Remember when Disneyland Paris teamed up with WEConnect International? It was Fall 2024 when they launched an exciting pilot program. This initiative offers training and mentorship, specifically designed to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) led by women truly thrive.

This initiative perfectly aligns with Disneyland Paris’s goal to build a more diverse network of suppliers. Think about it: since opening in 1992, the resort has partnered with over 4,000 suppliers, and an impressive 83% are French-based! Their incredible skills and expertise keep the magic alive every single day, making sure our visits are always unforgettable. Disneyland Paris knows that different perspectives lead to innovation, so they actively support businesses led by women.

This program kicked off with an initial training phase at the Envi school, bringing together about forty women entrepreneurs. From that group, 20 talented individuals moved on to a personalized mentorship program. Disneyland Paris took charge of this next step, launching it in September 2025.

To really kick off this mentorship, Disneyland Paris hosted a special event at Le Cercle in Val d’Europe. This was a chance for the 20 selected entrepreneurs to meet their dedicated mentors face-to-face! It’s incredible how many Cast Members volunteered, ready to support them every step of the way. We’re talking about everyone from finance experts and CSR teams to Vice Presidents and managers – all sharing their unique knowledge to empower these amazing women.

Since September, mentors and mentees have connected regularly, both in person and online. They used this time to chat about the entrepreneurs’ challenges, share experiences, celebrate big wins, and explore exciting new development avenues together. This direct, personalized interaction offered invaluable advice and fresh perspectives on each business’s unique hurdles.

To celebrate the end of this amazing program, a special closing event happened at Village by CA on June 4th. The day was packed! It started with an inspiring opening speech, followed by collaborative workshops, and plenty of time for participants to reflect on their journey. It was also a perfect opportunity for mentors and mentees to connect even more, sharing the biggest lessons they learned. The event finished with a warm thank you, honoring the commitment of every participant and all the dedicated Cast Members who made it possible.

And guess what? Even the Disneyland Paris Ambassadors showed up! They came to meet the amazing Cast Members who volunteered their time, demonstrating their full support for these women entrepreneurs.

The impact is real. One mentee perfectly summed it up: “Thanks to this experience, I regained confidence in myself and my abilities. Sharing the challenges of entrepreneur life with my mentor made me feel so much stronger.”