COVID-19: Textiles in South Champagne take action!
Since March 17th, the start of the lock-down, Business South Champagne has continued its work remotely to support companies in South Champagne deeply affected by this health crisis. The Agency has also actively engaged with mask manufacturers in the textile industry, organizing synergies and participating in a genuine territorial solidarity chain between manufacturers and users.
As an Economic Development Agency, Business South Champagne immediately mobilized all its resources, alongside the Grand Est Region, Troyes Champagne Metropolis, Chaumont Agglomeration, and the Chamber of Commerce, to meet the needs of companies in the region: contacting all SMEs and ETIs, assessing the impacts of the lock-down, providing continuous information on all national and regional support mechanisms, and assisting in the preparation of applications, and more.
This full-time effort required a constant presence with entrepreneurs, as explained by Sylvie Maërte, Economic Development Mission Manager for Business South Champagne: “Based on the companies that BSC has been following since its inception, we contacted each company, initially to get an update from them, and subsequently to ensure they were well-informed about all the financial support schemes available to them, such as the Grand Est Region’s Rebond loan or the State-Guaranteed Loan. For some of them, we provided genuine support in creating cash flow forecasts to help them make aid requests under the best conditions.”
More than just strategic and financial support, the Agency also made it a priority to provide moral support to business leaders during this unprecedented challenge. Recognizing the fears and difficulties that entrepreneurs may face, the entire Business South Champagne team was continuously available and attentive to them throughout the lock-down.
Beyond this daily support for companies, Business South Champagne quickly mobilized for a significant project. Valérie Schwarz, its Managing Director, wanted to support the healthcare and social sector by mobilizing, with the support of the Textile Industries Union, all textile stakeholders for a common cause: the production of surgical masks. “The know-how and willingness were there but sometimes needed a little push to create synergies and set up production pools based on DGA-approved mask models. Bringing together major corporations and SMEs in reverse roles of clients and subcontractors was a real challenge that they all embraced with strength and commitment.”
This mobilization was made possible thanks to the enduring textile expertise in the region. While setting up the production process was not straightforward, it demonstrated its effectiveness, with 200,000 masks now being produced daily in the region.
Of course, this wouldn’t have been possible without the kindness and dedication of the region’s textile companies and their employees: Lacoste, Petit Bateau, Le Coq Sportif, Chanteclair, Bugis, EMO, Lafitte Textile, L’Atelier d’Ariane, and Adova. Their employees volunteered to support healthcare services and the healthcare sector.
This is a wonderful example of solidarity that can make all the stakeholders who contributed to the continuity of economic life during this lock-down period proud.
Clearly, the work of Business South Champagne does not end here. During the deconfinement phase, the Agency will be even more present for companies and will help them relaunch their activities under the best possible conditions.
If you have any questions or need assistance with restarting your business, please do not hesitate to contact us at: contact@sud-champagne.fr
