The European Social Fund (ESF) finances economic and social development in the countries of the European Union. Its objective is to ensure fairer job opportunities and social inclusion in areas affected by economic difficulties. The ESF works mainly by funding vocational training, employment and professional integration for people in difficulty. France Active is an intermediary body benefiting from a global grant as part of the Operational Programme for Employment and Inclusion 2014-2020, enabling it to professionalise business start-up networks and to fund the guidance and support for social-economy structures and potential entrepreneurs far removed from the traditional banking system (job seekers, young people under 26 years old, people with disabilities, disadvantaged urban neighbourhoods (QPVs) and rural redevelopment zones (ZRRs), and so on).