Info-Guide - Social Economy

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 Info entrepreneurs for 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 entrepreneurs at 514 496-4636, Ressources Entreprises at 418 649-4636 or, across the province, at 1-800-322-4636.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction
2. Definition
3. Deciding on a Legal Structure
    3.1 Incorporation of Companies and Non-Profit Corporations
    3.2 Cooperative
4. Main Technical and Financial Partners
    4.1 Cooperatives
    4.2 Non-for-Profit Organization (NPO)   
         4.2.1 Local Resources
         4.2.2 Government of Québec
         4.2.3 Government of Canada
         4.2.4 Internet and Connectedness
    4.3 Venture Capital
    4.4 Micro-Credit
5. Reference Tools
    5.1 Publications
    5.2 Web Links of Interest

1. Introduction

The 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'économie sociale
This 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 514 899-9916 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-Québec, 2000)

3. Deciding on a Legal Structure

A 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 Tower
Promenade Level
Montreal, Quebec H4Z 1H9
Tel: 1-888-291-4443

800 Place d'Youville, RC
Quebec City, Quebec G1R 4Y5
Tel: 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 Autorité des marchés financiers : http://www.lautorite.qc.ca/accueil.en.html

At the federal level

Industry Canada
Corporations Branch
5 Place Ville Marie, Suite 800
Montreal, Quebec H3B 2G2
Tel: 514 496-1797 or 1-888-237-3037
(See the document Federal Business Incorporation - Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) )

Federal information kit for non-profit organizations and appendices: http://corporationscanada.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/incd-dgc.nsf/en/home?OpenDocument

Information 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 or visit the Web site at: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/charities/menu-e.html

3.2   Cooperative

A 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-Québec, 2000)

Federal information kit: http://www.agr.gc.ca/policy/coop/kitcoop/index.html

You may also consult the document Cooperatives Info-Guide on the creation of a federal cooperative.

Trousse d'information provinciale: http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/entreprises/nav/cooperatives/42229.html?iddoc=42229 (in French only)

4.   Main Technical and Financial Partners
 
4.1  Cooperatives

Cooperatives Branch - Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE)
The objective of the MDEIE'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 by providing the appropriate follow-up and support. The Branch manages the following programs:

New Cooperative Investment Plan
This 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 deduction of their investment, subject to certain conditions.

Deferred tax rebate: tax strategy for co-operatives
This 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 ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE) 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 Web site.

For further information on these programs and on co-operatives in general, contact the MDEIE at
418 691-5978 or visit the Web site at:http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/entreprises/nav/cooperatives.html (in French only)

Developing cooperatives
A three-year agreement between the ministre du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE) and the Conseil de la coopération du Québec to make better use of expertise, particularly that of cooperative agencies, to start new co-ops, create or maintain jobs in the regions, and meet the new needs of Quebec society. Financial aid is granted in four stages based on certain criteria. For further information, call the Direction coopérative of MDEIE at 418 691-5978 or visit the Web site at: http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/entreprises/nav/cooperatives.html (In French only)

Fédération des coopératives de développement régional du Québec
The Federation brings together all coopératives de développement régional - CDR which cover the entire province of Québec. 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 418 656-1335 or visit the Web site at: http://www.fcdrq.coop (In French only)

Starting a business: The model "The cooperative work"
The Regroupement québécois pour la coopération 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 514 526-6267, 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 Resources

Local Development Centre (LDC)
The Association des Centres locaux de développement (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 Business Services Offered for your region; see Related Reading at the end, or the ACLDQ at 418 524-0893 or visit the Web site at:  Association des centres locaux de développement du Québec (in French only)

Corporations de développement économique (CDEs)
The mandate of these economic development corporations, also known as sociétés de développement économique, or economic development companies, conseils économiques, 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 développement économique et communautaire (CDECs) There are many CDEC in Québec that are represented under the "Regroupement des CDEC du Québec" . They also act as representatives for CLD.  You can reach the "Regroupement" at 514 255-0005 or you can consult the CDEC list at  Association des centres locaux de développement du Québec or he Business Services Offered for your region; see Related Reading at the end.

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 Business Services Offered for your region (see Related Reading at the end), or the CFDC Network (known as Réseau des SADC)  at 418 658-1530. Visit the Web site at: http://www.reseau-sadc.qc.ca (in French only).

The Community Economic Development Technical Assistance Program (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. For further information on the CEDTAP, call 514 866-2355, ext. 209 or visit the Web site at: http://www.carleton.ca/cedtap/home/index_e.html

Crime Prevention Action Fund
This fund supports crime prevention initiatives in communities large and small. It aims to build partnerships between sectors (such as policing, community health, voluntary and private sectors) to enhance community capacity to prevent crime through social development. For further information, call 514 283-2018 or 1-877-302-6272 or visit the Web site at: http://www.psepc-sppcc.gc.ca/prg/cp/cpaf_index-en.asp?lang_update=1

4.2.2 Government of Quebec

Financial Assistance Program for Domestic Help Services (FAPDHS) (Known as: Programme d'exonération financière 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 local health and social services network development agencies (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'économie sociale.  For further information, visit the Web site at: http://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citoyens/contributionetaidefinancieres/exonerationaidedomestique.shtml

Support for Early Childhood Centres (CPE) - Ministère de la Famille, des Aînés et de la Condition féminine
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, consult the document  Starting an Early Childhood Centre , call 418 643-4721 and 1-888-643-4721 elsewhere in Quebec or visit the Web site at: http://www.mfacf.gouv.qc.ca/thematiques/famille/aide-financiere/services_garde_en.asp

Wage subsidies - Emploi-Québec
Emploi-Québec is an integral part of the ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale and has been given a mandate related to employment measures and services. Emploi-Québec 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-Québec at 514 725-7744 or, outside Montréal, contact Emploi-Québec's regional office (see the blue pages of the telephone book under "Gouvernement du Québec" ) or 1-888-Emplois, everywhere in Québec. Visit the Web site at: http://www.emploiquebec.net/francais/entreprises/recrutement/aide/chomage.htm (In French only)

Comité sectoriel de main d'oeuvre de l'économie sociale et de l'action communautaire
(CSMO-ÉSAC)
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-Québec and can be reached at 514 259-7714, 1-866-259-7714, or visit the Web site at: http://www.csmoesac.qc.ca (In French only)

Independent community action assistance fund - Secrétariat à l'action communautaire autonome du Québec (SACA)
SACA administers this Fund which contributes financially to community organizations through three programs:

• Program 1: Support for group advocacy organizations;
• Program 2: Support for community action and volunteer action projects;
• Program 3: Support for mission of multisectorial organizations under SACA.

For further information, contact SACA at 418 646-9270 or 1-800-577-2844 or visit the Web site at: http://www.mess.gouv.qc.ca/saca/programmes/index.asp (In French only)

Group Entrepreneurship Program - Investissement Québec  
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 Québec at 1-866-870-0437 or visit the Web site at: http://www.investquebec.com/en/index.aspx?page=1291

Capitalization of Social Economy Companies - Investissement Québec
This 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 $500 000. The financial assistance may not exceed 35% of the cost of the project. For further information, contact Investissement Québec at 1-866-870-0437 or visit the Web site at: http://www.investquebec.com/en/index.aspx?page=1292

Community Media Assistance Program - Ministère 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 514 873-2255, in Quebec City at 418 380-2346 or visit the Web site at: http://www.mcc.gouv.qc.ca/index.php?id=1997

"Program for the Promotion of Energy Efficiency" (known as: Programme de l'efficacité énergétique) - Agence de l'efficacité énergétique
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 418 627-6379, 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)

Programme d’aide financière aux entreprises d’économie sociale oeuvrant dans le cadre des plans de gestion des matières résiduelles -  Recyc-Québec
This program aims to promote the participation of social economy companies in reaching the environmental, social, and economic objectives. The objectives are to support projects to recover, reuse, and reclaim residual matters generated by citizens, industries, businesses, and institutions.  Financial assistance is paid in the form of non-refundable contributions and may not exceed $10,000 for the formulation of business plans (stage 1) and $200,000 for the establishment, consolidation, or expansion of a social economy company (stage 2).  Applications for assistance must be filed by February 1, June 1, and October 1 each year. For further information, call at 514 352-5002, 418 643-0394, or 1-866-523-8290 ext. 3247. Visit the Web site at: http://www.recyc-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/client/fr/programmes-services/information/ProgEco_soc.asp (In French only)  

Social economy - Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE)
The Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation, et de l’Exportation (MDEIE) supports the social economy network by approaching its development from a structuring perspective that promotes the quality and relevance of services offered. For further information, consult the Web site at: http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/entreprises/nav/economie_sociale.html (In French Only)

4.2.3 Government of Canada

IDEA-SME Program - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Canada 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, testing and experimentation to enhance natural resources;
• productivity;
• e-Businesses
• export market development;
• entrepreneurship and 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=EN

EcoAction - Environment Canada
EcoAction is a program that encourages Canadians to take action in their communities in support of healthy environments. 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 418 648-3537, 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.html

Contributions Program - Consumer Connection - Industry Canada
To 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). The Guide and forms are also available on Consumer Connection, For further information, call 613 952-1918, consult the document Contributions Program for Consumer and Voluntary Organizations or visit the Web site at: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inoca-bc.nsf/en/h_ca00175e.html

Infrastructure Canada - Mandate
Infrastructure 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 (CDI) or visit the Web site at: http://coop.gc.ca/index_e.php?s1=init&page=intro 

4.2.4   Internet and connectedness

Info-Guide - E-Business
See Section 7.4: Financial assistance for Internet access: non-profit organizations and homes

4.3   Venture Capital

Réseau d'investissement social du Québec (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 514 866-2355, 418 525-5526 ext. 2111, 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 514 525-5505, 1-800-253-666 or visit the Web site at: http://www.fondaction.com/entreprise/conditions.php (In French only)

Fonds de financement coopératif
Fondaction, the RISQ and Filaction, are joined together in the provisioning and management of the Fonds de financement coopératif, a source of financing for entrepreneurs in social economy businesses, which consist of a $6 million fund.  The Fonds de financement coopératif meet the financing needs of social economy businesses for amounts ranging from $100,000 and $250,000. For further information, contact Filaction at 418 522-3334 ext.101 or visit the Web site at: http://www.filaction.qc.ca/FFC/indexHTM.htm (In French only)

Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins
This 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. For further information, call at 1-888-522-3222, or visit the Web site at: http://www.capitalregional.com/En/index.asp

4.4   Micro-credit

Réseau québécois de crédit communautaire
This 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 514 529-7928 ext. 226, consult  the document Réseau québécois du crédit communautaire - List of Members or visit the Web site at: http://www.rqcc.qc.ca/

Cercles d'emprunt de Montréal
Non-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 514 849-3271, or visit the Web site at: http://www.cerclesdemprunt.com (In French only)

5.   Reference tools

5.1 Publications

• Publications CCH, "Guide des programmes d'aides - Organisme à but non lucratif - Canada-Québec" (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/assistance/subscribe.aspx?tid=127
  

• Corporation de développement économique 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 514 845-2332 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
  

• 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 418 525-5526 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.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/ministere/nav/Publications.html?&page=details_publication.jsp&iddoc=43926

• List of groupings of cooperative in Quebec (In French only)  http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/entreprises/service.prt?svcid=PAGE_GENERIQUE_CATEGORIES25&iddoc=45689
  

• 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/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 Économie et Solidarités.   http://www.ciriec.uqam.ca/
  

• Conseil canadien de la coopération (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 Secretariat
  The 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://coop.gc.ca/index_e.php 
  

• Conseil de la coopération du Québec
  Regrouping organizations working in different spheres of activity, the Conseil de la coopération du Québec'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 université - communautés
  L'Alliances de recherche université - communautés en économie sociale (ARUC-ÉS) 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 pertaining to the "Social Economy cluster"  in the Tool Box, What You Must Know and Links of Interest sections of our Website.

• Assistance for Entrepreneurship - Montreal Region
• Business Services Offered in the Bas St-Laurent Region (Region 01)
• Business Services Offered in the Saguenay Lac St-Jean Region (Region 02)
• Business Services Offered in the Québec Region (Region 03)
• Business Services Offered in the Mauricie Region (Region 04)
• Business Services Offered in the Estrie Region (Region 05)
• Business Services Offered in the Outaouais Region (Region 07)
• Business Services Offered in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region (Region 08)
• Business Services Offered in the Côte-Nord Region (Region 09)
• Business Services Offered in the Nord-du-Québec Region (Region 10)
• Business Services Offered in the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Region (Region 11)
• Business Services Offered in the Chaudière-Appalaches (region 12)
• Business Services Offered in the Laval Region (Region 13)
• Business Services Offered in the Lanaudière Region (Region 14)
• Business Services Offered in the Laurentides Region (Region 15)
• Business Services Offered in the Montérégie Region (Region 16)
• Business Services Offered in the Centre-du-Québec Region (Region 17)
• Info-Guide - Exporters
• Info-Guide - Start-Up and Expansion
• Info-Guide - Young Entrepreneurs
• Info-Guide - Permits and Licences Required for Certain Types of Businesses
• Info-Guide - Employment and Training
• Info-Guide - Aboriginal Businesses
• Info-Guide - Self-Employment
• Info-Guide - Multimedia
• Info-Guide - E-Business
• Info-Guide - Technological and Strategic Intelligence
• Info-Guide - Innovation, Research and Development
• Info-Guide - Women Entrepreneurs
• Starting a Convenience Store
• Starting a Bed and Breakfast

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
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.