Info-Guide - Social Economy














































































 




















Info-Guide - Social Economy

Info entreprises


Last
Verified: 2004-10-14
Document No.
6003




Summary This
document is designed to help guide you through different federal, provincial, municipal
and private programs and services available for those who wish
to start or expand an entreprise in the social economy in
Quebec. This Info-Guide has been prepared by the Info
entrepreneurs service from information provided by the Canada
Business Service Centres and Communication-Quebec to answer a
growing demand for strategic information by business people.
While most of your questions will be answered in this
document, it is not intended to be exhaustive. Further
information can be obtained by contacting Info entreprises at
[phone], Ressources Entreprises at [phone] or,
across the province, at 1-800-322-4636.
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal
government sites which are not subject to the Official
Languages Act and the material is available in one language
only. The Web version of this document is the most
recent.Regional
Assistance for EntrepreneurshipConsult the list of
local resources available in your region to create or expand
your business.




- Bas St-Laurent - Nord-du-Qu�bec- Saguenay-Lac St-Jean -
Gasp�sie-�les-de-la-Madeleine- Qu�bec -
ChaudiŁre-Appalaches- Mauricie - Laval- Estrie - LanaudiŁre- Outaouais - Laurentides-
Abitibi-T�miscamingue -
Mont�r�gie- C�te-Nord -
Centre-du-Qu�bec-
Montr�al
TABLE OF
CONTENT1.Introduction 2.Definition3.Deciding on a Legal
Structure3.1 Incorporation of Companies and Non-Profit
Corporations 3.2 Cooperative4.Main Technical and Financial
Partners4.1 Cooperatives4.2 Non-for-Profit Organization (NPO)
4.2.1 Local Resources 4.2.2 Government of Qu�bec4.2.3 Government of Canada4.2.4 Internet and
Connectedness4.3 Venture Capital4.4 Micro-Credit5. Reference Tools5.1 Publications5.2 Web Links of
Interest1. IntroductionThe social
economy is not a new phenomenon. Designated by different terms
in different eras, it is intended to respond to needs that are
not met by public services or the traditional private sector.
By focussing on this type of enterprise at the Summit on the
Economy and Jobs in the fall of 1996, the Quebec government
and its partners sought to put an end to the paradox by which
new needs were not being met even though thousands of
unemployed persons able to meet these needs were looking for
work. These firms are characterized by the fact that they
create sustainable jobs, produce goods and services, respond
to social needs and are financially viable.Sectors
targeted by the social economy include health and corporate
affairs, culture, housing, recreation and sports, education,
employment, tourism and the environment.Le Chantier
de l'�conomie socialeThis non-profit organization has
the mission of carrying out promotion at the national level,
supporting consolidation, experimentation and development of
new niches and projects, ensuring joint effort by the various
players in the social economy and working to create and
stabilize sustainable jobs. The Chantier brings together major
social movements, local development players and social economy
enterprise proponents. For further information, contact the
Chantier, call [phone] or 1-888-251-3255 or visit the
Web site at http://www.chantier.qc.ca/ (in French only)2. Definition"Enterprises
in the social economy, which develop from collective
entrepreneurship, produce goods and services, are financially
viable and create long-lasting jobs. They incorporate a
democratic decision-making process into their statutes, they
are managed with the goal of providing their members or the
community with services, and their practices promote
individual and collective participation and empowerment."
(Source: Starting a Business, Communication-Qu�bec,
2000)3. Deciding
on a Legal StructureA social economy enterprise may be
considered as a non-profit organization or a
co-operative.3.1 Incorporation of Companies
and Non-Profit Corporations (Associations)A company or
association is an artificial person, which means that the
company itself has rights and powers that are separate and
different from those of the individuals of which it is
composed and who are its shareholders. The same is true of the
members of a non-profit corporation. A company has its own
property and contracts its own debts. The responsibility of
shareholders is limited to their capital investment. The
Companies Act provides for two types of artificial
person: 1) for-profit companies (Part IA); 2)
non-profit corporations (Part III).
Registraire des entreprises (REQ)800
Place Victoria Place Victoria TowerMontreal, Quebec
H4Z 1H9Tel: [phone] Place
d'YouvilleQuebec City, Quebec G1K 7C3Tel: (418)
643-3625 or 1-888-291-4443
The firm component is under the responsibility
of Registraire des entreprises (REQ) : http://www.req.gouv.qc.ca/default_eng.htm
The financial institutions surveillance and control
component is under the responsibility of Autorit� des
march�s financiers : http://www.lautorite.qc.ca/accueil.en.htmlAt
the federal levelIndustry CanadaCorporations
Branch5 Place Ville Marie, Suite 800Montreal, Quebec
H3B 2G2Tel: [phone] or 1-888-237-3037(See the
document Federal Not-For-Profit Incorporation - Canada
Corporations Act / Part II)Federal
information kit for non-profit organizations and appendices:
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_mrksv/corpdir/engdoc/7f.htmlInformation
on Charities - Canada Revenue Agency
(CRA)To be registered, a non-profit
organization must be constituted and operated for charitable
purposes and devote its resources to charitable activities. It
must also be resident in Canada and its income cannot be used
for the benefit of its members. A charity may be incorporated
or governed by a trust or constitution. Registration gives an
organization three main advantages:- It can issue official
donation receipts for gifts received.- It is exempt from
paying income tax.- it may qualify for a GST
rebate.For further information , see the document Information on Charities.
http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/tax/charities/menu-e.html 3.2 CooperativeA
cooperative is a business constituted under a specific law,
the Cooperatives Act. Power is democratically exercised
in a cooperative by its members, i.e. one member, one vote.
Like a company, a cooperative is a legal person distinct from
its members, and the liability of each member is limited to
the value of the shares subscribed. However, it
differs from other companies in the method of distributing its
profits. These are given to members in the form of a rebate,
according to the use each member makes of the services
obtained from the cooperative. The cooperative formula
is adapted to the group involved, and makes it possible for
businesses that meet various needs to emerge. There are
several types of cooperatives with specific objectives:
workers' cooperatives, shareholder workers' cooperatives,
solidarity cooperatives, consumer cooperatives and producer
cooperatives. To form a cooperative, one must bring
together at least 12 people with a common interest;
exceptionally, this number may be five and, for workers'
cooperatives, it may be three. (Source: Starting up a
Business, Communications-Qu�bec, 2000)Federal
information kit: http://www.agr.gc.ca/policy/coop/kitcoop/index.htmlYou
may also consult the document Cooperatives Info-Guide on the
creation of a federal cooperative.Trousse d'information
provinciale: http://www.mic.gouv.qc.ca/cooperatives/index.html (in French only)4.
Main Technical and Financial Partners4.1
CooperativesCooperatives Branch - MinistŁre du
D�veloppement �conomique et r�gional et de la Recherche
(MDERR)The objective of the MDERR's Co-operatives
Branch is to foster the emergence and the growth of existing
enterprises and of new co-operatives in Quebec. It helps in
the development of various areas of co-operative activity and
the social economy by providing the appropriate follow-up and
support. The Branch manages the following programs:
The Cooperative Investment
PlanThis plan is intended to foster the funding
of co-operative enterprises by providing tax advantages for
the members and employees of eligible co-operatives. Members
or employees of co-operatives can receive a maximum
deduction of 112,5% of their investment, subject to certain
conditions. Visit the Web site at http://www.mic.gouv.qc.ca/cooperatives/fr/RIC.html (in French only)
Deferred tax rebate: tax strategy for
co-operativesThis tax measure is designed to support
co-operatives wishing to increase capitalization. It allows
the deferral of tax on eligible rebates received by a member
of an eligible co-operative. The ministŁre du D�veloppement
�conomique et r�gional et de la Recherche (MDERR) is
responsible for issuing certificates of eligibility each
year at the request of eligible co-operatives. In order to
find out how to obtain certification, consult the new
brochure on the Internet, or call 691-5950 or
[phone] or visit the Web site at http://www.mic.gouv.qc.ca/cooperatives/fr/ristourne.html
(in French only)For further information on these
programs and on co-operatives in general, contact the MDERR at
[phone] or visit the Web site at http://www.mic.gouv.qc.ca/cooperatives/fr/RIC.html (in French
only)F�d�ration des coop�ratives de d�veloppement
r�gional du Qu�becThe Federation brings together all
coop�ratives de d�veloppement r�gional - CDR which
cover the entire province of Qu�bec. CDRs represent the union
between the cooperative movement and all the other
socio-economic sectors at the regional level. CDRs offer
powerful development support since their first mandate is to
start cooperatives. Contact your local CDR for all start-up
projects related to cooperatives. You can reach the Federation
at [phone] or visit the Web site at http://www.fcdrq.coop/ (In French only)Audace -
F�d�ration des Coop�ratives de d�veloppement r�gional du
Qu�bec (FCDRQ)Audace is a grant program for
young people between the ages of 18 to 35 years old who are
starting up work, producer or solidarity co-operatives in
Quebec regions. Projects in the Greater Montreal Area are not
eligible for this program. The amount of the grant is from
$5,000 to $60,000 for each eligible young people. For further
information, please contact the CDR in your region. A
list of CDRs is available on the Internet at http://www.fcdrq.coop/audace/audace.php(in
French only)Starting a business: The cooperative
work optionThe Regroupement qu�b�cois pour la
coop�ration du travail holds monthly information sessions on
the cooperative work approach. The goal of these sessions is
to answer the questions and needs of the participants and
allow them to make an informed choice concerning the proper
legal structure for their business start-up project. For
further information, call [phone], extension 29 or
visit the Web site at http://www.rqcct.org/
(In French only)4.2
Non-for-Profit Organizations (NPOs) 4.2.1 Local
ResourcesLocal Development Centre
(LDC)The Association des Centres locaux de
d�veloppement (ACLDQ) gathers the LDCs that operate everywhere
in Quebec. The LDC is a non-profit corporation managed by
members of the community, under the authority of a board of
directors that represents the various local economic and
labour market partners. LDCs offer extensive technical and
financial support by making available an array of front-line
services to help start-up, consolidate and develop business
projects, including projects in the social economy. Each LDC
manages four specific programs:- local investment funds
intended to provide assistance to businesses;- the
development of entreprises in the social economy;- support
for the start-up of businesses by young people ("Jeunes Promoteurs");- measures for
self-employment.For further information, contact the
LDC closest to you (consult the Regional Assistance for
Entrepreneurship of your region), the ACLDQ at
[phone] or visit the Web site at
http://www.acldq.qc.ca/ (in French only)Corporations
de d�veloppement �conomique (CDEs) The mandate of
these economic development corporations, also known as
soci�t�s de d�veloppement �conomique, or economic development
companies, conseils �conomiques, or economic councils, and
commissariats industriels, or industrial commissioners, is to
promote and accelerate the economic growth of their regions.
They provide business promoters with information, advice and
technical assistance in preparing projects. They are found at
the regional county municipality (MRC)
or at the municipal level. In many urban
centres, there are Corporations de d�veloppement
�conomique et communautaire (CDECs) There are many
CDEC in Qu�bec that are represented under the "Regroupement
des CDEC du Qu�bec" . They also act as representatives for
CLD. You can reach the "Regroupement" at [phone]
or you can consult the CDEC list at http://www.acldq.qc.ca/
or consult the Regional Assistance for
Entrepreneurship of your
region.Community Futures Development Corporation
The CFDC is a non-profit organization funded by the
Canada Economic Development. Its mission is to support the
creation, consolidation and development of local companies
with its technical and financial services. Each CFDC is
responsible for its own social plan. CFDC's have access to an
investment fund which permits them to authorize loans and
share options to encourage start-up, expansion or
stabilisation of businesses. The maximum amount of loans
alloted by the CFDC's and the CAE's is $125 000. For
further information, contact your local MRC (consult the Regional Assistance for
Entrepreneurship of your region) or the CFDC
Network (known as R�seau des SADC) at
[phone]. Visit the Web site at http://www.reseau-sadc.qc.ca/
(in French only).Regional Social Economy
Committees (CRES)Steering and social economy
development committees are attached to the Regional
Development Councils (RDCs) in each region. The mission of the
CRES is to provide for strategic regional planning of the
social economy and ensure that local and regional stakeholders
work together. For further information, contact the
Association des r�gions du Qu�bec (ARQ) at (418)
647-9112.Soci�t� de diversification �conomique des
r�gions (SDER)The SDER has a $50 million envelope
(Fonds de diversification �conomique des r�gions) to foster
economic diversification in the 12 regions of Quebec. The SDER
funds projects to improve the immediate environment of
enterprises, including studies and activities, and is located
upstream from enterprise investment projects. The projects
must generate a lever effect and be focussed on innovative
activities that generate growth for the economy of the
regions. For further information, contact the Soci�t� at (418)
647-9112 or 1-888-647-9112 or consult the following Web site:
http://www.formulaire.gouv.qc.ca/cgi/affiche_doc.cgi?dossier=7107&table=0 The Community Economic
Development Technical Assistance Program
(CEDTAP)http://www.carleton.ca/cedtap/CEDTAP
is a national effort to promote job creation,
entrepreneurship, and local self-reliance in communities
across Canada. The program coordinates and funds small and
medium-sized technical assistance assignments, valued at
$5 000 to $25
000, to help local organizations build on the community
as a means to sustainable social and economic development.
CEDTAP's goal is to work with 125 communities across Canada by
2001, with emphasis on groups that face special economic or
social challenges. CEDTAP is funded by the J.W. McConnell
Family Foundation and managed by The Centre for the Study of
Training, Investment and Economic Restructuring (CSTIER) in
the Faculty of Public Affairs and Management, Carleton
University, in Ottawa. For further information on the CEDTAP,
call [phone], ext 8241 or visit the Web site at
http://www.carleton.ca/cedtap/home/index_e.htmlBusiness
Action Program on Crime Prevention (BAPCP)The Business
Action Program on Crime Prevention (BAPCP) invites the private
sector to become an active partner, leader, and resource in
crime prevention. The extensive networks of private sector
organizations can help communities prevent crime, share
information, and encourage community mobilization. The program
targets non-profit businesses and professional associations.
This program is managed with the collaboration of the S�curit�
publique du Qu�bec. For further information, call
[phone] or visit the Web site at http://www.prevention.gc.ca/en/programs/bapcp.html 4.2.2 Government of
QuebecBiodiversity Conservation at the Heart of
Qu�bec's Environmental Concerns This financial aid
program will match private sector efforts to develop a
large-scale network of privately owned protected areas in
Quebec. Between 2002 and 2004, the Quebec government and its
non-governmental partners will invest $10 million each in the
conservation of privately held natural areas. For further
information, call [phone], 1-800-561-1616 or visit
the Web site at http://www.menv.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/inter_en.htmFinancial
Assistance Program for Domestic Help Services (FAPDHS)
(Programme d'exon�ration financiŁre pour les
services d'aide domestique (PEFSAD)The
objectives of PEFSAD are to develop a solid network of home
care services enterprises and to encourage people to obtain
home care services through these firms. The regional boards
(RRSSS) http://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/regions/index.html are mandated to implement the program on
the regional level, in partnership with the Chantier sur
l'�conomie sociale. For further information, visit the Web
site at http://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citoyens/contributionsetaidesfinanciere/exonerationaidedomestique.shtmlDepartment
of Childhood and the Family - Support for Early Childhood
Centres (CPE)Persons who operate a registered
childcare service have certain advantages;
more specifically, the right to grants for the care of
children under the age of 18 months and handicapped children.
They can offer parents reduced rate, as well as exemptions and
financial assistance for those eligible for these programs.
For further information, call [phone] in the Montreal area and
1-800-363-0310 elsewhere in
Quebec or visit the Web site at
http://www.messf.gouv.qc.ca/services-a-la-famille/aide-financiere/services-de-garde_en.asp. (In French only)Wage
subsidies - Social economy Emploi-Qu�becEmploi-Qu�bec
is an integral part of the Department of Social Solidarity
(MSS) and has been given a mandate related to employment
measures and services. Emploi-Qu�bec works throughout Quebec.
Its 17 regional directorates provide services, often in
co-operation with community organizations and especially
through Local Employment Centres (Centre locaux d'emplois).
For more information, contact Emploi-Qu�bec at [phone]
or, outside Montr�al, contact Emploi-Qu�bec's regional office
(see the blue pages of the telephone book under "Gouvernement
du Qu�bec" ) or 1-888-Emplois, everywhere in Qu�bec. Visit the
Web site at http://emploiquebec.net/francais/index.htm (in French only)Comit�
sectoriel de main d'oeuvre de l'�conomie sociale et de
l'action communautaire
(CSMO-�SAC)Non-profit organization working
to create and implement development and training strategies
for the labour force and sector enterprises and organizations
through the promotion and consolidation of sectoral
co-operation and partnership. The CSMO is funded by
Emploi-Qu�bec and can be reached at
[phone]. Visit the Web site at http://www.csmoesac.qc.ca
(in French only)Independent community action
assistance fund - Secr�tariat ą l'action communautaire
autonome du Qu�bec (SACA)SACA administers this Fund
which contributes financially to community organizations
through three programs:- Program 1: Support for rights
advocacy;- Program 2: Support for the development of
independent community action projects;- Program 3: Support
for redirected organizations and associations.For further
information, contact SACA at [phone] or 1-800-577-2844
or visit the Web site at http://www.messf.gouv.qc.ca/saca/programmes/programme-soutien-action-communautaire.aspGroup
Entrepreneurship Program - Investissement Qu�bec
This program is designed to foster the creation,
maintenance and development of social economy enterprises by
providing financial assistance for non-profit organizations,
cooperative enterprises or their subsidiaries. In general, the
financial assistance will consist of a guarantee for the
repayment of the net loss on a loan made to an eligible
enterprise by a financial institution. The repayment guarantee
may reach 66 2/3% of the net loss on a line of credit or 75%
of the net loss on a loan, letter of credit or any other
financial undertaking. The total financial assistance granted
to fund a project may not exceed 75% of the said project. For
further information, contact Investissement Qu�bec at
1-866-870-0437 or visit the Web site at http://www.invest-quebec.com/fr/que/doc/entrepreneuriat.jspCapitalization
Program - Investissement Qu�becThis program is
intended to promote the creation, maintenance and development
of enterprises in the social economy by means of financial
assistance to support the capitalisation of non-profit
organisations or cooperative enterprises. Generally speaking,
the financial assistance takes the form of a capitalisation
loan or purchases of preferred shares ranging from $25 000 to
$250 000. The financial assistance may not exceed 35% of the
cost of the project. For further information, contact
Investissement Qu�bec at 1-866-870-0437 or visit the Web site
at http://www.invest-quebec.com/en/que/doc/capitalisation.jspCommunity
Media Assistance Program 2004-2005 - MinistŁre de la Culture
et des Communications (MCC) - The primary
objectives of the program are to
make it easier for the public to access and participate in
community media and to improve the supply of local
information. Eligible applicants include incorporated
non-profit organizations with an independent charter
indicating that their main function is to operate a radio or
television station or edit and distribute a newspaper. The
organizations must produce and disseminate local and regional
information reflecting the political, social, cultural and
economic life of the community they serve, through radio,
television or the print media. Internet dissemination is not
permitted. For further information, contact your local MCC in
Montreal at [phone], in Quebec City at (418)
380-2346 or visit the Web site at http://www.mcc.gouv.qc.ca/programme/pamec_a.htm"Program
for the Promotion of Energy Efficiency" (known as
Programme de promotion de l'efficacit� �nerg�tique) -
Agence de l'efficacit� �nerg�tique The mission of the Energy Efficiency
Agency is to promote the efficient use of energy from all
sources in every sector of activity, working toward
sustainable development and for the benefit of every region of
Quebec. The methods used to accomplish this mission include
demonstration projects and support for energy efficiency
research and development. Both profit-making enterprises and
non-profit associations are eligible. The Agency's
participation may be financial, professional or both. For
further information, contact the Agency at [phone], or
toll free at 1-877-727-6655 or
visit the Web site at http://www.aee.gouv.qc.ca/institutions/PEE/PEE.jsp
(in French only)4.2.3 Government of
CanadaIDEA-SME Program - Canada Economic
Development for Quebec RegionsCanada Economic
Development provides financial assistance to small and
medium-sized businesses and to groups, associations and
organizations supporting small businesses in order to help
them increase their business opportunities. Financial
assistance (non-refundable for NPOs) is available for projects
that promote:- innovation, research and development and
design;- market and export development;-
entrepreneurship and a better business climate.For further
information, see the document IDEA - SME Program or visit the
Web site at http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/asp/ProgrammesServices/idee_pme.asp?LANG=ENEcoAction
- Environment CanadaEcoAction is a program that
encourages Canadians to take action in their communities in
support of healthy environments. Non-profit,
non-government groups can apply for funding. EcoAction
encourages projects that protect, rehabilitate or enhance the
natural environment, and build the capacity of communities to
sustain activities into the future. The deadlines for applying
are February 1 and October 1 annually. The
maximum funding available is $100 000, but the average
amount is normally around $25 000. The program will
provide only up to 50% of eligible project costs. (This 50%
represents all federal funding, including EcoAction.) For
further information, call [phone], 1-800-463-4311 or
consult the document EcoAction - Community Funding
Program or
visit the Web site at http://www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction/what_is_e.htmlClimate
Change Action Fund - CCAF - Natural Resources Canada
(NRCan)The CCAF is now in its
final year of operation. Limited funding remains for new
projects.The Climate Change Action Fund (CCAF)
was established by the federal government to help Canada honor
the commitment it made in December 1997 at the Third
Conference of the Parties (COP3), an international climate
change meeting in Kyoto, Japan - to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. The CCAF will support the development of an
implementation strategy to meet this challenge and to
facilitate early action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
For further information, see the document Climate Change Action Fund - CCAF
or visit the Web site at: http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/Contributions
Program - Consumer Connection - Industry CanadaTo
strengthen the consumer's role in the marketplace through the
promotion of timely and sound research and analysis and the
financial self-sufficiency of consumer and voluntary
organizations. Canadian non-profit consumers and volunteer
organizations are eligible for assistance under this program.
The Guide and Application Form are available on the Web site
of the Office of Consumer Affairs (see above).
Note: For fiscal year 2004-05, the deadline
for receipt of applications was Monday 1 December
2003.The Guide and forms are also available on Consumer
Connection, For further information, call [phone],
consult the document Contributions Program for Consumer and Voluntary
Organizations or visit the Web site at http://consumer.ic.gc.ca/Infrastructure
Canada - MandateInfrastructure Canada was created, as
a new department within the federal government, to manage and
lead the federal participation in the development and
implementation of a long-term strategy to meet Canada's modern
infrastructure needs. An important part of its mandate is to
co-ordinate and manage current infrastructure funding programs
and to provide strategic advice and carry out research on
related matters. For further information, call 1-800-622-6232
or visit the Web site at http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/Co-operative
Development Initiative (CDI) - Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada (AAFC)The Co-operative Development Initiative
(CDI) is a program designed to enhance the quality of life in
Canada through supporting the development of co-operatives in
areas of federal priority.CDI funding will help to pay for
the costs of implementing a project. The expected funding
range for individual projects is between 5 000$ and
75 000$ per year. Multi-year projects of up to five years
may receive funding, but must be completed by the time the
program ends on 31 March, 2008. Applicants or their partners
in the community are expected to contribute at least 25% of
the total project costs. For further information, call
1-888-781-2222, consult the document Co-operative Development
Initiative or visit the Web site at http://www.agr.gc.ca/policy/coop/information_e.phtml4.2.4 Internet and
connectednessInfo-Guide - E-BusinessSee Section
7.4: Financial assistance for Internet access:
non-profit organizations and homes4.3 Venture
CapitalR�seau d'investissement social du Qu�bec
(RISQ)RISQ is a fund for social economy businesses
intended to support collective entrepreneurship. Its mission
is to create access to funding tailored to social economy
businesses. It is intended to support the startup or expansion
of collective businesses that are socially cost-effective and
economically viable, through two action components:
capitalization loans and technical assistance. For further
information, call [phone] or visit the Web site at
http://www.fonds-risq.qc.ca/ Investissement en
entreprise - Fondaction (CSN)Fondaction invests part
of its assets in Quebec enterprises, mainly those in the
following three categories: enterprises involved in a
participative management process (thus taking direct action on
democratization of the workplace), controlled by the workers
(co-operatives or others) and those with concern for the
environment. For further information, call [phone],
1-800-253-666 or visit the Web site at http://www.fondaction.com/invest_entreprise/fps.htm
(In French only)Fonds de financement
coop�ratifFondaction, the RISQ and Filaction, are
joined together in the provisioning and management of the
Fonds de financement coop�ratif, a source of financing for
entrepreneurs in social economy businesses, which consist of a
$6 million fund. The Fonds de financement coop�ratif meet the
financing needs of social economy businesses for amounts
ranging from $100,000 and $250,000. For further information,
contact Filaction at [phone] or visit the Web site at
http://www.filaction.qc.ca/FFC/indexHTM.htm (In French only)Capital
r�gional et coop�ratif DesjardinsThis venture capital
company that specifically targets regions and co-operatives in
Quebec. Investissement Desjardins offers this new
service in all Quebec regions, including Quebec City and
Montreal. Call Investissement Desjardins' head office at
[phone], 1-866-866-7000 poste 7131 or visit the
Web site at http://www.desjardins.com/en/entreprises/produits_services/financement/capital_regional.jsp4.4
Micro-creditR�seau qu�b�cois de cr�dit
communautaireThis network of nine community funds in
eleven Quebec regions provides credit for individuals who want
to start a business but do not have access to traditional
funding. The amount of the loans varies from $500 to $20 000.
The network also provides technical assistance to help
entrepreneurs define their project and give it a viable
structure. For further information, please call [phone]
or consult the document R�seau qu�b�cois du cr�dit communautaire - List
of Members.Cercles d'Emprunt de
Montr�alNon-profit organization that supports and
orients micro-entreprises and self employed workers. Training,
counselling and financial assistance available. For further
information, contact the Cercles at
[phone].5. Reference
tools5.1
Publications- Publications CCH, "Guide des
programmes d'aides - Organisme ą but non lucratif -
Canada-Qu�bec" (In French only). This document
provides a list of grant programs offered by both the
provincial and federal levels. You can consult this document
at Info entrepreneurs. You can contact the CCH at (514)
866-7148 or 1-800-363-8304. Visit the Web site at http://www.cch.ca/english/index.asp-
Corporation de d�veloppement �conomique et communautaire
(CDEC) Centre Sud/Plateau Mont Royal, � La gestion des
organismes sans but lucratif - Trousse autodiagnostic
(in French only) . A training program is also available at the
CDEC. For further information, call [phone] or visit
the Web site at http://www.cdec-cspmr.org/ES-osbl.html#Conseil (In French only)- Primer for Directors of Not-for-Profit
Corporations
This book is designed to provide
directors of not-for-profit corporations with information on
their legal rights and obligations in that role and to
provide a good understanding of their potential
responsibility should they agree to serve on the governing
body of a not-for-profit corporation.http://strategis.gc.ca/epic/internet/incilp-pdci.nsf/vwGeneratedInterE/cl00700e.html*NEW*-
Analysis Guide for Socio-economic Businesses (In French
only)
This guide is a reference tool for all people who act as
guides, analysts and managers of collectives. It provides a
great many tools and grids, which allow for ease of
analysis, evaluation, development and follow-through of
business plans for socio-economic firms. For further
information, call [phone] or visit the Web site
at http://www.fonds-risq.qc.ca/anniversaire.html
(In French only)
5.2 Web
Links of Interest- Business plan model for
entreprise in the social economy (in French only) http://www.mderr.gouv.qc.ca/mder/web/portail/ministere/nav/Publications.html?&page=details_publication.jsp&iddoc=43926-
List of groupings of cooperative in Quebec (in French only)
http://www.mic.gouv.qc.ca/cooperatives/fr/sites-interet.html-
International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) The ICA's
Web site is essential for finding out about co-operative sites
world-wide. The site also contains official texts and
discussions of co-operatives and co-operation. http://www.ica.coop/ica/ica/index.html-
Internutional Centre, of Research and Information on
the Public and Cooperative Economy
The CIRIEC-Canada site is a referral site for the social
and co-operative public economy. It presents the main
activities of the Centre and a summary of recent articles
from �conomie et Solidarit�s. http://www.ciriec.uqam.ca/-
Conseil canadien de la coop�ration (CCC) Devoted to
promoting the interests of Francophone co-operators in Canada,
the CCC encourages co-operation with a view to the
socio-economic development of the Francophone community in
Canada. http://www.ccc.coop/ (in French only) -
Co-operatives SecretariatThe Web site of
the Co-operatives Secretariat presents statistics on Canadian
co-operatives. It provides links to the main federal
departments that deal with co-operatives, together with the
Canada Cooperatives Act, Bill C-5 amending the Act and
Cooperative Credit Associations Act. http://www.agr.gc.ca/policy/coop/-
Conseil de la coop�ration du
Qu�becRegrouping organizations working
in different spheres of activity, the Conseil de la
coop�ration du Qu�bec's mission is to encourage knowledge of
concerted action among cooperatives and with their partners
sharing cooperative values. http://www.coopquebec.coop/
(In French only)- Alliances de
recherche universit� - communaut�s

L'Alliances de recherche universit� - communaut�s en
�conomie sociale (ARUC-�S) is a partnership for research,
training, dissemination and knowledge-sharing on the
social economy. http://www.aruc-es.uqam.ca/ (In French
only)Discover many other
documents, tools and interesting links perterning to the
"Social Economy cluster"  in the Tool Box, What You Must Know
and Links of
Interest sections of
our Website: http://www.infoentrepreneurs.org
TO CONSULT OTHER
INFO-GUIDESBusiness Start-up




ExportInnovation, Research and
DevelopmentYoung
EntrepreneursPermits and Licences Required for
Certain Types of BusinessesEmployment and
TrainingAboriginal Businesses
(Aboriginal
Business Service Network
(ASBN))Self-EmploymentMultimedia E-BusinessTechnological and Strategic
Intelligence















For information onInfo entrepreneurs and its partners,
consultdocument no. 6013.

For information onRessources Entreprises and its
partners, consultdocument no. 6015.



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