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SOCIAL ECONOMY The development of the social economy is in full swing, in our borough as well as others. Whether we refer to it as the social or the solidary economy, this type of added-value economy, meeting both economic and social imperatives, will continue to grow.  A social economy enterprise is like any traditional enterprise. The same entrepreneurial talents are called upon to take on similar challenges: offering a product or service that meets a demand; developing its market; and targeting first the profitability and then the growth of one’s enterprise. Only one element distinguishes it from the rest: the notion of benefit.In a social economy, the benefit of the enterprise will also benefit the social development of individuals and communities, while the main goal of a traditional enterprise is the benefit of its shareholders. Therefore, the development of a social economy enterprise is not separate from the notion of economic profitability; it merely adds to that notion that of social profitability.  Even though social profitability is more difficult to measure than economic profitability, it is safe to assume that this notion will occupy an increasingly important place and surpass the sector of social economy alone. Sustainable development, respect for our physical and social environment, socio-economic integration and the reconciliation of individuals and employment are increasingly widespread concerns in our society. They are emerging within so-called “traditional” enterprises.In 1998, the Québec government entrusted the CDEC with the mandate to develop the social economy in the borough. Endowed with a specific social economy subsidy fund, it must identify development opportunities, and offer developers the coaching and technical and financial support required to develop their projects. Between 1998 and 2007, some $3 million in subsidies and over $787,241 in loans were accorded to 53 enterprises and organizations, and to pre-startup projects. These investments contributed to the creation or preservation of 361 jobs, and generated investment of almost $13 million. |
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