Siel Bleu: physical activity for everyone, whatever your age
Jean-Daniel MULLER et Jean-Michel RICARD
Co-founders of Siel Bleu
Adapted physical activity
France Active has been supporting us for many years, helping us to successfully carry out our numerous projects.
Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin)
Adapted physical activity
Founded nearly 30 years ago in Strasbourg by two young graduates in physical education, Siel Bleu continues to grow. What is the association’s aim? To promote physical activity to prevent or reduce the effects of ageing and to rebuild social ties. It now carries out more than 500,000 sessions a year in France and employs around 870 people. Its growth extends beyond the French borders to Belgium, Ireland, Spain, Madagascar, Germany and Portugal.
At the beginning, Siel Bleu came out from an idea conceived by two physical education students who recognised the benefits of physical exercise in preventing the effects of ageing at a very early stage: “During an internship with elderly people, we developed a programme tailored to this group. At the end of the internship, they told us we shouldn’t let them down now that we were on the right track. That’s how Siel Bleu came about. We realised that physical activity also had psychological benefits. It brought a smile back to their faces, and it was by preserving these benefits that we wanted to develop all our programmes,” explains Jean-Daniel Muller. And it has been going strong for nearly 30 years.
Thanks to the word of mouth, the association grew very quickly: “We were receiving requests from other departments that we were unable to meet. From the second year onwards, we applied for a Local Support Scheme (DLA) to help us organise the association’s growth,” he adds.
Today, Siel Bleu offers adapted physical activity within care homes (nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, ESATs, independent living facilities) as well as group classes in gyms, community halls or outdoor for members of the association. Over the past six years, the association has been developing its own Health-Sport centres in Strasbourg, Mulhouse and Angers. Physical activity is at the heart of these centres. They are genuine community spaces, with general practitioners, psychologists and micro-nurseries complementing the services offered. Siel Bleu supports its beneficiaries with health issues in the broadest sense, as defined by the WHO, encompassing physical, mental and environmental health. The association also offers its beneficiaries advice on nutrition.
A fundraising campaign to finance seven development projects
To finance several development projects, a major fundraising campaign for membership shares has been launched in early 2023.
The objective was to finance no fewer than seven key projects:
- One of these focuses on sustainable transport to encourage as many people as possible to cycle or walk instead of driving.
- Siel Bleu is also working to train healthcare professionals and care assistants in supporting vulnerable people through non-pharmacological solutions (initial and continuing training) to address the shortage of trained staff and the lack of prescriptions for adapted physical activity, against a backdrop of an ageing population.
- The association also aims to digitalize its activities to expand its services and reach people who are too isolated or who are unable to access local support. Siel Bleu will develop a platform offering dedicated activities. To this end, the association has acquired a start-up that already offers remote physical activity programmes. Siel Bleu will develop programmes tailored to specific medical conditions via video conferencing or through adapted videos, using the technology developed by this start-up.
- The development of the Maisons Bleues is also on the agenda. These will be community spaces providing access to preventive healthcare and fostering social connections (sports and health centres, third places, independent living facilities).
- Siel Bleu is expanding internationally. To support all its projects, the association aims to establish a federation with a single objective: to reach an ever-increasing number of beneficiaries.
- Finally, it will develop new therapeutic activities. Every year, the association launches a new programme to address a specific need. The most recent one focused on endometriosis. It was developed in collaboration with specialists and is available throughout France and worldwide.
To help carry on these development projects, France Active has been supporting the association for years, notably through a PIA (Plan d’Investissement d’Avenir), a government initiative providing funding for specific projects. France Active also offers the association advice.
Any advice for an entrepreneur just starting out?
- To fully commit to the project if you believe in it: there are always difficult moments, but you must persevere.
- To know how to surround yourself with the right people: having two of us from the start was crucial, and we were very quickly well supported.
- Surround yourself with partners who can help you build the project with a fresh perspective, different skills, and ask the right questions: sometimes the idea is good but doesn’t resonate with the audience. You need to put your project to the test and not hesitate to go out and knock on doors.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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Skravik: decarbonising the seas by sailing from Brest harbour
Laura TROUDET
Co-founder and director of Skravik
Sail fishing and scientific charter
Sail fishing and scientific charter
Since the beginning of the project, Skravik has benefited from the support and funding provided by France Active, which has helped to ensure its successful launch. This support has been crucial in enabling us to reach several key milestones, notably the acquisition of a second vessel, which is essential for the expansion of our fleet.
Plougastel-Daoulas (29)
Sail fishing and scientific charter
At the age of 37, Laura Troudet – a coastal oceanographer turned cooperative seafarer – co-founded Skravik, a maritime cooperative based in the harbour of Brest. Established in 2017 as an association, transformed into a SCIC in 2024, the organisation uses working sailing vessels to reinvent small-scale fishing and marine research, with a focus on sustainability and public interest.
The journey of a committed entrepreneur
After an initial career in scientific research, working on the Brittany coastline at the CNRS and Ifremer, Laura Troudet felt the need to get involved in a more hands-on project. She therefore chose the path of collective entrepreneurship, co-founding Skravik with the ambition of bringing about tangible change in maritime practices. Through this career change, she has put her skills as an oceanographer to use in a project combining ecological transition, social innovation and a deep connection to a region strongly shaped by maritime industries.
A public-interest maritime cooperative
Based in Plougastel-Daoulas, in the Bay of Brest, Skravik describes itself as a private company serving the public interest, with strong local roots and deeply embedded in Breton maritime traditions. All employees are seafarers, which reinforces the coherence of the project and the cooperative’s legitimacy in the eyes of industry stakeholders. In 2024, the transition to a SCIC has allowed to structure a more open governance structure by involving several new stakeholders – seafarers, research partners and local supporters – as shareholders, well reflecting the original spirit of the project.
Working sailing vessels for fishing and science
Skravik currently operates two working sailing vessels, designed to sail in Brittany – from the Bay of Brest to the Iroise Sea and beyond – and to meet a variety of needs. The sailing vessel SKRAVIK carries out low-impact, small-scale coastal fishing, with sales through short supply chains. The cooperative also undertakes scientific missions of short or long duration, aboard the MORSKOUL, for oceanographic research, with the crew handling logistics and providing technical support to the researchers. This hybrid approach allows the cooperative to maintain its roots in the fishing industry whilst making a direct contribution to our understanding of the marine environment.
A sustainable maritime transition, beyond technology
The cooperative has an ambitious vision for decarbonising the maritime sector, which goes beyond simply replacing one engine with another. For Skravik, the transition begins with reducing the role of the engine, prioritising sailing, and revitalising maritime professions.
This approach takes a thorough look at the organisation of work at sea, fishing schedules, distances travelled and the associated business models. It forms part of a wider movement towards sustainable maritime practices that can help preserve both fish stocks and the resilience of coastal areas.
“Light science” at sea: a new framework
Alongside its fishing activities, Skravik is developing a framework for “light science” at sea, tailored to ship-based campaigns that require fewer resources in terms of energy and equipment. This methodological framework, developed in collaboration with the cooperative’s teams, is now recognised by the French Oceanographic Fleet operated by Ifremer. In 2024, this recognition has been formalized with the launch of Avel Lab, a strategic partnership that positions Skravik as a full-scale laboratory for new at-sea research practices.
A diversified and resilient business model
Skravik’s business model is based on several complementary pillars: scientific services provided to laboratories and institutions, income from coastal fishing through direct sales, and support from organisations in the social and solidarity economy. This mix of activities helps to mitigate the uncertainties associated with both the seafood markets and the schedule of scientific campaigns. It also enables the cooperative to invest, to professionalise its operations and to secure long-term employment for seafarers.
The role of France Active
“Since the beginning of the project, Skravik has benefited from the support and funding provided by France Active, which has helped to ensure its successful launch. This support has been crucial in enabling us to reach several key milestones, notably the acquisition of a second vessel, which is essential for the development of the fleet,” explains Laure Troudet. France Active has also supported the organisation’s transition to a cooperative model, providing expertise on financial arrangements and facilitating dialogue with partners in the social and solidarity economy and the local area.
Training the next generation of seafarers
Beyond its fishing and research support activities, Skravik has set itself a strong educational mission: to help train the next generation of seafarers by immersing them in a cooperative environment where technical autonomy goes hand in hand with collective values. On board, learning takes place in conditions as close to reality as possible, encompassing sailing manoeuvres, a detailed understanding of marine ecosystems and the sharing of a culture of teamwork. This educational aspect aims to inspire vocations and demonstrate that a different approach to maritime work is possible.
Collective achievements and a vision for expansion
Among her proudest achievements, Laura Troudet highlights the Avel Lab partnership, secured after several years of efforts and administrative hurdles, which has established the project’s legitimacy among the research community. She also emphasises the vitality of the cooperative community, made up of people from diverse backgrounds united by a shared commitment to environmental and social standards.
Looking ahead, Skravik’s vision is not to expand at any cost, but to spread the word: to help other regions develop sustainable and resilient sailing fleets, rather than becoming a “green multinational”.
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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
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France Active gives entrepreneurs a voice
Bold and committed – season 3
Creating a more socially conscious and environmentally friendly world requires a combination of boldness and commitment. That’s why France Active has chosen to give a voice to entrepreneurs who have taken on this challenge. Discover their inspiring stories. Supported by our network, they put people at the heart of their business model and tell us about their journeys in this 3rd series of videos entitled ‘Bold and committed’.
Espoir 73 – Esat Le Haber – Savoie
Espoir 73 helps people who have experienced a break in their career due to mental illness by offering them the opportunity to rebuild their lives and regain their self-confidence through a rewarding professional activity. Located in Entremont-le-Vieux, the organisation comprises a dairy farm, a cheese dairy and a restaurant, providing an environment promoting personal development and reintegration. https://vimeo.com/1158302793?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
Mineka – Auvergne Rhône-Alpes
Joanne Boachon, an architect by training, faced the same difficulties as her colleagues: sourcing second-hand materials often proved to be complex. To meet this need, she created Mineka, an association that gives both individuals and professionals easy access to reusable materials. Open several times a week, the workshop offers them the opportunity to come and stock up with ease. https://vimeo.com/1136142586
Nomade Coiffure – Franche-Comté
Nomade Coiffure’s mission is to reach out to residents who are unable to move around. To do this, the entrepreneur has converted a van into a fully-fledged mobile hairdressing salon. She travels around the small villages of Franche-Comté, offering a local service while enjoying greater freedom in her work. This innovative initiative meets the needs of residents while reinventing the hairdressing industry. https://vimeo.com/1158302727
Défi production – Occitanie
Offering hope and passing on genuine expertise in the film industry: this is the mission that Défi Production has set itself for young people in the Reynerie neighbourhood on the outskirts of Toulouse. To achieve this, the association has launched the first film school in south-western France dedicated to teaching film production skills, offering 500 hours of free training. This unique initiative opens new career prospects for these talented young people. https://vimeo.com/1158302474
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CIDIL: 30 years of commitment to serving rural areas in the Charente region
Hélène VAUDON
Managing Director of CIDIL
Work integration scheme
For 30 years now, France Active has been there to enable us to invest in and professionalise our work integration scheme and ensure its long-term development.
Montbron, Charente
Work integration scheme
In 1994, in an area of Charente that still lacked local services, a few local elected members and committed citizens decided to create an organisation to support employment and social cohesion: the Carrefour pour l’Insertion et le Développement des Initiatives Locales (CIDIL).
Thirty years later, the association continues its work with the same conviction: to offer a better future to those who are marginalised.
Thirty years later, the association continues its work with the same conviction: to offer a better future to those who are marginalised.
‘We are in a rural area, about 30 kilometres from Angoulême. Too far away to benefit from services such as CAF, CPAM or France Travail, but close enough not to be considered isolated. Consequently, we had to come up with our own solutions,’ recalls Hélène Vaudon, director of the association.
Offering more and more opportunities
In its early days, the association simply offered support services to job seekers.
It was when the Seuil Charente Périgord community of municipalities (now La Rochefoucauld – Porte du Périgord) acquired an old farm that the idea of creating a social integration project took root. This place then became a space for learning and knowledge transfer, where job seekers could train in construction trades, but also discover organic market gardening.
‘Market gardening is close to my heart because it symbolises a return to the land, meaningful, practical work, and the opportunity for everyone to see the fruits of their labour. It is also a very accessible activity for people in very precarious situations,’ emphasises Hélène Vaudon.
Creating a virtuous circle
Far from limiting itself to training in the building and market gardening sectors, CIDIL has gradually developed an ecosystem of solidarity-based and sustainable activities, creating a virtuous economic dynamic in the region.
The integration projects have diversified to include maintenance of green spaces, production and sale of organic vegetables, and production of vegetable jams. The harvests not only supply individuals, but also the Banque Alimentaire, local authorities and even a local secondary school, contributing in this way to reinforce the short supply chains and local roots. More recently, the association opened a farmers’ market promoting local products and providing training opportunities for sales professions.
All these projects reflect the same ambition: to combine integration with usefulness, proximity and solidarity.
A new beginning in Montbron
After years of development, challenges and successes, CIDIL is now preparing to take another major step forward: moving from Souffrignac to Montbron.
The new premises, located in close proximity to the market garden, will bring all the teams together in one place, enabling better coordination of activities and offering more suitable working conditions.
This project promises both continuity and renewal for the association. Despite the difficulties it has faced, CIDIL is committed to continuing to reinvent itself to meet the needs of its region and its inhabitants.
France Active, an indispensable support
Like many social and solidarity economy organisations, CIDIL has experienced recurring cash flow difficulties as a direct result of its fragile and demanding economic model.
During these difficult times, the association was able to count on the invaluable support of France Active, which offered to include them in the Local Support Programme (DLA).
This scheme enabled the association to conduct an in-depth assessment of its situation, clarify its strategy and put in place a realistic action plan to overcome the crisis.
‘Without this support, we would not have been able to move forward,’ says Hélène Vaudon.
For nearly thirty years, France Active has remained an essential partner of CIDIL, supporting it in its transitions and contributing to the sustainability of its integration and local development actions in the Charente region.
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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.
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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
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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.
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