COVID-19: The mobilization of Business Sud Champagne
Since March 17, the start of the lockdown, Business Sud Champagne has continued its activities through teleworking to support the deeply affected companies in the South Champagne region due to this health crisis. The agency also strongly mobilized in support of mask manufacturers in the textile industry by organizing synergies and participating in a true territorial solidarity chain between manufacturers and users.
As an Economic Development Agency, Business Sud Champagne had to immediately mobilize all its resources, alongside the Grand Est Region, Troyes Champagne Métropole, the Agglomeration of Chaumont, and the Chambers of Commerce, to meet the needs of the region’s companies. This included contacting all SMEs and ETIs, assessing the impacts of the lockdown, providing continuous information on all national and regional aid programs, and assisting in the preparation of applications, and more.
This full-time work demanded a constant presence alongside entrepreneurs, as explained by Sylvie Maërte, Economic Development Mission Manager for Business Sud Champagne: “Based on the companies that BSC has been following since its inception, we initially contacted the companies to get their updates. Subsequently, we ensured that they were well aware of all the financial aid programs available to them, such as the ‘Rebound Loan’ from the Grand Est Region or the State-Guaranteed Loan. For some of them, we provided genuine support in establishing cash flow forecasts, allowing them to submit aid requests under the best conditions.”
More than just strategic and financial support, the agency also made it a priority to provide emotional support to business owners during this unprecedented challenge. Recognizing the fears and difficulties that entrepreneurs may experience, the entire Business Sud Champagne team was constantly available and attentive to them throughout the lockdown.
Beyond the daily work of supporting businesses, Business Sud Champagne quickly embarked on a significant project. Valérie Schwarz, its General Director, wanted to support the healthcare and social sector by mobilizing, with the support of the Union des Industries Textiles, all textile industry players for a common cause: the production of surgical masks. “The skills and good intentions existed but sometimes needed a helping hand to create synergies and form production pools using DGA-approved mask models. Getting large companies and SMEs to work together in reverse roles of clients and subcontractors was a real challenge that everyone embraced with strength and commitment.”
This mobilization was made possible thanks to the continued textile expertise in the region. Although setting up the machinery was not simple, its effectiveness is now evident as 200,000 masks are manufactured daily in the region.
This achievement would not have been possible without the kindness and dedication of textile companies in the region 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.
A wonderful demonstration of solidarity that can make all those who participated in the continuity of economic life during this lockdown period proud.
Of course, Business Sud Champagne’s work does not stop here. During the deconfinement phase, the agency will be even more present for companies and will assist them in restarting their activities under the best possible conditions.
If you have any questions or reactions regarding the restart of your business, please do not hesitate to contact us: contact@sud-champagne.fr
