A story of conviction

1988: France Active is founded. As unemployment and social exclusion were on the rise, its founder, Claude Alphandéry, envisioned a different economic model. For the former Resistance fighter turned banker, finance must serve the public good. Today, this conviction has made France Active the leading network providing financing for socially committed entrepreneurs. A look back at the history of our movement.

The 80s: fighting social exclusion as a priority

In the early 1980s, economic growth slowed. Unemployment became a long-term problem. Precariousness gained ground, and the vocabulary evolved: people began talking about “mass unemployment,” the “new poor,” and “exclusion.” In 1985, Coluche founded the Restos du Cœur.   

The economic crisis was compounded by a crisis of the social model. Until then, everyone had access to benefits while they looked for work. But opportunities were dwindling, and precariousness was on the rise. Social policies therefore had to be adjusted. It was no longer just a matter of providing assistance; it was necessary to offer support and harness people’s skills to promote integration. 

France Active was founded in 1988. The movement’s guiding principle was to provide concrete solutions by fostering entrepreneurship, which was still relatively rare at the time. The goal was to let ideas flourish and enable those who wished to do so to create their own jobs—and why not create jobs for others as well? 

The 90s: the movement gains momentum

During the 1990s, three major initiatives laid the foundations for our associative movement:

• Starting a business requires funding. Convinced that solidarity-based finance must embrace the tools of traditional finance, France Active established two financial companies to support socially responsible projects. France Active Investissement (FAI) was founded in 1992. Together with its partners, this financial society collects solidarity-based savings that are afterwards invested in the Social and Solidarity Economy (associations, enterprises, cooperatives, …). France Active Garantie (FAG), meanwhile, was established in 1995. Its goal: to support and assist project leaders in obtaining bank loans.

Because collective action is a powerful force, the movement has chosen to support social integration enterprises that create jobs, revitalize communities, foster social connections, and promote local resources. Businesses are an essential part of society, but they should not be limited to the accumulation of capital. 

• The idea of a decentralized organization has become essential to build closer ties with project leaders and local realities. France Active is developing a network. It relies on nonprofit and business partners who have on-the-ground knowledge. It is forging ties with local governments. Over the course of a decade, 15 regional associations have been established. Naturally, governance is evolving to ensure better coordination between the local and national levels. 

From 2000 to 2015: a partner to businesses and financial providers 

In 2002, France Active Garantie was entrusted by the government with managing the Fonds solidaire de garantie pour l’entrepreneuriat féminin et l’insertion – FOGEFI (solidarity guarantee fund for women’s entrepreneurship and integration). Starting in 2008, FAG played a leading role in the new national public policy to support business creation (NACRE). France Active is a respected partner: its expertise in banking intermediation has given rise to numerous projects.  

While the network is essential for financing social integration enterprises, France Active has added another string to its bow with the consolidation of the public program Nouveaux services — emplois-jeunes (new services—youth employment)” launched in 1997, it expands its support for project leaders. It also operates within the framework of the Local Support Program (DLA), which enables employers in the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) to benefit from tailored support.

From 2015 to date: commitment as a new economic model

The movement has earned the trust of its public and private partners. This trust, combined with its expertise, encourages it to reevaluate its mission to adapt it to changes in society. The dominant model is no longer compatible with new ecological, social, and democratic challenges. The economy must be inclusive, sustainable, and socially responsible. 

As an committed organization, France Active has set three goals:

• to support entrepreneurial projects and entrepreneurs; 
• to empower those who are committed; 
• to promote engagement.  

As an adaptive organization, France Active aims to: 

• adapt to the needs of the business, rather than trying to force it into preconceived categories;  
• initiate new negotiations with banks to protect the most vulnerable entrepreneurs; 
• encourage businesses to invest in their projects so they can grow and ensure their long-term viability. 

What about the future? 

The story of France Active continues. We are working on our vision for 2030: strategic priorities, key sectors, drivers of change, and more. We will be ready to tackle the major challenges of the coming decades.