Social Enterprises and Cooperatives

Alternative business models promote inclusion:

Social Economy Growth

Values-driven enterprises expand: - 200,000 social economy organizations - 2.4 million employees (10% of private employment) - Cooperatives, mutuals, associations, foundations - Focus on social/environmental missions - Democratic governance models

Worker Cooperatives

Employee ownership creates different dynamics: - 3,000 worker cooperatives - Democratic decision-making - Profit sharing embedded - Job security prioritized - Local anchoring strong

The Scopelec telecommunications cooperative exemplifies the model:

"When France Télécom privatized, we bought our division as a cooperative. Thirty years later, we're 2,000 worker-owners. Decisions consider employment, not just profit. During COVID, we voted pay cuts over layoffs. Try getting shareholders to do that."

Social Innovation

New models address inclusion: - Work integration social enterprises - Circular economy initiatives - Community-supported agriculture - Local currencies - Solidarity finance