With support from the U.S. Department of State and the Elsa & Peter Soderberg Charitable Foundation, the Near East Foundation (NEF) and its local partner, Emerging Business Factory (EBF), have launched the Growing the Youth Climate Innovation Incubator (GYCII) project in Morocco. This initiative supports youth-led, innovative business solutions to address the climate change impacts in sectors such as sustainable agriculture, environmental resource management, renewable energy, pollution reduction and management, and sustainable transport.
As one of the Coalition of Climate Entrepreneurs (CCE) hubs, the incubator aims to foster a community of young climate innovators. Through the program, competitively selected young entrepreneurs gain access to business training and planning, technical expertise, one-on-one mentoring, networking opportunities, and seed funding to test and launch their climate-focused business ideas.
Among the selected entrepreneurs are Jean-Baptiste and Ishak, the founders of innovative car wash start-up, Wash Minute. This startup offers eco-friendly car wash services using less than 5 liters of water per wash and all-natural cleaning products to reduce water waste and minimize pollution—both critical issues amid the current ecological crisis. With quick washes completed in under 15 minutes and affordable rates, Wash Minute is positioned as a practical, accessible, and sustainable choice for drivers looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Through their participation in the incubator, Jean-Baptiste and Ishak benefit from personalized coaching, expert guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs and investors, accelerating the startup’s growth and development. Notably, Wash Minute was selected to participate in the “Climate Start-Up Showcase,” an event co-organized by NEF, EBF, and the U.S. Department of State, held alongside the GITEX AFRICA Tech and Start-Up show in May 2024. The event provided an opportunity for them to connect with climate and agritech investors.
Wash Minute has rapidly gained attention from investors and strategic partners, culminating in a recent fundraising of MAD 1,000,000 (approximately USD 100,000).
This investment is pivotal for the startup, enhancing its development capabilities and solidifying its market position while creating 50 full-time jobs. This financial success is further validated by Wash Minute‘s selection for several prestigious programs, including TamwilCom, which supports young Moroccan businesses, and INSKIP France, an international program for startup support. Additionally, the company has secured two key contracts with Carrefour Morocco, marking a significant step in expanding its presence across various shopping centers in the country. These partnerships will enable Wash Minute to reach a broader audience, offering its ecological services to an even more diverse clientele.
Wash Minute is more than just a company; it is a model of sustainable innovation in an industry frequently criticized for its environmental impact. With bold ambitions and a clear vision for the future, the startup is well on its way to becoming a leading force in eco-friendly car washing across North Africa. By combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to sustainability, Jean-Baptiste and Ishak are setting new standards for the industry, proving that it is possible to deliver high-quality services while protecting the planet.
Ishak shared, “Since joining the GYCII program, we have seen several significant contributions to our development. It has brought considerable added value to Wash Minute through essential training, rewarding recognition, and promising networking opportunities. This credibility has allowed us to integrate other renowned programs such as TamwilCom and various international initiatives, further strengthening our position with the support of an international organisation.”
This success story was funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of State. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State.