A member of the Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) for many years, Soumia Malinbaum has just been elected president of the departmental public establishment. A digital entrepreneur, she wants a “Chamber of Commerce and Industry that trains and supports entrepreneurship”. Its mandate will include hosting major sporting events, including the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Actu-Juridique: In what state of mind do you begin your mandate? The situation for entrepreneurs, due to the pandemic, is to say the least particular…
Soumia Malinbaum: Yes, all my thoughts are turned towards them. I know how difficult it is, both economically and psychologically, to be an entrepreneur today in Paris. They have not been able to carry out their activity normally for two years now. The role of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry is to give them energy, the means to undertake and to show them that they are not alone. The CCI is there to accompany them. In particular, we have deployed a listening and psychological support unit for business leaders. Even if entrepreneurs are resilient, their morale can be damaged over time. We have to support them.
Personally, I am optimistic by nature, I have confidence in their ability to bounce back and adapt. In the coming months and years, we will have to learn to live with the consequences of this pandemic and put in place the conditions for sustainable economic development. Big projects are coming to Paris such as the Rugby World Cup and the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This leads us to be optimistic.
AJ: What are your concrete ideas for supporting entrepreneurs over the next five years?
SM: My program, and that of the entire CCI team, aims first of all to continue and deepen the support missions which are historically those of the chamber: support for businesses, companies, young entrepreneurs and people in training or unemployed. This mission is even more important today because of the health crisis.
Also, my roadmap follows in the footsteps of the major digital and environmental transformations that our economy has been experiencing for several years now. In particular, we need to help local SMEs to equip them with digital tools. For the environment, we need to focus on helping to decarbonise the economy. Each and everyone has their part to play in this matter. Finally, there are very important social issues. Young people face many difficulties in training and in accessing the job market. We cannot afford to ignore them.
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During the campaign I spoke of a Paris of solidarity, of a Paris of sustainable and responsible growth, and of a chamber of commerce and industry which trains and supports retraining. These terms sum up our ambition well.
AJ: Are the major sporting events, and in particular the Olympic Games, in just over 2 years a horizon on which you wish to rely?
SM: These events are opportunities for the whole of society and in particular for all entrepreneurs and merchants in the region. We must prepare for such events because more than ever Paris will be scrutinized by the whole world. Our entrepreneurs and the entire economic fabric must take advantage of business opportunities and demonstrate their know-how.
AJ: Is Paris a sufficiently innovative city, in your opinion? Especially in comparison with other world cities such as London, New York or Tokyo...
SM: Paris is a city, in my opinion, deeply innovative. It is recognized as such internationally. Let's take the example of Station F: it is still the largest start-up incubator in the world. It is a sign that does not deceive. Paris is full of entrepreneurs, merchants and craftsmen. Innovation and creativity are linked to the history of this city. It is also an inspiring capital for artists, creators, and the entire cultural world.
Each year, the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry organizes the Paris Shop & Design award to recognize the most successful design and architectural initiatives in the design of retail spaces, and we are consistently amazed to see the extraordinary creativity of Parisian merchants. We also recently launched Club Boost Mode Design to support the development of entrepreneurs in the fashion and design sector. All this contributes to the positive and creative image of Paris. Overall we can be proud of the spirit of entrepreneurship that reigns in the city. Paris and its region are the envy of the rest of the world, it seems to me, and it is not for nothing that the region attracts many foreign investors every year. The fact, too, that Paris is entrusted with the international events we were talking about is proof of a know-how that cannot be denied.
AJ: Innovation is something you know personally. You have, in fact, completed your entire career in the digital sector…
SM: I created my first company in 1991. I ran it for 15 years. Subsequently, I created a second company to support individuals and companies to equip themselves with computers. We were then in the 2000s. Finally, I joined the Keyrus group, within which I am still active, as vice-president of business development. Keyrus is a digital company, present in 15 countries, which supports companies in their digital transformation and in the use of data.
It is true that I have always evolved in the digital world. This world has obviously undergone profound transformations. An unknown time, it crosses all our environments today. The challenge now for our European societies is to acquire digital sovereignty in line with our values.
AJ: The new assembly of the CCI Paris is composed mainly of women (30 out of 58). How do you view the ongoing development of female entrepreneurship? Is this a subject that you also want to address during your mandate?
SM: This is obviously a subject close to my heart. I try, as much as possible, to support the development of this female entrepreneurship, in particular through tutoring. Young women need sisterhood. Doing business for them is not always easy. They do not necessarily have models in their communities on which they can rely or find advice. Many of them censor themselves and unconsciously forbid themselves to carry their projects. So I try my best to help them and convey a message. During my mandate, I will obviously try to support the networks that already exist.
I will be particularly attentive to the subject of financing. Women still have far too much difficulty in financing their projects, and this is obviously a major sticking point which reinforces inequalities.
