Social economy businesses grow out of the local community and are supported by their neighbourhoods. Cast in the business model and responding to the market, they are developed by entrepreneurs who are driven primarily by social concerns. They are private and independently managed businesses incorporated either as non-profit corporations or as co-operatives.

Their economic viability is guaranteed mainly through the autonomous revenue they generate from their market activities. Their contribution to local development is measured especially through the creation of long-term employment, new and innovative services, an improvement of the quality of life, etc.

Link : Chantier de l’économie sociale