Financing your business with Centre national du livre (CNL)

Introduction

The Centre national du livre (CNL), a public administrative body under the authority of the Ministry of Culture, supports the creation and distribution of quality books as well as the development of reading. Its schemes can concern authors, translators, publishers, booksellers, libraries and organizers of literary events.

What kinds of projects can be concerned?

CNL schemes can support writing and translation, book publishing, the economic development of publishing houses and bookshops, digital projects related to books, libraries and literary events. The criteria and categories of beneficiaries differ for each aid.

What types of support?

Depending on the scheme, support can take the form of a bursary, a grant, or a loan, notably for certain editorial and economic projects. The amounts, eligible expenses, any co-financing and repayment terms must be checked in the official regulations of each scheme.

Who can submit an application?

Beneficiaries vary: authors, translators, publishers, booksellers, libraries and organizers of literary events may be concerned. Some schemes are aimed only at a specific professional category or impose conditions relating to activity, distribution, publication or status.

How to prepare an application?

Consult the scheme's official fact sheet and its general provisions. The CNL's digital application portal is the entry point for submitting the relevant applications. Plan ahead for creating your account: the CNL states that this must generally be done at least three business days before the deadline. Check the timeline, the required documents and the submission rules for each aid.

How can Capital OS help?

Capital OS can identify referenced schemes likely to match a project, its profession and its financing need. This identification is an initial research lead: it does not amount to confirmation of eligibility or a decision by the CNL. The managing body, status and conditions must be checked on the official fact sheet.

Frequently asked questions

Does the CNL only support publishers? No: it also offers schemes for authors, translators, booksellers, libraries and literary events. Are all aids open all year round? No, several operate with deadlines and committees. No, each set of regulations must be checked.

Official sources

• Centre national du livre — All aid schemes — Official catalog
• CNL at a glance — Institutional
• Digital application portal — Official procedure
• Committee for economic aid to publishing and bookselling businesses — Official committee