Catégorie : Actualités et événements

Women in business: motivations, barriers and solutions to take action

An increasing number of women are choosing to embark on an entrepreneurial journey, drawn by the idea of working for themselves and giving new meaning to their careers. According to a study carried out by OpinionWay for France Active and the French Banking Federation, to mark the International Women’s Day, 56% of women see entrepreneurship as an opportunity to give meaning to their lives, whilst 52% of them are willing to take the plunge to bring a personal idea to fruition.

A growing desire to start a business

The latest OpinionWay survey for France Active and the FBF reveals that the desire to start a business is growing among women, but the perception of obstacles remains strong. 24% are considering starting their own business (+3 percentage points), a figure that rises to 32% among the under 60.

What are their main motivations? 56% of women want to give meaning to their professional lives and 52% want to bring a personal idea to life. Among those under 35, it is mainly economic reasons that drive them to start a business: 34% see it as a way out of a precarious professional situation.

Against the backdrop of economic uncertainty, this survey also reveals that salaried employment is regaining ground, with 49% of women preferring to be employed (an increase of 8 percentage points compared with 2025) rather than starting their own business.

The barriers to female entrepreneurship

The obstacles identified by women wishing to start a business are mainly economic, psychological or administrative. For instance, one in three women feels to lack sufficient start-up capital, whilst 27% fear they will face difficulties in accessing finance.

Furthermore, one in three women is afraid of failure, and 29% underline the complexity of administrative procedures as a major obstacle to their plans.

Ways to encourage women to start their own businesses

To this end, the survey conducted by OpinionWay for France Active and the FBF highlights three measures that would help women to start their own businesses.

• Greater equality in the private sphere

For 49% of women, a fairer division of domestic and family responsibilities is an essential prerequisite for encouraging entrepreneurship — a view shared by only 39% of men. This desire is accompanied by a growing demand for measures to facilitate a work-life balance, supported by 49% of female respondents (+ 4 points compared with previous surveys).

• Simplification of administrative procedures

The simplification of administrative procedures is supported by 53% of French people, an increase of 5 percentage points compared with 2025. Reducing complexity would help to minimise discouragement and encourage people to take the plunge into entrepreneurship.

• Support schemes and trainings

42% of women emphasise the need for support, mentoring and training programmes to help secure their business ventures.

The survey by OpinionWay (in french)

Three inspiring and committed women

Pauline Katchavenda: inclusive, large-scale joinery recycling

Pauline Katchavenda, founder of Recyfe, is revolutionising the recycling of joinery in France with an inclusive circular economy model. At the helm of the country’s first national network for recycling end-of-life windows, she brings together 23 social enterprises to collect, process and reintroduce materials into new production, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions by over 60% per tonne of recycled glass. Her ambition is to make the entire construction sector circular, in partnership with giants such as Saint-Gobain, whilst creating local and inclusive jobs.

With Recyfe, Pauline Katchavenda demonstrates that the circular economy can combine environmental performance with social impact. The network, supported by France Active, recycles over 90% of a window’s components, preventing landfill and promoting reuse. Its approach, which is both innovative and rooted in local communities, is inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs committed to a more sustainable and socially responsible construction industry.

Recyfe

Maud Simian, stakeholder in a SCIC supporting local agriculture

In Ance Féas, five farmers have joined forces to set up a cooperative (SCIC) dedicated to the rearing, processing and sale of pigs within an ultra-local supply chain. Their aim: to make use of 600 hectares of abandoned communal land by rearing pigs in the open air (fewer than 10 per hectare), ensuring minimal environmental impact. Faced with a lack of nearby processing facilities, they have set up a canning factory and a shop, thereby creating a 100% local supply chain.

With the support of the local council and residents, they process 100 tonnes of meat a year and create five jobs, revitalising the valley’s economy. The project, set up with the help of France Active, combines environmental sustainability, local roots and cooperative governance. The meat, reared and processed within 15 minutes of the farm, appeals to a loyal customer base, whilst the SCIC embodies a sustainable alternative to industrial models. Proof that collective and responsible farming can sustain local communities.

Conserverie du Baretous

At the age of 21, she has taken over the shop where she completed her work-study placement

At the age of 21, Honorine Meunier has taken over the shop “La fée des Fleurs” in Secondigny, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, turning her work-study placement into a meaningful venture. Passionate about nature, she favours local, seasonal and pesticide-free flowers to promote responsible consumption: “This week, I received a delivery from a flower farm in Deux-Sèvres, located just a few kilometres from my workshop,” she tells us.

Supported by France Active, she embodies a bold, entrepreneurial spirit, combining environmental awareness with a strong local presence. Her aim is to promote conscious consumption and revitalise local life. Through local partnerships and a genuine offering, she demonstrates that young entrepreneurship goes hand in hand with sustainable innovation.

La fée des Fleurs

The Mirova Foundation supports women’s entrepreneurship

“Equal access to employment and entrepreneurship is a key driver of social justice and economic development. Yet, as this study shows, many women continue to face structural, social and cultural barriers that limit their ability to start and grow a business. Despite that, these three portraits prove that women’s entrepreneurship can be a powerful driver of independence, social innovation and life-changing opportunities! Supporting France Active and the associations that contribute to it also means supporting this!”
 
Anne-Claire Roux, Chief Executive of the Mirova Foundation
Advisory support plays a key role in ensuring the enterprises’ long-term viability. We believe that female entrepreneurship is a societal issue, which is why, for over 15 years, with the support of the Ministry for Gender Equality, we have been supporting women by facilitating their access to business start-ups. Any woman who wishes to start a business must have the same opportunities as her male counterpart. This is a duty that must concern society as a whole.

Others news

[bloc_ajax]

All News

Europe: for a stronger social and solidarity economy

In 2026, the social and solidarity economy (SSE) has established itself as a key player in the ecological and social transition in Europe. With 11.5 million jobs and a key role in the inclusion and resilience of territories, the SSE enjoys massive support from citizens: 80% of Europeans are in favour of direct public funding for SSE organizations, according to the Special Eurobarometer 567*.

However, access to financial resources remains a challenge for many enterprises. How are SSE actors, and France Active in particular, mobilizing European and national levers to respond to these challenges? Which role will the SSE play in the future European budget for 2028-2034?

The figures speak for themselves: 80% of Europeans believe that SSE organizations should receive public funding. In France, 78% of citizens consider the SSE to be important for the society, and 88% of Europeans support the development of public strategies for the SSE.
How can this public support be transformed into concrete financial leverage for social entrepreneurs?

European funding: a lever for the social and solidarity economy

Since the creation of the European Union, promoting social, economic, and territorial cohesion has always been the cornerstone of European policies and budgets.

European funds, such as the European Social Fund (ESF+) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), as well as European programs such as InvestEU, Erasmus+, and Horizon Europe, are pillars that have sustained over the years the development of the social and solidarity economy in line with the needs of local areas and their inhabitants.

These fundings have contributed to promote job creation and skills development, social inclusion, innovation, SMEs’ competitiveness. Through its work, France Active contributes to the achievement of European policy objectives in France, particularly in terms of social, economic, and territorial cohesion. Working closely with the European Commission and the managing authorities in charge of the European funds at the national and local level, the France Active network supports structural projects in the regions, mobilizes financial instruments that promote financial inclusion, and deploys innovations in the fields of solidarity-based financing and business support with other European partners.

The Social Economy Action Plan, adopted by the European Commission in 2021, has set a European framework to promote the development of the social and solidarity economy in the Member States. This document recognizes the role of the social and solidarity economy as a local economy that promotes territorial and social cohesion, creates sustainable jobs, and responds to the major challenges faced by our societies.
In 2025, the European Commission has launched a mid-term review of the Plan to assess progress and identify recent developments. France Active has submitted a contribution to the public consultation launched by the European Commission underlining the importance of providing the SSE with financial resources commensurate with its needs, to innovate in the financing of SSE and to adapt adapt regulations to promote financing for the social and solidarity economy

France Active: a key player in financing the social and solidarity economy in Europe

In Europe, the social and solidarity economy is financed through a mixed financial ecosystem combining public funds, solidarity savings, and private partnerships. Thanks to its regional roots and expertise, France Active plays a central role in mobilizing these levers, supporting social entrepreneurs toward inclusive and sustainable growth.

A comprehensive support model

With 135 local offices spread throughout the country (metropolitan France and overseas territories), France Active offers local support. In 2025, it has mobilized €465 million benefiting 40,500 underserved entrepreneurs and the most committed enterprises. These results are possible thanks to a model combining public, private, and European resources.

An active European advocacy

France Active is a member of the European Federation of Ethical and Alternative Banks (FEBEA) and participates in the European Commission’s working groups on the social and solidarity economy, particularly in relation to the Social Economy Action Plan 2021-2030.

The objective: based on its experience on the ground, contribute to design new European policies on the SSE improving access to financing for SSE associations and enterprises and enhancing its visibility at the European level.

Challenges and perspectives for the next programming period

With the current European programming period coming to an end in late 2027, new challenges are emerging around the place of the SSE in the future European budget. In a rapidly changing economic and geopolitical context, which is giving rise to new priorities, France Active reaffirms the importance of taking full account of the realities of the regions and their needs in the future budget. A twofold ambition: to preserve the place of social, economic, and territorial cohesion at the heart of the budget and to develop committed entrepreneurship as a driver of European competitiveness through European fundings that maximize leverage.
A few first concrete action proposals are:

• Maintaining and strengthening European policies and financial resources allocated to supporting entrepreneurship in the regions (microbusinesses/SMEs) and promoting the development of the social and solidarity economy.
• Promoting a model of committed entrepreneurship that provides social and environmental solutions, reduces territorial inequalities, and promotes the creation of local and sustainable jobs.
• Increasing the use of financial instruments for the benefit of territories and their inhabitants.
• Recognizing and strengthening the role of solidarity-based financial intermediaries as operators of European policies in the territories.

Faced with social and environmental challenges, France Active reaffirms its commitment to an economy that serves the society, where economic performance goes hand in hand with social and environmental impact. In Europe, this vision translates into active advocacy for ambitious public policies that integrate the social and solidarity economy as a pillar of cohesion and transition. By acting collectively with local and European stakeholders, France Active proves that the economy can be a driver of social justice and environmental resilience to build a “desirable future” accessible to all.

Some concrete examples

La Cravate Solidaire is an association that fights against inequalities in access to employment by offering personalized support (coaching, workshops, networking) to people who are excluded from the job market. Thanks to a participatory loan and support from France Active, it has been able to develop its activities into several regions, helping thousands of beneficiaries each year to regain confidence and find a job.

“France Active has been a key partner in structuring our business model and raising the funds needed for our national development. Their participatory loan has enabled us to professionalize our team and support 5,000 job seekers in 2025, compared to 2,000 in 2020. Their network has also connected us with big companies committed to inclusion. “ — Yann Lotodé, Head of the development at La Cravate Solidaire.

Le Fournil Bio, in Guadeloupe, is a cooperative that promotes organic and local agriculture by transforming agricultural products into organic flour and bread. Thanks to France Active’s support, the project has been able to secure its economic model and develop its activity, thereby contributing to the region’s food sovereignty.
“Magali Lacambra, our France Active advisor, was immediately very invested in our project. She guided us, introduced us to the right people, and helped us move forward. And beyond that, her answers were always concrete, simple, and effective.” — Fanny Simonin, manager of Fournil Bio.

* SOURCE: Special Eurobarometer 567 report – Social economy in the life of Europeans (October 2025, European Commission – DG EMPL and DG COMM)

The article on the Special Eurobarometer on the European Commission’s website

Others news

[bloc_ajax]

All News

GSEF: key takeaways from the 2025 edition

At the end of October, representatives from around 100 countries gathered to attend the GSEF, the Global Social and Solidarity Economy Forum Bordeaux GSEF 2025. France Active took the opportunity to highlight the potential of the social and solidarity economy in addressing the major challenges of today and tomorrow. This is even more important at a time when economic, environmental, political and social crises are intensifying. Here is a look back at the three key lessons learnt from this unmissable event.

1. The social and solidarity economy (SSE) is gaining recognition and becoming more structured at all levels.

For its 2025 edition, the GSEF stopped off in France for the first time. Many French SSE stakeholders (entrepreneurs, financiers, local authorities, public partners, associations, etc.) attended to promote this sector, which alone accounts for 10% of GDP and 14% of private sector jobs in France¹.

The French SSE model is the result of several decades of commitment and structuring. The 2001 Fabius law on 90/10 funds gave a boost to solidarity finance, while the 2014 Hamon law laid the foundations for more widespread development of the SSE, to name just a few notable advances. ‘This regulatory framework has, of course, encouraged social innovation, the creation of new models and the emergence of a dense and varied ecosystem of actors,’ explains Yesil Rusconi, Head of the European and International Affairs at France Active. ‘But it should be noted that this movement has also grown worldwide in recent years. We are delighted about this.’

In 2021, Europe has adopted an Action Plan for the Social Economy (SEAP). In 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution emphasising the importance of the SSE for sustainable development. Similarly, the International Labour Organisation and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) see the SSE as a key driver for a more inclusive and sustainable economy. ‘This formal high-level recognition is a guarantee of credibility for all stakeholders involved.’

2. Facing crises with a double response: cooperation and local roots

The Forum GSEF 2025 took place at a time when many questions are being asked about the future of the social and solidarity economy. With crises shaking the world, is its model at a turning point? Will it be able to continue building solutions for the future? Will it find the funding necessary to support it?

The conference co-organised by the Caisse d’Épargne and France Active, entitled ‘Financing together: a catalyst for cooperation and territorial impact’, outlined responses around a strong message reiterated by Yesil Rusconi: “To support a project and help it overcoming the various storms that are part of a company’s life, it is crucial to be able to count on a collective of actors. Hence the importance of mixed financing that mobilises public and private resources, banks, SSE partners or financiers such as France Active, local authorities, etc. It is through them that it is possible to have the right leverage. But also the right impact at the territorial level, which is the right scale of action for useful and sustainable solutions.”

In other words, the proliferation of solidarity-based cooperation in local areas remains the main driving force behind the social and solidarity economy. The appeal launched by Claude Alphandéry, founder of France Active, for his 100th birthday in 2022 has never been more relevant…

Reread Claude Alphandéry’s appeal

On the ground: CIDIL’s winning model

Combining mixed financing and local roots, CIDIL (Carrefour pour l’insertion et le développement des initiatives locales) has been promoting employment and social cohesion in Nouvelle Aquitaine for over thirty years. A project supported by France Active.

> Read the story

3. An international SSE: the paradigm for tomorrow?

Through its conferences, round tables and other opportunities for discussion, the Forum provided an opportunity for dialogue between regions and countries, thereby opening up prospects for collaboration. “All over the world, SSE is an alternative to existing economic solutions, which are showing their limitations. That is why, at this forum, we wanted to reflect on the construction of an international SSE. At France Active, for example, we are working with the Caisse des Dépôts and CIRRMA² on the SSE and international issues. We are also strengthening our ties with the AFD around the structuring of financing systems in the overseas territories and the internationalisation of the French SSE,” concludes Yesil Rusconi.

1. Source : Direction générale du Trésor. Retour
2. Conférence inter-régionale des réseaux régionaux multi-acteurs.. Retour

Others news

[bloc_ajax]

All News

The solidarity funds 90/10: a French model that inspires Europe

Thirty years ago, a discreet and innovative financial tool was born: the 90/10 solidarity funds. Long overlooked, these funds have become a pillar of the employee savings schemes in France, while financing the development of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE). Today, their success extends beyond borders and is attracting interest from our European neighbours.

With the support of the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC), France Active was behind the creation of the first 90/10 fund in 1994, the “Insertion Emplois Dynamique” fund, which is now managed by Mirova. Since then, we have been mobilising French citizens’ solidarity savings through France Active Investissement, thereby supporting companies and associations with a social or environmental mission.

A unique mechanism, a social ambition

Since 2001, companies are legally bound to offer at least one solidarity fund as part of their employee savings schemes. The principle? To allocate between 5% and 10% of the assets to SSE projects. The rest is invested in traditional assets (shares, bonds) or responsible management. It is a winning formula that allows employees to combine returns with social impact, and that was reinforced by the 2019 “Pacte” law.

The French Social and Solidarity Economy is a diverse ecosystem including associations, work integration social enterprises, cooperatives, social landlords, microfinance actors and more. They all share a common mission: to reduce inequalities, promote inclusion and place people at the heart of the economy.

A dual commitment for businesses

By investing capitals coming from profit-sharing or incentive schemes into these funds, business owners offer their employees the opportunity to give meaning to their savings. It also represents a powerful act for the company: engaging in a solidarity-based approach, supporting projects rooted in the ground and demonstrating a true commitment to social responsibility.

With such compelling advantages, 90/10 funds have a bright future ahead of them. What if their current success is only the beginning?

All citizens are concerned

These 90/10 funds are not only available to employees with a savings plan but even to individual savers directly through their bank or mutual insurance company via FCPs (mutual funds), SICAVs (open-ended investment companies) or FIPs (local investment funds).

Further reading:

• The French Social Finance 2025 (infographic by Fair)
• 23rd Edition of the Social Impact Finance Barometer by FAIR-La Croix: With over €2 billion in assets, 2024 marks a year of market consolidation for social impact finance, leaving its mark on the French savings landscape. (press release on the Social Impact Finance Barometer)
• The 2025 Solidarity Finance Barometer (in French)

https://vimeo.com/1143884421
https://vimeo.com/1143884398

Faced with uncertainty, saving continues to grow and is becoming a civic act among young people.

Solidarity Finance Week from 10 to 16 November 2025

To mark the Solidarity Finance Week 2025 (10–16 November 2025), France Active and FAIR are publishing the 4th edition of their annual OpinionWay survey, ‘The French and solidarity-based savings’. Against a backdrop of economic and political instability, French people are stepping up their savings efforts and increasingly want their money to contribute to creating benefits for the society and the environment.

• 62% of French people plan to save as much or more in 2026 than in 2025 (+7 points vs. 2024)
• 29% of those concerned say that the pension reform is encouraging them to save more (+15 points)
• 24% say that their savings are primarily intended to finance solidarity projects (+4 pts), including 37% for the Generation Z.
• 37% consider their savings choices to be a form of ‘voting’, 65% for the Generation Z.

The fear of the future is increasingly driving the French to save

Four out of five French people plan to save in 2026 (78% of respondents, +5 points compared to 2025), a record high. Nearly two-thirds of the respondents plan to save as much or more than in 2025 (62%, +7 points).

Surprisingly, this trend is also very strong among 18–24-year-olds: 71% say they want to save as much or more.

The fear of the future is the main reason cited by those who plan to save more in 2026 (50%, +4 points), a trend reinforced by political and economic instability in France.

Similarly, the current context surrounding the pension reform and the resulting uncertainties are driving French people to save even more (29%, +15 points).

In this tense economic climate, nearly 70% of the French people favour short- or medium-term profitability targets: 28% between 0 and 3 years, and 41% between 3 and 8 years (+7 points).

Solidarity savings are gaining ground, driven largely by young people

Despite this widespread concern, one in four French people say that their savings are directed towards financing social and environmental projects (24%, +4 points). This proportion rises to 37% among the Generation Z and 31% among Millennials.
The selection criteria confirm the difference in sensitivity: while capital security remains a priority (53% ‘overall’; 31% ‘first’), social and environmental impact is much more important to young people (28% of 18–24-year-olds cite impact among their criteria, compared to 8% of those aged 50+).
In terms of project types, savers would like to prioritise investing their savings in ecological transition (26%), preserving social ties and reducing inequalities (20%), on a par with the economic development of regions, particularly those located in priority or disadvantaged areas (20%).
Despite this interest, around 2 in 3 French people say they are poorly informed about solidarity-based savings products, returns and projects (65%), hence the importance of continuing and stepping up efforts to educate savers.

Pierre-René Lemas

President of France Active

These results confirm two realities: on the one hand, French people are saving more to protect themselves against uncertainty; on the other hand, they want their money to have meaning. This is precisely France Active’s mission: to enable every saver to become a player in a more socially responsible future by supporting entrepreneurs who are responding to our country’s social and environmental challenges. To achieve this, we are campaigning to ensure that everyone has access to all types of investments, including life insurance, and can thus contribute to solidarity-based savings. We also defend the idea of universal employee saving schemes: currently reserved mainly for large companies, in future they should benefit all employees.

Saving is voting’: a generational reflex

For the first time this year, FAIR, France Active and OpinionWay surveyed French people on their perception of saving as a civic act. The result: 37% are aware that their savings choices have an impact on the future of the society, and that saving is voting, provided that it is invested in socially responsible products.
This belief is particularly strong among the Gen Z (65%) and nearly one in two Millennials (47%).

Patrick Sapy

Chief Executive Officer of FAIR

Savings intentions have never been so high in our country. Young French people have also understood that saving is no longer just about coping with uncertainty, it is about taking action. Today, nearly 40% of them want to give meaning to their money by supporting projects that respond to the challenges of our time – ecological transition, social cohesion, regional development. For them, saving is no longer just an investment, but a tool for building tomorrow’s society.
Solidarity finance has been drawing on this energy for 40 years: every saver has the power to become an agent of change by choosing where to invest his money. Because saving, tomorrow, will also mean voting for the world we want to live in.

Methodology
The survey ‘The French and solidarity-based savings’, conducted for France Active and FAIR by OpinionWay, aims to understand and analyse French people’s opinions on solidarity-based savings investments. This study was conducted among a sample of 1,009 people, representative of the French population aged 18 and over, selected using the quota method based on criteria such as gender, age, socio-professional category, type of urban area and region of residence. The interviews were conducted on 11 and 12 September 2024 using a self-administered online questionnaire on a CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) system.

Any publication, in whole or in part, must include the following full reference:
‘OpinionWay survey for France Active and FAIR’ and no part of the survey may be reproduced without this reference.

Others news

[related_post_fa posts_per_page="15" post_id=12165 post_type="" post_category=""]

Global Social and Solidarity Economy Forum GSEF Bordeaux 2025

The Global Forum for Social and Solidarity Economy (GSEF) gathers together local governments and civil society from all over the world to make the SSE a driving force for inclusive development. After Seoul, Montreal and Dakar, the Forum will take place at the end of October in Bordeaux.

The GSEF (Global Forum for Social and Solidarity Economy) is an international organisation bringing together local governments and civil society networks to promote the social and solidarity economy (SSE) as a lever for local, inclusive and sustainable development. The network has 84 members coming from 37 countries and gathers local governments, territorial networks and civil society representatives.

Every two years, the GSEF organises a Global Forum on the Social and Solidarity Economy, one of the largest international gatherings in the sector. This year, the latest edition will bring together 4,000 participants from five continents, who will meet in Bordeaux, France, at the end of October 2025.

A space of exchange and commitment

The Global SSE Forum has two objectives:

• To bring together leaders and stakeholders from around the world – elected members, experts, representatives of development agencies, networks and grassroots actors – to jointly devise more humane and sustainable economic models.
  A final declaration will translate these discussions into political commitments and a roadmap for the next two years.

• To encourage the sharing of experiences and ideas from all continents. Designed in collaboration with the Scientific Committee and enriched by numerous contributions, the programme will highlight inspiring initiatives in the social and solidarity economy, through formats that encourage dialogue and diversity of views.

In this context, France Active, the leading funder of SSE in France, will be present with a delegation and will speak:

On 30 October from 11h30 to 12h30, during a round table organised in partnership with Caisse d’Epargne entitled: “Joint financing: a catalyst for cooperation and regional impact”.

Panelists:

• Caisse d’Epargne Aquitaine Poitou Charente
• European Federation of Ethical and Alternative Banks (FEBEA)
• France Active Nouvelle Aquitaine
• Carrefour Insertion Développement Initiatives Locales (CIDIL): an association promoting integration in rural areas, funded by France Active.

A conference moderated by Marie Leclerc-Bruant, Head of SSE at Caisse d’Epargne.

On 30 October from 16h30 to 18h00, FEBEA, of which France Active is a member of the Board of Directors, will represent European ethical finance at the plenary session on SSE financing entitled: “What are the challenges involved in consolidating SSE financing stakeholders?”

Panelists:

• Grameen Foundation – Crédit Agricole, microfinance credit, France
• SVSFund, Korea
• Aéma Group, France
• FEBEA

This plenary session will be moderated by Mr Dominique Lesaffre, Member of the GSEF Advisory Committee.

On 31 October from 10h15 to 11h15, during a round table discussion entitled “Citizen participation and territorial revitalization: towards the co-construction of public policies” with the participation of Margot Aubaret, project manager Fabrique à Initiatives at France Active Nouvelle Aquitaine.

For more information on the GSEF
and the Global SSE Forum

Others news

[bloc_ajax]

All News

The place of Social Economy in Europe

Faced with the current challenges of ecological transition, inclusion and social cohesion, the European Union is making Social Economy a lever of its strategy, through an action plan and dedicated funding.

It is in this context that France is benefiting from increased European support, mobilising funds such as the ESF+, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and guarantees from the European Investment Fund to support, finance and secure the careers of committed entrepreneurs.

France Active, a key player in solidarity finance, provides a concrete illustration of this dynamic by facilitating access to finance and support for the most vulnerable entrepreneurs and the most committed structures.

Social Economy is playing an increasingly important role in Europe’s economic and social landscape. It brings together a variety of structures – cooperatives, mutual societies, associations, foundations, social enterprises – which place social utility, solidarity and democratic governance at the heart of their economic model.

Although there are 4.3 million Social Economy structures throughout the EU, there is considerable heterogeneity in terms of the place it occupies in the economy of each Member State. The countries with the most active and recognised legislative frameworks in this area are France, followed by Spain and Italy.

Europe is gradually integrating Social Economy into its strategies and public policies:

• The action plan within the framework of the European Social Rights Framework: this action plan aims to make Europe a global model of social justice, shared prosperity and resilience in the face of crises. It represents a strong political commitment to ensuring that economic growth is accompanied by social progress, while respecting the fundamental rights of all European citizens.
• European Action Plan for Social Economy: presented in December 2021, it recognises the social economy as one of the 14 key industrial ecosystems for Europe’s recovery and resilience. It aims to facilitate access to finance, raise the sector’s profile and encourage social innovation.
• EU Council Recommendation (November 2023): calls on Member States to put in place favourable policies and regulatory frameworks, improve access to finance and public procurement, and strengthen the recognition of Social Economy
• European funds: the European Social Fund + (ESF+) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) actively support SSE initiatives, particularly for employment, social cohesion and innovation.

There are two main challenges facing the development of Social Economy in Europe:

• Its legal and institutional recognition: despite some progress, Social Econmy still suffers from a lack of harmonisation and institutional recognition in many European countries.
• Its funding: the specific funding needs of the SSE are estimated at €6.7 billion for the period 2021-2027 (source : publication by ESS France), underlining the importance of easier access to tailored funding.

To meet these challenges, the European Commission has drawn up an action plan for 2021-2030. It includes 38 concrete actions, with a common understanding of the social economy in Europe and the ambition to mobilise €2.5 billion from the European budget for investment in the social economy. This amount will be supplemented by resources mobilised through the #NextGenEU European Recovery Plan, managed by the Member States, as well as by contributions from other levels of government (local, regional and national).

France, a European driving force for Social Economy

The framework law passed in France in 2014 (the Hamon law) sets an example for the institutional recognition of the Social Economy in Europe. The innovative schemes that France has been developing for years, such as the Société coopérative d’intérêt collectif status, the PTCEs (territorial clusters of economic cooperation) or the solidarity savings mechanisms (the 90/10 funds) are sources of inspiration for many other European countries.

How does Europe support the development of the Social Economy in France?

Europe supports the development of the Social and Solidarity Economy in France through a number of schemes from which France Active benefits, as do the committed entrepreneurs it supports.

Securing bank loans for the most fragile entrepreneurs and the most committed structures

France Active mobilises European funds to finance entrepreneurial projects.

For example, Europe, via the European Investment Fund (EIF – a subsidiary of the European Investment Bank Group), intervenes as a bank ‘counter-guarantee’ to cover the risk that France Active takes on when it guarantees the most fragile entrepreneurs, so that they do not have to take out a personal guarantee when launching their business. It is aimed particularly at priority groups (people in very precarious situations, young people or women seeking work or in precarious employment) and priority areas (priority urban policy districts, rural regeneration areas).  

The EIF also provides guarantees for France Active investments, enabling entrepreneurs to go further in their support for priority groups, the most vulnerable areas and innovative projects by companies with a strong social impact, while keeping risk-taking under control.

Promoting support for entrepreneurs

ESF+ is a very important source of funding for the France Active network and for its work in supporting and financing entrepreneurs and Social Economy structures. It enables to support, connect and finance an increased number of entrepreneurs who are far from the banking system (jobseekers, recipients of minimum social benefits, young people under the age of 26, women, etc.) and Social Economy structures¹.
The France Active association mobilises the  ESF+ for its actions to professionalize its network with the national employment agency (DGEFP)². Territorial associations mobilise the ESF+ (or the ERDF where applicable) from the Regions for their actions to support entrepreneurial projects, in line with the regional operational programmes (ROP).
The DLA is France’s leading support organisation for the social economy, providing free support to socially useful organisations to help them develop their jobs and projects. To help Social Economy entrepreneurs with their projects, France Active, as the DLA Funding Resource Centre³, produces guides, training courses, thematic studies, educational sheets and articles, thanks to European funding.

Ambroise FAYOLLE

Vice-President of the European Investment Bank Group

As a long-standing partner of France Active, the EIB Group has renewed its confidence in 2024 by extending the term of its contracts by three years and increasing the guarantee envelope for France Active Investissement and the counter-guarantee envelope for France Active Garantie.

Through the activities of our European Investment Fund subsidiary dedicated to financing SMEs and very small businesses and as part of the InvestEU European guarantee programme, the EIB Group is mobilising to provide an additional boost to sustainable investment, innovation, social inclusion and job creation in Europe. For us, this is a way of taking concrete action to promote a just transition by meeting the social and environmental challenges to which social entrepreneurship responds.

1 – ESF+ operation ‘Impact +’ 2023-2026 2023-2026 – Retour

2 – ESF+ operation ‘Nouvel Horizon: Structuration et professionnalisation du réseau France Active pour accompagner l’évolution des besoins des entrepreneurs’ 2022-2024 (pending extension for the period 2025-2027) – Retour

3 – ESF+ operation ‘DLA Financement Resource Centre’ 2024-2026, via a call for projects from Avise. – Retour

Others news

[related_post_fa posts_per_page="15" post_type="post" post_category="actualites"]

All news

Female entrepreneurship: study, key figures and inspiring stories

Focus on 3 stories of female entrepreneurs who defy preconceived ideas

Despite an uncertain economic environment, entrepreneurship is attracting many women who feel that being their own boss is more motivating than being an employee. If they take the plunge into entrepreneurship, the majority do so to put a personal idea into practice (57%) and to give meaning to their lives (56%).

Key figures on female entrepreneurship in 2025

The study reveals that 20% of women want to start their own business. However, compared with the previous year, the desire to start a business is down by 6% among women, while it remains stable among men.

Main motivations for women entrepreneurs

• 57% want to turn a personal idea into reality (+10% compared to 2024)
• 56% want to give meaning to their professional lives (+12% compared to 2024)
• Men, on the other hand, are more motivated by financial gain

Obstacles to female entrepreneurship

The obstacles identified by women are

• Lack of start-up capital (45%)
• Incompatibility with family life (33%)
• Complex administrative procedures (45%)

Solutions to encourage female entrepreneurship

The women surveyed believe that to encourage female entrepreneurship, it is necessary to :

• Simplify administrative procedures and reduce regulatory obstacles (48%)
• Set up schemes to reconcile professional and personal life (45%)
• Better sharing of family tasks (42%)

France Active support for female entrepreneurs

To support female entrepreneurs, France Active has set up a specific guarantee enabling them to borrow without a personal guarantee. This guarantee is offered as part of a wider support package for women entrepreneurs. In addition, support programmes and meetings specifically for women are organised in most regions.

3 examples of women who have developed their projects in rural areas, thanks to the investment :

Clémence Ducroquet-Talleu: a booming dairy cooperative

Director of the dairy cooperative “Lait Prairies du Boulonnais”, Clémence Ducroquet-Talleu has brought together seven farms to pool their resources. This cooperative enables them to share equipment for collecting, pasteurising and processing dairy products.

Her model is working: sales are increasing by 20% a year, and her customers range from supermarkets to hotels and schools.

Sandra GRENTZINGER, Director of the Marpa de la Doller

Located in Sentheim, a town of 1,600 inhabitants in the heart of Alsace, this home for independent living (Marpa) has a maximum capacity of 25 residents. Average age: 87. All have their own private flat (40 m2 T1bis for singles and 50 m2 T2 for couples), with the option of sharing meals together and taking advantage of the communal areas, as well as socialising and taking part in activities. The aim is to enable everyone to participate in the life of the home. They can give their opinion on the week’s menu or the programme of activities, lend a hand with cooking or preparing the table… It’s a real home from home, where everyone’s abilities are valued and their sense of usefulness is boosted! And it’s all run by one woman, Sandra Grentzinger, who cares about everyone’s well-being.

Natacha Kancel, Drain’ailes project manager

Natacha Kancel has set up her Drain’ailes back-to-work workshop in Sainte-Rose, north of Basse-Terre in Guadeloupe, a town often cited for its unemployment and crime rate. On this farm, she employs a dozen women, mostly single mothers, in three activities: agroforestry (cocoa, vanilla, coffee, etc.), permaculture organic farming (market gardening, fruit trees, etc.) and agro-processing (sauces, seasonings, juices, etc.). Drain’ailes is the first association in Guadeloupe to benefit from a interest-free loan.
This tool provides an accessible solution and real leverage for associations that often have difficulty accessing bank loans. France Active is co-financing up to 70% of the needs, alongside the Banque des Territoires, the Region and the Department. Natacha Kancel wanted to create this place of integration for women and by women through the memory of her grandmother, who provided for the family by cultivating the land.

Women’s entrepreneurship is booming, despite persistent obstacles. With support schemes like those offered by France Active, more and more women are daring to take the plunge and give life to their projects. The inspiring stories of Clémence, Sandra and Natacha show that it is possible to succeed, even in sectors and territories that have been little explored by women.

Others news

[related_post_fa posts_per_page="15" post_id=12165 post_type="" post_category=""]

Europe day: social economy in the headlines

On May 9th, the European Union is celebrating Europe Day. Every year, France Active takes this opportunity to highlight its cooperation with the EU towards a more inclusive and sustainable economy. This year, France Active took part in the European event in Strasbourg.

Entrepreneurs, networks, institutions, investors: all the European social economy stakeholders have met on May 5th and 6th, 2022 in Strasbourg during the event: “Social economy, the future of Europe”. Co-organized by the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the French State Secretariat for the social, solidarity-based and responsible economy, the city and Eurometropolis of Strasbourg, the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions, this event rose awareness of the social economy.France Active has organized there a conference entitled “Public, private and citizen investors: how to accelerate in cooperation the impact of the social economy on the territories?”. The discussions led by Florence Rémy, director of France Active Alsace, illustrated the mobilization of public and private investors from European to local level to finance social enterprises. Pierre René Lemas, President of France Active; Pia Imbs, President of the Strasbourg Eurometropolis; Roger Havenith, Deputy Managing Director of the European Investment Fund; Denis Dementhon, CEO of France Active, Bruno Dunkel, General Manager of Inpulse; Jean Ruch, Co-director of Familles Solidaires and Judith Fischer, CEO of Discovia shared their vision on multi-partner cooperation in favour of the social economy and territories. Together, they emphasized the relevance of social economy to address territorial challenges: creation of new jobs which are not at risk of relocation and gateways to employment for those who are furthest away from it, social services, mobility issues or new regional planning, circular economy, or ecological transition.According to Pia Imbs, the development of the social economy within the Strasbourg Eurometropolis is a priority: “we’ve become aware that the social economy is the most perennial. That’s why we created a network with the local enterprises: the Pact for a local and sustainable economy”. The word of the representatives of the European Union was also expected. According to Roger Havenith, Deputy Managing Director of the European Investment Fund, “the social economy is fully part of the mandate of the EIF. Thanks to the new InvestEU programme, we will take a real leap forward. Indeed, the social dimension of our action is now a pillar, which has its own objectives and indicators to monitor this collective action”. As for Pierre-René Lemas, he underlined the usefulness of the cooperation in which France Active places its action: “The territories are in our DNA. For more than 30 years, we have been convinced that the economy is built by and for the territories, where all possible forms of solidarity are exercised”.Thanks to the momentum created by this event and within the implementation of the European action plan for the social economy of the European Commission, France Active continues more than ever its commitment to make the social economy the future of Europe.

Others news

[related_post_fa posts_per_page="15" post_type="post" post_category="actualites"]

All news