For several years now, Jean-Luc Bochatay Delvoye, director of platinn’s Neuchâtel office, has been working to bring together companies that benefit from coaching services into an active and supportive community. The annual cocktail reception for beneficiaries is one of the flagship events that allows project leaders to share their experiences, forge connections, and contribute to the local economy. Through this event, Jean-Luc and his team of coaches aim to create a sustainable network where entrepreneurs—whether from startups or small and medium-sized businesses—can discuss their shared challenges and contribute new ideas.
Companies supported by platinn benefit from four main services designed to foster business innovation: business development, resource mobilization, partnership development, and financing. These services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) and help them reach their full potential. Through this approach, platinn Neuchâtel, under Jean-Luc’s leadership, plays a vital role in the canton’s economic ecosystem, fostering the growth and sustainability of local businesses.
Why did you decide to organize this event, the beneficiaries' cocktail party?
A year ago, I decided to launch this networking event to bring together companies that have benefited from platinn’s support. The idea was simple: to allow entrepreneurs to share their experiences and build connections. We received very positive feedback from participants, and I saw how valuable these exchanges were. It has become a must-attend event where people can meet and discuss common challenges within a familiar ecosystem—that of platinn.
What kinds of companies participate in platinn?
Most of them are small and very small businesses, which of course includes startups. There are also a few larger companies, but the support is primarily tailored to SMEs that don’t necessarily have the opportunity to participate in events like this one. This networking event offers them a unique chance to meet other stakeholders in the region, share their experiences, and sometimes even find solutions together.
What are your goals for this event?
My main goal is to create a true community of beneficiaries—a kind of network where people meet regularly, once a year, to discuss the innovation challenges they face. I’d like this community to grow beyond me, to take on a life of its own. Why not create a space where companies could suggest ideas for workshops or conferences? I believe that new solutions and needs—ones that Platinn can address—may emerge from this community.
What was your experience like during the first few editions of this event?
Great! The feedback has been really encouraging. People showed up, and some even expressed their desire to participate in the next edition as soon as the event ended. This clearly shows that this event meets a real need to connect and exchange ideas. It’s also an opportunity for us to see what’s working well in our support services and what could be improved. Companies have the chance to share what they liked, as well as areas that could be improved.
What are the prospects for future editions?
I’d like to see this event continue to grow and become a must-attend event for companies that use Platinn. I also think it would be interesting to highlight local businesses even more, perhaps by organizing demonstrations or showcasing products made right here in Neuchâtel. We’ve already started doing this by offering gifts at the cocktail reception—all provided by companies we’ve supported. It’s a concrete way to recognize their work.
What makes Platinn unique for businesses in the region?
platinn is an invaluable service for businesses. Since I took over as head of the Neuchâtel branch 12 years ago, we have provided one-on-one support to nearly 440 companies (30 to 40 beneficiaries per year). What’s interesting about platinn is that we don’t focus solely on technological innovations. We support any business with a business innovation, whether it’s a new product or a new sales approach. What matters is that the business has a promising project and the potential to grow or create jobs.
Do you organize several events throughout the year?
Yes, absolutely. In addition to the beneficiary cocktail reception, we offer several types of events throughout the year. For example, there are conference-workshops, which we organize based on current events and the needs of businesses. These workshops allow participants to address specific issues with experts and offer practical solutions. Our goal here is to identify topics that could be addressed through group coaching. We also host “Learning Lunch – platinn,” which are casual gatherings where companies can meet over lunch while learning about topics related to innovation, project management, or business development. These events are designed to encourage the sharing of experiences and strengthen ties among local businesses.
Are you planning to involve companies in the workshops organized by Platinn?
Yes, that’s something we’d like to expand on. For example, at our last workshop on the Project Management Office, a company shared concrete examples, which was very well received. Some participants even wished there had been more. This has prompted us to consider inviting more entrepreneurs to share their practical experiences at future workshops.
And for companies that would like to use platinn, how does it work?
Companies can contact us directly if they have a problem they need to solve. We review their project to see if it meets our criteria, such as business innovation, the ability to benefit from coaching, and the potential for growth or job creation. If they are eligible, we offer them a multi-phase support program, with the initial stages fully subsidized. This allows companies to receive practical support without having to bear any direct costs, at least initially.
Read testimonials from entrepreneurs in the canton of Neuchâtel who have benefited from platinn’s services. Discover how platinn has been an asset to their growth and success by providing them with valuable, personalized support to help them overcome their professional challenges.