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F.A.Q

Hunt out answers to your questions.

Discover WILCO One Program

01How long is the program?

The acceleration program lasts for 3 years and is divided into 3 phases: Start Sessions, Loan Sessions and Up Sessions.

02How much does WILCO One cost?

The WILCO One program costs €20k over 3 years. Each startup contributes €6k before starting the on-boarding process. Région Île-de-France and a selection of private partners fund the rest of the WILCO One program.

03What are the selection criteria for joining WILCO One?

Your startup must be based in the Île-de-France region, offer a technology-based innovation and have existed for less than 3 years. You don’t quite fit? We may have other acceleration services adapted to your needs. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.

04When do you have to pay?

You’ll need to pay before starting the WILCO One program.

05Can I apply if I’m a one-person team?

Yes, you can still apply if you’re on your own, as long as you meet the selection criteria.

06Can you re-apply if your application is refused?

Yes, you can re-apply, once you’ve taken the jury’s feedback on why you were refused into account. You can also apply to a different program if you’re eligible.

07Does WILCO provide other acceleration tools and programs?

WILCO has also developed the COMET service. Find out more about this individual support on the COMET.

08How long does the Call for Applications last?

Each Call for Applications is open for 15 days.

09Which criteria does the selection jury use?

Key criteria include the team’s skills and complementarity, the offer (value proposition and market), level of project maturity and business development plan.

10What does the selection process involve?

The process comprises two main phases. Firstly, we analyze the applications based on the elements sent via the form. We then organize a series of face-to-face pitches for the startups selected during stage 1.

11Does WILCO provide accommodation?

No. The WILCO One acceleration program does not host any of the accelerated startups.

12What kind of funding can you get during WILCO One?

Each partner/associate can obtain a personal loan of up to €50k at zero interest, over 5 years with a 12-month grace period, up to a maximum of €150k per startup, to consolidate equity capital. The granting of a loan is decided by members of the juries for the Financing or Approval Committee, whose volunteer members are approved by WILCO’s Board of Directors.

13What size loan can you get?

Each co-founder / associate can get a personal interest-free loan of up to €50k, over 5 years with a 12-month deferral (maximum €150k per startup), to consolidate equity.

14When will you receive your Entrepreneurs Loan?

The loan is given during the Loan Sessions phase, following a committee meeting. This is usually 3-6 months after being selected for the WILCO One program. The granting of a loan is decided by members of juries for the Financing or Approval Committee, whose volunteer members are approved by WILCO’s Board of Directors.

15More questions about the Entrepreneurs Loan?

Dive deeper to learn more about our Entrepreneurs Loan.

01What is the Entrepreneurs Loan?

The loan is given to associates/ partners in the accelerated company. The interest rate is 0%. No personal guarantee, surety or mortgage is required. The entrepreneur undertakes to repay the loan from his or her own funds.

02Who can benefit from the loan?

Founding partners holding at least 5% of the capital of a startup selected for one of WILCO’s sector-based acceleration programs. The program targets innovative companies that are less than 3 years old with a head office or secondary establishment in the Paris region.

03How much can you be loaned?

Each partner can obtain up to €50k in loans with a maximum of €150k per startup. The average loan issued by WILCO €100k per startup. The borrower may be required to sign several entrepreneur loan contracts, depending on the loan funds raised.

04How do you repay it?

Each partner repays their loan on a straight-line basis over 48 months, after a 12-month deferral period.

05How much does the loan cost?

  • 0% interest

  • No application fees

  • No fees for early repayment

  • Compulsory death and disability

  • insurance (PTIA)

  • Loan against Bpifrance guarantee (required by Bpifrance)

06What happens if your company ceases trading?

In the event of amicable or judicial liquidation, the borrower remains liable for any sums outstanding. Bpifrance may decide to cover part of the outstanding capital.

07When will you receive your Entrepreneurs Loan?

The loan is given during the Loan Sessions phase, following an acceleration committee meeting (volunteer jury). This is usually 3-6 months after being selected for the WILCO One program.