CGSCOP: what financing solutions for SCOPs and SCICs?

The role of CGSCOP

The Confédération générale des SCOP et des SCIC (CGSCOP) coordinates the national network of worker cooperatives (SCOP) and cooperatives of collective interest (SCIC). The regional unions support start-up, takeover, transfer and development projects. The network provides access to specialized financing solutions, complementing the contributions of members and banking partners.

Do not confuse a grant with financing

The three fact sheets associated with CGSCOP in the Capital OS reference database correspond to SCOPINVEST — convertible bond, SCOPINVEST — participatory security, and Garantie SOFISCOP. The first two are financial interventions that strengthen the balance sheet structure and involve compensation and contractual terms. A guarantee is instead intended to facilitate a bank loan. These solutions should not be presented as non-repayable grants.

SCOPINVEST — participatory security

Participatory securities can provide long-term resources to a SCOP or SCIC to consolidate its permanent capital and support a development project. A public information sheet indicates an intervention starting at €25,000, generally over a period of at least seven years, with compensation comprising a fixed component and a variable component. These parameters are indicative and must be confirmed by the funder at the time of the application.

SCOPINVEST — convertible bond

A convertible bond is a financing instrument that can be converted into shares or units according to the contractual terms. It can strengthen a cooperative's quasi-equity and support its growth or its transfer. The public fact sheet consulted mentions an intervention starting at €25,000 and a term of four to seven years, with fees and compensation to be reviewed before any commitment.

Garantie SOFISCOP

SOFISCOP is a guarantee tool associated with the bank financing of cooperatives. Its purpose is notably to limit the need for personal guarantees from executives, depending on the terms of the guarantee. The mechanism is not a grant paid to the company: it works alongside a loan and requires the application to be reviewed by the parties involved.

Who can apply for these solutions?

The SCOPINVEST fact sheets consulted target SCOPs and SCICs that are members of the network, up to date with their membership fees, and presenting a project and situation compatible with the instrument. Financing is not automatic: the balance sheet structure, the members' contributions, the financing plan, the business outlook and the ability to meet commitments may be reviewed.

How to prepare the application?

Prepare a presentation of the cooperative, recent accounts, a cash flow forecast, the financing plan, the project details and the amount sought. Specify the members' contributions and the bank financing envisaged. Contact the regional SCOP union to determine the appropriate instrument and have the terms, fees, deadlines and guarantees confirmed before signing anything.

FAQ

Does CGSCOP distribute grants? The three fact sheets referenced here correspond mainly to financing or guarantee instruments, not to free grants. Can a SCOP access SCOPINVEST? The public fact sheets target cooperatives that meet the membership and fee criteria, subject to review of the application. What is the minimum amount? The information sheets consulted indicate €25,000 for the SCOPINVEST interventions concerned, to be confirmed with the funder. Where should you apply? Contact the relevant regional union.

Official sources

• Le Mouvement des Scop et des Scic — CGSCOP
• SCOPINVEST — participatory security — Public Business Aid Fact Sheet / Infogreffe
• SCOPINVEST — convertible bond — Public Business Aid Fact Sheet / Infogreffe
• Equity intervention — SCOPINVEST — Les-aides.fr
• 2025 Press Kit — network and support — CGSCOP
• The Movement's financial tools — Union régionale des Scop d'Île-de-France