"This is a movement that was created two and a half years ago by a collective of leaders from social and solidarity economy businesses, centered around the idea of ensuring that the model of the solidarity enterprise we advocate becomes the norm of our economy tomorrow and no longer the exception,” explains Paul Montjotin.
The Mouvess indeed supports all businesses whose activities are focused on addressing essential socio-ecological needs, a model that corresponds to the public approval ESUS, for Social Utility Enterprise.
Not only must the activity be primarily directed towards social or ecological activities, but it must also have limited profitability. The ESUS approval requires reserving at least the majority of the net profit, whether to reinvest in the business or to distribute to employees.
Finally, the last pillar that defines what a solidarity enterprise is, is the question of shared governance, of power sharing.
Today, there are just under 3,000 ESUS enterprises in France. The Mouvess has set a goal of 10,000 approved enterprises by 2030.
"We advocate for this model because we believe that there should be a public approval, thus issued by the State, that allows everyone—citizens, investors, economic actors—to identify and recognize businesses that have a very strong social utility,” specifies Paul Montjotin.
This public seal will also provide advantages, such as benefiting from solidarity savings. “But we would like that, in the future, the taxation on businesses be adjusted. We believe, for example, that the most committed companies should be subject to a lower corporate tax rate,” clarifies Paul Montjotin.
"At Mouvess, we are driven by a conviction, that businesses have a key role to play in successfully achieving the just transition. We believe that the most committed companies should receive more support. And today, when you have a status that corresponds to that of a cooperative or a mutual, you are legally part of the social and solidarity economy. And what we say is that what matters is not just the status, but also the real commitment of the business,” concludes Paul Montjotin.
