At the end of 2020, the French Ministry of the Economy and Finance announced the France Relance plan, bringing together a range of assistance and support measures for very small businesses. By summer 2021, these players had already benefited from €24 billion in funding. In particular, these measures have enabled them to accelerate their digital transformation. What are the results?
Lower production taxes
In a press release published in October 2021 "VSEs/SMEs at the heart of France Relance", the Ministry of the Economy and Finance presents the results of the France Relance plan, which has devoted 40 billion euros in aid to benefit very small businesses (VSEs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In terms of taxation, the measures proposed by the French government have led to a €10 billion annual reduction in production taxes. This is due to 3 actions:
- the 50% reduction in the CVAE (cotisation sur la valeur ajoutée des entreprises) ;
- revision of the parameters used to assess the property tax base for industrial establishments;
- reduction of the CET (contribution économique territoriale) capping rate from 3% to 2%.
Supporting the digital transformation of small businesses
The health crisis has accelerated the digital transformation of businesses. Indeed, the France Plan has enabled 112,000 very small businesses to benefit from a 500-euro digital voucher to support their development.
A total of 980 million euros has been mobilized to support the digital transformation of small businesses and boost their competitiveness.
France Relance: promoting and supporting the ecological transition
Thanks to the France Relance plan, companies have gained access to schemes designed to promote and support their ecological transition. More specifically, 230 million euros have already been committed under Bpifrance's Climate Plan, and 60 million euros have been used to finance the ecological transition of these players through :
- financing of diagnostics ;
- the introduction of a tax credit for energy renovation investments in commercial buildings;
- support for the development of projects promoting sustainable tourism.
Specific recruitment assistance
Another aspect of the France Relance plan concerns support for employment. To encourage young people and disabled workers to enter the job market, the government has launched several schemes.
The 1 jeune, 1 solution plan includes support for apprenticeship and professionalization contracts, and bonuses for hiring young people and disabled workers. VSEs and SMEs are the main beneficiaries of this aid, since more than 3 out of 4 apprenticeship contracts were signed in companies with fewer than 250 employees. At the end of August, these companies accounted for nearly 77% of all contracts signed.
Even if the provisional results of the France Relance plan seem positive, it remains difficult to anticipate the medium-term effects of its measures, particularly with regard to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, the sustainable integration of young people into employment and industrial relocation.