Unlocking the Inspirational Success Journey!
Leaders are characterized by their unwavering belief in themselves and others and their willingness to freely share their knowledge with all. They embody qualities of vision, innovation, and adept problem-solving, propelling organizations toward triumph through unwavering dedication, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to their objectives. Among these exceptional leaders stands Franklin Epape, a notable figure in the realms of entrepreneurship, community leadership, and construction. His narrative serves as a profound wellspring of inspiration.
Franklin Epape is the Founder and General Director of Benss, a home health care international cooperation that transcends borders. With a background as a teacher and experience in the medical domain, Franklin ventured into the challenging realm of healthcare, ultimately becoming a key player in the industry. He has not only run successful healthcare organizations in Canada and Cameroon but also expanded his operations to Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast, positively impacting countless lives along the way.
Bridging Communities and Transforming Healthcare
Franklin Epape is a visionary entrepreneur and dedicated community leader who has founded the international healthcare cooperation Benss, expanding its reach across borders and employing nearly 50 individuals. His extensive community involvement includes co-founding SAAC, leading the Sawa Community of Ottawa-Gatineau, and contributing to organizations like CICAN and ACAO. As a politician, he initiated the MAKING HISTORY NETWORK and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Africa Development Network, organizing a groundbreaking summit to strengthen Canada-Africa ties. Franklin’s inclusive leadership, commitment to mentorship, and unwavering dedication exemplify his profound impact on both the business world and the community.
Pioneering Healthcare Innovation across Continents
Over the years, Franklin Epape has honed his expertise in the home healthcare industry, overseeing the operations of two organizations in Canada and Cameroon. His ambitious vision extends to expanding these ventures into Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. With nearly 50 individuals directly and indirectly employed, Franklin’s initiatives have led to the establishment of a crucial emergency service in Africa, the development of a robust clinic, and the acquisition of Canadian ambulances.
Moreover, his innovative platform facilitates the payment of health services by the diaspora, ensuring access to quality care for their families back home. As the next step in his groundbreaking journey, Franklin is spearheading the implementation of a smart mobile clinic, a pioneering container-based solution designed to provide comprehensive patient care in collaboration with strategic partners.
Fostering Unity, Empowerment, and Investment
Franklin Epape is driven by a transformative vision, and he firmly believes that his most impactful endeavor lies on the horizon. In collaboration with the Africa Development team, Franklin is orchestrating a groundbreaking summit slated for November, poised to unite African delegations, esteemed high commissioners, Canadian ministers, and members of Parliament. This event will also feature accomplished African entrepreneurs who will illuminate their success stories, inspiring and connecting with the Afro-descent community in Canada.
At its core, this summit aims to construct vital bridges between Canada and Africa, bolstering the Afro-descent community’s empowerment. As a member of the Diaspora, Franklin is dedicated to reshaping the narrative, fostering a platform where the Diaspora actively supports and motivates investors to engage with Africa. Within the framework of ADN, he has cultivated entrepreneurship programs spanning incubation, pre-incubation, and acceleration, underlining his conviction that true community strength and financial independence are forged through entrepreneurship.
Championing Inclusivity and Growth through Leadership
Inclusivity, empowerment, and continuous growth are the cornerstones of Franklin Epape’s leadership philosophy. He passionately advocates the principle that as one ascends, one must extend a helping hand to elevate others, fostering a collective journey of growth and prosperity. Franklin’s leadership is distinguished by his unwavering commitment to sharing knowledge and giving back to the community, firmly convinced that such altruism fuels personal and collective expansion. Guided by the virtues of patience and resilience, he embraces challenges as catalysts for growth, never wavering in the face of adversity.
Empowering Communities, Fostering Entrepreneurship, and Transforming Lives
Franklin Epape’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurship within the Afro-descent community stands as a cornerstone of his work. Through innovative programs and initiatives, he empowers individuals to attain financial independence, bolstering both the Canadian economy and employment opportunities. As the General Director of the Africa Development Network (ADN), he orchestrates a networking platform that not only strengthens the Canadian economy but also forges robust connections with Africa and the Caribbean.
In his capacity as Director of Benss in Canada, Franklin’s journey commenced with a small-scale home healthcare agency encompassing a diverse array of healthcare professionals. Over time, this enterprise expanded into a substantial entity boasting a comprehensive emergency service, state-of-the-art laboratory, and pharmacy. Collaborating with specialists, including US dentists and cardiologists, exemplifies the breadth of Benss’ healthcare services.
Moreover, the groundbreaking ADN Summit he is spearheading represents an unparalleled endeavor, transcending boundaries by uniting the Afro-descendant community with the world over three transformative days of connection and empowerment. Franklin Epape’s tireless efforts continue to redefine possibilities and drive meaningful change within his community and beyond.
The Entrepreneurial Journey of Franklin Epape
Franklin Epape’s entrepreneurial journey has been marked by resilience in the face of formidable challenges. He encountered the stark reality of launching Benss, facing a year-long wait for their first client in Canada, a testament to the initial difficulties. Yet, his unwavering determination prevailed, and the business not only survived but thrived. Even in Africa, where he confronted the threat of losing ambulances, he persevered, ultimately achieving success.
Throughout his journey, Franklin has drawn strength from his supportive network of partners, friends, and family. His experiences underscore the importance of self-belief and tenacity. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to maintain faith in their dreams, emphasizing that success is rarely easy and that resilience in the face of adversity is key. Franklin’s story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of determination and a strong support system in overcoming challenges and achieving one’s goals.
Navigating Mentorship
Mentorship holds a special place in Franklin Epape’s heart, as he recognizes its immense value on the journey to success. While he acknowledges that finding mentors can be challenging, he emphasizes the importance of continuous self-education and learning through reading. Franklin has been fortunate to have a trusted friend, the Director of Kroon Electric, who not only serves as a mentor but also offers valuable guidance and insights over dinner discussions.
Franklin emphasizes that “Having a mentor can offer you an objective perspective on challenges and opportunities. They can help you to stay motivated and focused on your goals, help you to learn new skills and improve your performance, as well as provide valuable feedback and constructive criticism. If you are considering pursuing a new opportunity, your mentor can be a great sounding board. They can help you weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision. They can also give you practical advice on how to overcome challenges and reach your full potential.”
Leader’s Perspective
With over 15 years of dedicated community leadership, Franklin has tirelessly worked towards unifying the Afro-descendant community, striving for its growth and prosperity.
As an entrepreneur, Franklin ventured into various business endeavors, displaying remarkable resilience despite encountering setbacks along the way. While some ventures didn’t yield the desired outcomes, his persistence remained unwavering.
One notable venture was Assooh, an e-commerce business aimed at creating an African equivalent of Amazon. The platform sought to facilitate diaspora communities in purchasing goods for their families in Africa. Although promising, the venture faced challenges and didn’t reach its full potential. Undeterred, Franklin shifted his focus to SAAC, an African equivalent of Netflix. This platform aimed to promote Afro-descendant movies worldwide, spanning across Europe, Canada, and the United States. Unfortunately, this venture also faced its own set of challenges.
Additionally, Franklin established a prominent restaurant in Ottawa, Canada, offering a diverse menu of authentic African cuisine. The establishment was envisioned as a hub for both local and visiting artists from Africa and the Caribbean, providing a space for live music and culinary experiences. However, due to unfortunate circumstances involving a partner, the venture met an untimely end.
Through unwavering resilience, Franklin continued to invest in various businesses across Africa, ultimately leading to the successful establishment of Benss Healthcare.
The Key to Success: Resilience
Benss Healthcare was founded in 2017 in Ottawa, Canada, with a mission to deliver high-quality healthcare accessible to all segments of society. This vision of community-oriented healthcare later extended to Africa, culminating in the establishment of Ben’ss Cameroon in 2021, situated in Yaoundé. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift towards providing healthcare services directly in the homes of patients, giving rise to “Benss Home Health Care.” This innovation allowed for personalized care within the comfort of one’s residence, a critical solution during a time of restricted mobility.
Furthermore, Benss introduced an application that enabled the diaspora to financially support the healthcare of their families residing in Cameroon, providing a means for seamless transactions and remote monitoring through electronic medical records.
The medical center, an integral component of Benss, offers an array of services, including medical and specialist consultations, physiotherapy, minor surgeries, prenatal care, hospitalizations, laboratory analyses, family planning, vaccinations, childbirth, a comprehensive pharmacy, and a 24/7 medical ambulance service. The application facilitates access to medical reports and appointment scheduling, further streamlining the healthcare experience.
In Africa, Benss remains committed to delivering quality care at affordable rates, addressing a crucial gap in the accessibility of healthcare services. The unique feature of the application enables the diaspora to directly contribute to the healthcare expenses of their loved ones in Africa.
Philanthropy at the Core
At Benss, a significant emphasis is placed on community well-being. The organization regularly conducts complimentary health campaigns, prioritizing the provision of top-notch care. In one such initiative in 2021, in collaboration with the Yaoundé Town Hall, over 500 individuals received free consultations from specialists, including ophthalmologists, dentists, and cardiologists. Additionally, vital medical equipment such as walkers, crutches, prosthetics, and wheelchairs were donated to benefit the local population.
Moreover, Ben’ss envisions the establishment of a school to train nurses, personal support workers, and paramedics, nurturing a skilled workforce to serve both Benss facilities in Africa and Canada.
Through these initiatives, Franklin and the Benss team remain steadfast in their commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and community well-being, driven by a shared vision of empowerment and inclusivity.
