Get solidarity-based funding
Are you looking for funding to launch or expand a project with a significant local, social, or environmental impact? Do you have a solid project and need new resources? We’re here to support you! We offer financing and loan solutions that will make your investments possible and help you achieve your goals under the best possible conditions. Our funding also reassures your partners (banks, investors) and helps you raise additional funds by demonstrating the soundness of your project.
Finance your projects under the best possible conditions!
France Active offers financing and investment solutions that address needs that are poorly served or not served at all by traditional financial institutions for actors in the social and sustainable economy.
We therefore prioritize projects that meet high standards of social, local, or environmental commitment. Our financing solutions—ranging from support grants to participatory loans and community-based platforms—are tailored to your project and its profitability. With flexible repayment terms and grace periods, you can focus on what matters most: growing your business and its impact.
If your financial needs aren’t yet clearly defined, don’t worry. France Active advisors are here to help you assess the most suitable solutions and partners!
What is it for?
- Assess your needs and define your financing plan, regardless of your situation
- Secure the funds needed to launch, grow, or relaunch a project with significant social and environmental impact
- Guarantee a portion of your financing, reduce the perceived risk for your co-investors, and make it easier to obtain bank loans or other sources of funding
Who is this for?
- Entrepreneurs whose projects require significant upfront or development-phase expenses and who cannot secure the necessary funds through traditional banking channels or their personal networks
- Business leaders who wish to invest in expanding their activities and developing their association, social and solidarity economy SSE enterprise, cooperative, or organization located in a rural area or a priority neighbourhood.
- Leaders whose social economy association or business is facing economic difficulties or cash flow problems
What are the different types of financing offered by France Active?
These are low-interest loans (2,5% to 4%) intended to finance the launch of a project, its day-to-day operations, or development investments for social enterprises and associations. The loan amount can range from €20,000 to over €100,000 depending on the project’s profile and stage of development, with a repayment term of 3 to 10 years.
Interest-free loans are interest-free financing granted to associations and social economy enterprises. They help support various stages in a project’s lifecycle: launching a social innovation, developing an activity, making investments, scaling up, or stabilizing an organization facing temporary financial difficulties. This funding is generally part of a broader financing plan and helps strengthen the financial stability of organizations, making it easier to attract other financial partners.
Association transfer agreements are interest-free funding intended for social-purpose associations that are carrying out a development project designed to create or sustain jobs. Their purpose is to strengthen the association’s equity and support its development projects. This funding is part of an overall financing plan that draws on other resources, such as grants, donations, corporate sponsorship, or bank financing.
These contributions (also known as “equity investments”) are intended for associations and social enterprises and help strengthen their financial structure. They can take several forms, some of which are repayable and others non-repayable: participatory securities, association securities, convertible bonds, member checking accounts, bonds convertible into shares, and capital. For France Active, these equity investments represent a significant strategic commitment and are therefore particularly selective.
Depending on your personal situation, you may be eligible for financial support (often called a “grant”) ranging from €1,000 to €3,000 to carry out your project. These grants are awarded without any strings attached but are based on specific criteria, such as your age or the location of your business.
This funding is awarded directly to the entrepreneurs, in their personal capacity, and not to their business. Based on personal and regional criteria, the loan amount cannot exceed €20,000. These loans can be considered a personal contribution and can be combined with other forms of financing. Among the various honor loans offered by France Active, Bpifrance’s solidarity honor loan is intended for job seekers and recipients of minimum social benefits.
Some France Active regional associations have set up these types of online platforms at the local level (department or region) to enable citizens to take action and make a difference in their own communities by providing financial or material resources to community projects. You can use these platforms to promote your project and solicit active participation from citizens in your area.
How can I obtain solidarity-based funding for my enterprise?
1 – Contact the France Active association in your area
2 – Your regional association receives, evaluates, and reviews your application
3 – If support is appropriate for your project, our teams will assist you in developing your business plan and connect you with our investor partners to secure the most suitable financial solutions
4 – Your funding application is reviewed by a decision-making committee of experts and partners
5 – If the funding application is approved, the financial arrangement is implemented
6 – We’ll be by your side throughout the entire duration of your project!
Funding may also be available as part of a comprehensive program
France Active’s programs consist of a range of services offered as a “package” with customized support designed to best meet all your needs. Check them out below or contact the France Active 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!
“France Active stepped in at several stages of the association’s development. It provided us with equity capital that allowed us to cover our cash flow needs and also served as collateral to secure larger loans from other lenders.”
Julien SAUVAGE
Founder of the FLaP association and the Le Cabaret Vert festival
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