Entrepreneurs In Residence

The Entrepreneur in Residence initiative strengthens Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) by inviting international mentors to engage with local ecosystem actors, through workshops and training sessions aimed at stimulating the Cambodian market. EIRs will come in a short-term support with one-to-one ESO and focus on specific areas such as market strategy for start-ups, fundraising, bootstrapping, etc.

Background

Entrepreneurial ecosystems are intricate networks requiring specific actors and activities to support enterprises at every stage of their lifecycle, from ideation to growth and sustainability. Building these ecosystems can take decades, and many, particularly in emerging markets, are not yet self-sustaining. To address this challenge, the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Pillar draws on the successful model of SECO’s Swiss Entrepreneurship Program (Swiss EP), implemented by Swisscontact.

As part of this pillar, the 3Ei initiative launched the Strengthen Entrepreneurship and Innovation (SEI) brand, which aims to enhance the capacity of Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) to deliver high-quality services to entrepreneurs. A key feature of the SEI brand is the Entrepreneur-In-Residence (EIR) program, which brings international experts to collaborate with local ESOs. These experts, drawn from the Swiss EP program, introduce innovative ideas and perspectives while providing direct support to startups, addressing local skill gaps and fostering sustainable growth within the ecosystem.

Objectives of EIR

  • Bridge technical skill gaps: SEI recognizes the importance of addressing key challenges in the local entrepreneurial landscape. SEI aims to bridge technical skill gaps by onboarding Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) professionals who bring international expertise and hands-on entrepreneurial experience. These EIRs introduce new thinking and innovative approaches, igniting a culture of creativity and adaptive entrepreneurship.
  • Strengthen ESO Capacity and Service Quality: Provide customized, one-on-one mentorship from international experts to enhance the knowledge, skills, and service quality of Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs), enabling them to better support startups and drive sustainable growth.
  • Incorporate Global Best Practices: Equip ESOs and startups with valuable insights and innovative strategies from global mentors, fostering a competitive entrepreneurial ecosystem that leverages international best practices for business growth and development.
  • Accelerate Startup Success: Empower startups to scale effectively by integrating the expertise of EIRs and local mentors, introducing new ideas and approaches that increase their investment potential and overall impact in the market.

Vision

The EIR program aims to empower Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) by providing targeted mentorship that enhances their capacity to deliver high-quality services to startups and entrepreneurs. By bridging the gap in support for ESOs, the program brings international expertise to strengthen critical areas such as market strategy and fundraising. EIR envisions a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem where ESOs are equipped to drive sustainable growth and attract essential investments, ensuring that impactful enterprises thrive and contribute to the broader economic landscape.

EIR in the making

2015
SwissEP project launched and showed promise through the Entrepreneurs in Residence model
The SwissEP project was launched in 2015 to build local startup communities. The project has been ongoing since and currently has a pool of 570 mentors. The SwissEP is a project implemented by Swisscontact and operates in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Peru and Vietnam.
2023
Entrepreneurs In Residence program integrated within the 3Ei initiative through SEI
The EIR and Masterclass components were integrated within the 3Ei initiative to enable the on boarding of international and regional mentors whose first-hand experience would bring new ideas and perspectives to the local ESOs.
2024
SwissEP project launched and showed promise through the Entrepreneurs in Residence model 
The SwissEP project was launched in 2015 to build local startup communities. The project has been ongoing since and currently has a pool of 570 mentors. The SwissEP is a project implemented by Swisscontact and operates in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Peru and Vietnam. 

Resources

Events and Articles

Cambodia
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
28.11.2024
Fostering a Growth Mindset: Martin Kenneth Lopez’s Week as Entrepreneur-in-Residence
As the fourth Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) under the 3Ei initiative, Martin Kenneth Lopez Jaime spent a week from October 6th – October 11th 2024 in Cambodia to share his expertise on cultivating a growth-oriented mindset among entrepreneurs. His sessions aimed to guide local startups, entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs), and educational institutions toward adopting a long-term perspective and a proactive approach to scaling their businesses.
Cambodia
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
28.11.2024
Fostering a Silicon Valley Mindset: Michelle Messina’s Impactful Residency as Entrepreneur-in-Residence
As the third Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) under the 3Ei initiative, Michelle Elizabeth Messina brought her extensive experience from Silicon Valley to Cambodia, spending nearly two weeks from October 6th, 2024, until October 18th 2024 engaging with local entrepreneurs, mentors, and entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs).
Cambodia
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
17.10.2024
Second EIR Session Equips Cambodian ESOs with Tools for High-Impact Programs
On September 23rd, 2024, Helena Habdija, an experienced programs innovator, facilitator, and community builder, led a workshop on “Unlocking Success: Designing and Leading Tailored High-Impact Programs” as part of the Strengthen Entrepreneurship and Innovation initiative was attended by 36 participants. 
Cambodia
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
20.08.2024
Entrepreneur in Residence workshop series commences with Keo Sar bringing insights
Phnom Penh, The Entrepreneur in Residence Program successfully conducted its first series of workshops from July 18th until July 24th led by Keo Sar, a Khmer American entrepreneur, advisor, speaker and an angel investor.