Acting for the sustainable development of regions

Thanks to its unique regional network, France Active operates at the grassroots level, closely aligned with the economic, social, and environmental realities of each region. By mobilizing a broad network of public, private, and associative partners, we amplify the impact of every euro invested: 1 euro committed by France Active generates an average of 2.8 euros in additional funding. And each funded project doubles its number of jobs on average within five years¹ .

Regional attractiveness and development 

France Active operates throughout France, including in the overseas territories, thanks to a network of regional associations that have an intimate understanding of the realities of each local community. 

This network is a strength: it allows us to identify the real needs of local communities, build local ecosystems of cooperation, and amplify the leverage effect of our interventions. Our solutions support the local economy, create and sustain local jobs, strengthen social ties, and support sectors undergoing transition. We pay particular attention to rural, priority, and disadvantaged areas, from which nearly one-third of the committed entrepreneurs we support hail. 

At the local level, we foster collaborative efforts—with government agencies, investors, banking institutions, professional associations, economic networks, and nonprofit organizations… All centred around a shared goal: supporting sectors undergoing transitions such as agriculture, housing, home renovation, the circular economy and reuse, mobility, access to local businesses, self-sufficiency, and solidarity… For example, we work to support the establishment and development of diversified, “human-scale” farms. We also support the rollout of collective initiatives and projects focused on processing and distribution through short supply chains. 

In this way, we work together to (re)invigorate the appeal of these regions for the benefit of their residents. 

Amplifying impact at all levels 

With public stakeholders   

• Together with local and regional governments (municipalities, intermunicipalities, departments, and regions), we address the economic priorities of these areas, jointly develop support programs, and secure funding targeted at priority sectors, industries, or regions. 
  The regions also hold equity stakes in France Active Investissement, which allows us to jointly define investment priorities rooted in local realities. 
• Together with the government and national stakeholders—including Bpifrance and the Banque des Territoires—we mobilize national public funds and channel them toward projects with a strong social and territorial impact. 
• Together with European institutions (notably the European Investment Fund and the InvestEU program), we access long-term financial resources that strengthen our ability to invest in high-impact projects where traditional markets play little or no role. 

With local economic stakeholders

We build networks to collectively foster projects that will drive change within incubators, regional startups, and more.

With committed entrepreneurs 

• We prioritize support for entrepreneurs who are excluded from traditional banking channels: people under 30, women starting or taking over businesses, job seekers, people with disabilities, and residents of priority neighbourhoods (QPV) and rural areas. Specific guarantees (Garantie Égalité Accès, Garantie Égalité Femmes, Garantie Égalité Territoires, Garantie Emploi) are designed to remove the barriers specific to each group. Our training and advisory services also help them strengthen their entrepreneurial skills. 
• We fight economic and social inequalities by supporting projects in the most vulnerable areas. Our Garantie Égalité Territoires is therefore dedicated to businesses based in rural areas or priority neighbourhoods. 
• We accelerate engagement and success by facilitating communities of committed entrepreneurs—spaces that foster dialogue, synergies, connections, and inspiration. 

Together with citizens

We organize events, workshops, and awareness-raising initiatives to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in social and environmental causes. 

1. Source: Assessment of Social Utility – France Active 2026 Impact Study (in french) ↩︎