November 2012 - Editorial

At a time when the crisis is affecting all sectors of the economy and forcing the government and local authorities to cut the subsidies awarded to associations, the “social enterprise” model is proving its worth by showing that the current needs of society can be met by means of a sustainable business model.

For a number of years now we have been pinpointing social entrepreneurs who are managing to develop their business despite the crisis but are in need of financial aid. But this financial aid will fall on fallow ground unless it is backed up with support and advice to help these companies to implement rapidly the structure and strategy that will provide them with the means for growth.

Without investment, we cannot do anything for these social entrepreneurs, and without advice and support from those of our investors who run their own companies, we cannot sustain these entrepreneurs.

Every day we are reminded of the fact that social enterprises can grow, even in the midst of a crisis, but are desperately short of capital to fund their operations, even though they are no more risky than “normal” companies".

If you would like to know more about the innovative investment strategies referred to in this article, don’t hesitate to get in touch: we would be only too happy to discuss them with you.

Olivier de Guerre

Chairman of PhiTrust Partenaires

 olivier.deguerre@phitrust.com