The City of Lyon has officially opened its latest call for projects dedicated to the Social and Solidarity Economy (ESS), offering a combination of financial grants and professional mentorship to local organizations. Managed by the City’s Department of Economy, Trade, and Craftsmanship, the initiative seeks to bolster collective projects that demonstrate significant social and environmental impact within the Lyon territory.
For UK readers and international entrepreneurs, this program represents a significant opportunity to engage with one of Europe’s most structured social innovation ecosystems. The “Social and Solidarity Economy” (ESS) is a specific legal and economic framework in France that mirrors aspects of the UK’s Social Enterprise and Community Interest Company (CIC) sectors, but with a distinct emphasis on democratic governance and limited profitability.
Bridging Social Impact and Economic Viability in Lyon
The primary objective of this call for projects is to support the emergence of robust, reproducible initiatives that generate sustainable effects. Lyon aims to foster a local economy that prioritizes people and the planet without sacrificing economic resilience. To achieve this, the city has partnered with a network of specialized support structures, including the CRESS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Alter’incub, and the Fondation Émergences, to provide winners with high-level expertise.
Projects are expected to address critical modern challenges, such as the circular economy, waste reduction, and local solidarity. There is also a strong focus on creating permanent jobs and encouraging cooperation between various socio-economic actors in the region. Priority will be given to projects situated in “priority neighborhoods” (quartiers prioritaires) or areas with limited commercial services, as well as collaborative efforts involving multiple social economy entities.
Defining Eligibility: Is Your Organization a Fit?
To be eligible for this support, organizations must fall under the French ESS Law of July 31, 2014. This typically includes cooperatives, mutuals, foundations, and certain types of social-purpose companies. However, the criteria extend beyond legal status:
- Age of Structure: Organizations must have been legally established for between one and five years.
- Location: The project must be implemented or in the process of being implemented within the City of Lyon.
- Core Principles: The project must adhere to ESS fundamentals, including social utility, democratic governance (one person, one vote), and limited profit distribution.
- Exclusions: Large retail branches, projects already funded by specific other calls, and those that have already received a grant under this specific scheme in 2025 are ineligible.
Financial Support and Professional Mentorship
Successful applicants will receive a two-pronged support package designed to ensure long-term viability.
1. Financial Assistance: The city offers a grant capped at €10,000, which can cover up to 50% of the total project budget. This funding is disbursed in two stages: an initial 50% following the City Council’s approval, and the remaining 50% in 2027 after a qualitative and financial review of the project’s progress.
2. Methodological Support: Beyond the money, winners gain access to individual appointments and collective workshops. This covers essential business areas such as financial expertise, finding additional funding, networking, legal and HR advice, and measuring social utility (including assistance with the ESUS accreditation, a French social enterprise certification).
The Application Roadmap and Key Deadlines
The application process is entirely digital. Interested organizations must submit their dossiers via the official Lyon subsidies platform (subventions-aides.lyon.fr) under the “ESS” sub-theme.
- Submission Deadline: July 15, 2026.
- Required Documents: A complete digital file, the “ESS support” form, and a concise project presentation (maximum 3 pages) outlining objectives, target audiences, and evaluation criteria.
- Selection Process: Applications will be evaluated based on their alignment with ESS values, social/ecological impact, and the viability of their business model.
- Final Decision: The Lyon City Council will validate the selected projects during its session on November 19, 2026.
Organizations that secure funding must commit to launching their projects before September 30, 2027. They are also required to provide detailed impact reports and allow the City of Lyon to communicate on their progress, highlighting the role of municipal support in fostering local innovation.
Source: Ville de Lyon
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