Iqlaa is an acceleration programme for Moroccan cultural and creative businesses led by young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35. Funded by the European Union and implemented by Africalia, Fondation Hiba and Institut français, it combines targeted training, business coaching, peer learning, networking and funding.
The programme has three stages: a two-month Onboarding phase to diagnose needs and build an action plan; a three-month Strengthening phase focused on the business model, intellectual property, digital marketing, accounting and pitch preparation; and a five-month Impulse phase centred on investment readiness, fundraising, export, digitalisation and content monetisation. Selected companies will also take part in a six-day European immersion in autumn-winter 2027-2028.
A seed grant of MAD 30,000 to 50,000 may be awarded after the first stage. Following the pitch sessions, selected companies may receive a growth grant of MAD 300,000 to 450,000.
Eligible applicants must be a legally registered SARL, SA or self-employed business in Morocco, active in a cultural or creative sector and legally established for at least one year by September 27, 2026. The reference person must live in Morocco, be aged 18 to 35, speak French or Darija fluently and be available throughout the programme. Non-profits and public or semi-public bodies are not eligible.
The official selection grid covers eight criteria, each worth 5 points: relevance, maturity and management capacity, team experience, market understanding and positioning, business-model strength, growth and scaling potential, budget efficiency, and motivation and fit. Up to 2 bonus points may reward territorial, youth, gender, environmental or digital-innovation contributions.
The application file includes a company presentation, growth-project budget, registration and legal documents, commitment letter, CV, ID and bank details. Applications close on September 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Morocco time. Contact: iqlaa@fondationhiba.ma.