Equity investment by CIGALES clubs (Investor Clubs for Alternative and Local Management of Solidarity Savings)
CIGALES are solidarity investor clubs that pool their members’ savings to take stakes in small local businesses. Financing is decided case by case, generally as share capital or a contribution suited to the company’s structure. There is no uniform national amount: the ticket size, length of support and criteria depend on the local club and the project.
Are you creating a small business rooted in your area and looking for equity and a local network? CIGALES clubs bring together savers who invest collectively in local businesses, often at the start-up, takeover or development stage. Beyond the financial contribution, the club can provide contacts, shared experience and particular attention to the project’s social or local value.
Funded by Union Européenne-FSE
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Who can apply
Small local businesses and start-up, takeover or development projects likely to interest a CIGALES club in the area. Clubs look at local roots, the viability of the model, financing needs and the project’s fit with their solidarity-based savings approach.
Eligibility conditions
The investment is decided by the club’s members after the project has been presented and analysed. The project owner must be able to explain the business, its market, its equity needs and its prospects. The legal arrangements and any exit from the investment must be discussed with the local club.
What the scheme covers
Strengthening equity through solidarity-based investment, usually as share capital or through a stake suited to the company’s legal form. Support may also include a local network and exchanges with the investors. This is neither a grant nor a standard loan.
Amount and funding terms
No flat national amount is guaranteed. The investment amount depends on the club’s resources, the financing need and the collective decision of its members. Present a precise need and a plan for using the funds rather than expecting an automatic sum.
How to apply
1. Find the CIGALES clubs active in your department. 2. Prepare a pitch, a budget and a financing plan. 3. Present the local value, jobs, business model and capital need. 4. Discuss the amount, the legal form of the investment and exit conditions. 5. Formalise the agreement with the chosen club.
Timeline
Clubs review projects according to their own timetable and investment capacity. Contact a local club early enough, as the process relies on a presentation and a collective decision.
Key facts
- Funder
- Union Européenne-FSE
- Type of funding
- Equity investment
- Status
- Ongoing
- Maximum amount
- €10,000
- Automatically extracted — check the official source
- Minimum amount
- €1,000
- Automatically extracted — check the official source
- Geographic scope
- All of France
Frequently asked questions
Who is this support for?
Small local businesses and start-up, takeover or development projects likely to interest a CIGALES club in the area. Clubs look at local roots, the viability of the model, financing needs and the project’s fit with their solidarity-based savings approach.
What amount or rate can be obtained?
No flat national amount is guaranteed. The investment amount depends on the club’s resources, the financing need and the collective decision of its members. Present a precise need and a plan for using the funds rather than expecting an automatic sum.
Which conditions should I check?
The investment is decided by the club’s members after the project has been presented and analysed. The project owner must be able to explain the business, its market, its equity needs and its prospects. The legal arrangements and any exit from the investment must be discussed with the local club.
Which costs or operations are covered?
Strengthening equity through solidarity-based investment, usually as share capital or through a stake suited to the company’s legal form. Support may also include a local network and exchanges with the investors. This is neither a grant nor a standard loan.
Official source
No official URL is available in our data for this grant.
Other grants of type “equity investment”
Direct fund "Breizh Invest PME"
Bpifrance, Financeurs privés, Région Bretagne
Up to €500,000
Direct fund "Scientipôle Ile-de-France Capital"
Bpifrance, Financeurs privés, Région Ile-de-France
Up to €1,000,000
Croissance & Proximité 2: minority equity investment in SMEs
Financeurs privés, Région Normandie
Up to €800,000
Related needs and funding
Competitive calls for projects
Ecological transition and CSR
Capital and investment funds
Support and acceleration
Diagnostics and audits
Takeover and transfer
Discover the funding that fits your company
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