs/SMEs, whose commitment had been progressively sidelined. In 2023, they began to imagine a new economic model, based on the strength of the collective. The Ma Petite Entreprise project was born!
Source: Press Release
The concept is simple: rather than relying on a few large sponsors, this professional team relies on a multitude of small businesses, forming a powerful support network. It can thus remain totally independent, while more accurately reflecting the French economic landscape, where VSEs and SMEs represent over 90% of businesses.
“This participatory model, unprecedented in professional cycling, allows each sponsor to become a key player in the team’s success.”
Shared values of solidarity, excellence, and ambition
Ma Petite Entreprise is a professional men’s and women’s cycling team, entirely financed by French VSEs/SMEs. This ambitious project embodies a unifying approach, aiming to highlight the dynamism and importance of small businesses in the economy, while bringing together sports enthusiasts around shared values of solidarity, excellence, and ambition.
A resolutely collective and innovative approach
Unlike traditional cycling teams that depend on a few large sponsors, this team will be financed by a multitude of committed French small businesses. A true network of entrepreneurs will thus be created: thanks to this unique model, Ma Petite Entreprise ensures its financial independence while uniting energies around a common cause.
A project that embodies the popular and accessible values of cycling
Each sponsor, regardless of their financial contribution (starting from €750/year), will be valued equitably, with guaranteed visibility on Ma Petite Entreprise’s communication materials and jerseys.
A mixed team
By bringing together men and women, the team will reflect Ma Petite Entreprise’s commitment to equality in sport. This is a way to demonstrate that VSEs/SMEs, often perceived as modest, are capable of leading audacious and innovative projects, capable of competing with the biggest.
A positive impact
Each year, Ma Petite Entreprise will donate 10% of the prize money obtained from cycling clubs training its team’s professionals. It will also donate the same amount to sponsor beehives, which, with the bee, symbolize work and whose sugar is the cyclist’s fuel.
A dual ambition, which has already attracted over 200 sponsors
Participate in the Tour de France by 2030
Because the Tour de France is the most iconic cycling event in the world, Ma Petite Entreprise aims to embody the strength of small French businesses on the international stage.
“Initially, our goal is to build a competitive team, capable of participating in races within the professional peloton as early as 2026.”
To meet this challenge, Ma Petite Entreprise seeks to mobilize a large number of VSEs/SMEs to integrate them into its great project! Thanks to effective communication and continuous media coverage, it plans to strengthen its reputation to attract even more partners.
Create an entrepreneurial movement around this project
Beyond the purely sporting aspect, Ma Petite Entreprise wishes to offer VSEs/SMEs that join the team:
To create a regional directory of members and entrepreneur events sharing the same passion.
To receive an framed official jersey + prizes depending on the level of commitment.
To display their company name on the jersey (to be on the roads from 2026, and aim for the TDF by 2030).
To join the private media to follow the entire life of the team in digital immersion.
To participate in the recruitment of riders via online voting platforms.
To have a true sense of belonging to a collective and audacious project.
It will thus expand this network gradually, allowing each partner to grow with it.
“Ultimately, Ma Petite Entreprise could become a model for other sports disciplines, proving that the union of small forces can accomplish great things.”
Key project dates
2023: Project creation;
2025: Staff and roster recruitment;
2026 to 2029: Continental team;
2030: Tour de France.
About the Dream Team
“As fervent defenders of small businesses, we know how crucial it is to highlight what constitutes the true lung of the French economy.”
Behind the idea of Ma Petite Entreprise is a group of six SME leaders and/or sports club presidents, all passionate about sport and, in particular, cycling. Driven by an entrepreneurial and competitive spirit, they have always met challenges in their respective sectors.
It is their varied professional backgrounds, combining business management, leadership, and passion for sport, that naturally led them to imagine this innovative and unifying project.
Today, they are putting their experience and networks at the service of this great adventure, to promote French VSEs and SMEs through professional cycling.
Learn more
Support the project: https://mapetiteentreprise-equipecycliste.fr/pages/promesse
Sponsor brochures: https://www.relations-publiques.pro/wp-content/uploads/pros/20240911091633-p3-document-gskv.pdf
Website: https://mapetiteentreprise-equipecycliste.fr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ma-Petite-Entreprise-Équipe-Cycliste/61558669959925/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapetiteentreprise_cyclisme/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ma-petite-entreprise-équipe-cycliste/posts/?feedView=all
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