Our solutions for accessing a bank loan for your business

Do you need a loan for your entrepreneurial venture or to develop a high-impact project? Do you want to create the best conditions to build trust with banks and secure the best loan terms? So do we! We strengthen your application by providing additional guarantees and protections that can truly make a difference.

Take advantage of our guarantees and stay protected!

France Active stands with you by providing guarantees to the banks you approach. The guarantee acts as an insurance for the bank: it covers the bank against the risk of you defaulting on your loan. When the bank is covered for all or part of this risk, it is more willing to support you with favourable interest rates and repayment terms. Furthermore, by helping you strengthen your strategy, we build the bank’s confidence in your project—and thus your chances of securing the loan.

And, of course, we protect you, too! Our services help limit or completely exclude the need for personal guarantees, thereby safeguarding your assets and those of your loved ones.

What is the purpose of the France Active bank guarantee?

To present banks with a stronger application for credit, meeting all the required criteria
To maximize your chances of getting approval from banks, even if your personal situation or project is viewed as “atypical” by most financial institutions
To combat inequalities in access to credit often faced by people living in priority neighbourhoods or in rural areas, young people under 30, people with disabilities, jobseekers, or anyone pursuing a project with a strong social and solidarity focus!

Who is eligible?

People who are leading a solid social or community-benefiting project and who, despite this, have sometimes been denied a bank loan
People or organizations who, without additional collateral, risk being denied a loan by a traditional bank or being offered unfavourable terms (high interest rates, substantial personal guarantees, etc.).

What are the different types of guarantees and protections?

These guarantees vary depending on each entrepreneur’s situation and can cover up to 80% of your loan amount:
– the “Égalité Accès” guarantee, designed for business creation by individuals in highly precarious situations (e.g., long-term job seekers, those under 26, or recipients of minimum social benefits)
– the “Égalité Territoires” guarantee, designed for businesses located in rural areas or based in urban priority neighbourhoods
– the “Impact” guarantee, dedicated to social and solidarity economy SSE enterprises that meet France Active’s commitment criteria
– the “Solidarité et insertion” guarantee, dedicated to businesses in the disability sector or those focused on integration through economic activity
– the “Egalité femmes” guarantee, designed for women who are starting or taking over a business and are either job seekers or in precarious circumstances
– the “Emploi” Guarantee, designed for the creation or takeover of businesses by individuals who are job seekers or working as temporary employees, on fixed-term contracts, or part-time.

It is automatic when you use a France Active loan guarantee. By providing security to your bank, the guarantee limits—or even excludes in 90% of cases—the need for a personal guarantee; in other words, it prevents you from having to contractually pledge your personal assets (such as your primary residence) in the event of default. If that happens, the bank will turn directly to France Active for all necessary procedures and repayments.

The funding round is a key stage where the person leading a project in need of financing meets with potential investors (or banks), and each of them decides on the amount they are willing to provide and the loan terms they propose. We assist you in assessing your financing needs, preparing for this funding round, selecting investors to meet in your region, and organizing all the discussions

What are the steps to qualify for this program?

1 – Contact the France Active association in your region

2 – Your regional association receives, evaluates, and analyses your application

3 – If a guarantee is possible based on your personal situation or your project, our teams will help you develop your financing plan and support you during the funding round

4 – Your funding application is reviewed by a decision-making committee composed of experts and partners

5 – If the funding application is approved, your guarantee is put in place

6 – We’ll be there to support you throughout your project!

Access to credit can also be offered as part of a comprehensive program

France Active’s programs consist of a range of services offered to you as a “package” with customized support to best meet all your needs. Most of our programs are free. Check them out below or contact the France Active regional association in your area!

Contact the association in your area

They’ve been there… and here’s what they have to say

You’re not the first to embark on this adventure and face the obstacles ahead. To draw inspiration from others’ experiences, check out the testimonials from entrepreneurs we’ve supported!

“The support from France Active Loire was extremely thorough and allowed me to refine my project down to the smallest details. Going before the France Active committee gave me a lot of strength and legitimacy because I could see experts around the table who believed in my project.”
Félicien RISS
Founder of the bookstore Les intrus

Read his story