Communauté de communes Portes de la Creuse en Marche

A direct intermunicipal grant scheme

The Communauté de communes Portes de la Creuse en Marche introduced a direct grant scheme for businesses from 1 January 2022, as part of its economic development powers and an agreement with the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.

Who can be concerned?

The schemes cover several profiles and sectors: agriculture, trades/crafts, timber-forestry, retail, industry, the social and solidarity economy, services, the silver economy and tourism. Depending on the grant, the beneficiary may be a project leader, an SME, an employing association or a tourist accommodation provider. The registered office or the project must meet the scheme's territorial rules.

What projects are supported?

The listed grants target in particular digital presence, the modernisation of shops and services, property and equipment investments, mobile trading activity, preliminary studies, tourist equipment and accommodation, and the launch of a business via an honour loan. Expenses and ceilings vary considerably by sector.

Budget and availability

The official page mentions an average budget of €50,000 per term of office for the direct grant scheme. This is an indicative overall envelope, not a guaranteed amount available for each application. Before building the financing plan, ask the communauté de communes whether the envelope and the version of the rules still apply.

Digital development grant

Grant of 50% of eligible expenses, capped at €750, for digital needs, the creation or improvement of a website and access to online marketplaces. The official website also mentions certain hosting and domain name expenses.

Grant for mobile activities complementary to a fixed activity

Grant announced at 30% of eligible expenses, capped at €6,000, for craft or retail small businesses that develop a mobile activity, purchase or fit out a vehicle, or diversify their activity.

Property investment grant – leasing

Leasing arrangement intended to facilitate access to suitable buildings, support construction or extension, and encourage job-creating establishment or development projects. Have the financial terms and the lease duration specified.

Property and equipment investment grant

Grant announced at 30%, capped at €6,000, for certain retail, craft and service small businesses. Listed expenses include works, extension, refurbishment, compliance upgrades and equipment fit-out; check the current exclusions and investment thresholds.

Structuring tourist equipment grant

Grant announced at 10%, capped at €10,000, for structuring equipment that complements or is part of a tourism project and helps diversify the local offer.

Studies and training grant for project leaders

Grant announced at 50%, capped at €2,500, for training costs, market studies and feasibility studies to help prepare a set-up or takeover project.

Grant for the creation, development and labelling of tourist accommodation

Support for studies and investments to create, modernise or upgrade tourist accommodation. The catalogue announces up to €2,000 for studies and up to €10,000 for certain investments, with rates varying according to the project amount.

Grants for study services in an economic development project

Grant announced at 50% of eligible expenses, capped at €2,500, or €5,000 if the project creates a job. The expenses must support market research, feasibility, positioning or a development strategy.

Initiative Creuse honour loan – Set-up

Zero-interest honour loan capped at €20,000, adjusted according to the project, to facilitate creation, takeover and set-up. The scheme is organised with Initiative Creuse and requires a specific mentoring process.

How to submit an application?

The communauté de communes states that the application form and letter of commitment must be submitted, together with the documents requested in the form and the grant's fact sheet. The economic services can help clarify the appropriate scheme and review the project. Contact given: economie@portesdelacreuseenmarche.fr.

Watch the expense timeline

The official form asks the applicant to certify that eligible expenses have not yet been incurred, and not to sign quotes or start work until after the communauté de communes has responded. As a precaution, do not order work or sign any irreversible commitment before obtaining written confirmation of the date from which expenses may be incurred.

Documents to prepare

Depending on the project, prepare a description of the business and the investment, quotes, a financing plan, a timetable, accounting information, proof of registration and of tax/social compliance, as well as any studies or diagnostics requested. The exact list depends on the scheme: use the current official form and fact sheet.

Does appearing in the catalogue guarantee the grant is open?

No. The official page describes the scheme introduced in 2022, but the rules, budgets and dates may change. Check the current version of the rules and the available envelope before applying.

Are the rates and ceilings guaranteed?

No. The amounts given here come from the reference database and presentation pages. They remain subject to the detailed conditions, the expense accepted, the processing of the application and the funds available.

Is the Initiative Creuse loan a grant?

No. It is a zero-interest honour loan, granted to the individual and subject to a mentoring process. It can facilitate obtaining a bank loan but must be repaid according to the agreed terms.

Can several schemes be combined?

Cumulation depends on the rules, the expenses presented, the ceilings and the rules on public aid. Request written confirmation before funding the same expense with several schemes.

Check my eligibility for local grants

Capital OS helps identify the schemes to examine and organise initial checks. The decision depends on the current rules, the territory, the expenses, the envelope and the processing by the communauté de communes or its partner.

Verification status

Good-level partial review: the official website presents the business grants and the general form, and the nine fact sheets from the master database have been found. The institutional page announces 11 schemes in total; check whether the two schemes not present in the master database should be added to the catalogue, and confirm the current rules, available funding and amounts before final publication.