Sabrina Mostier opens the freezer with a smile. All the shelves are full of pastries, which will soon be sold on the counters of his bakery in Feuguerolles-Bully (Calvados), south-west of Caen. “Our old freezer was 25 years old. It had to be changed but the new equipment cost 20,000 euros. It was too much for us. We succeeded thanks to the municipal community system,” explains the co-director together with her husband Mickaël. An aid created by the Orne and Odon valleys, financed by regional funds and intended for local traders and artisans to support them in their work or investments.
“The scheme aims to support local businesses. We are targeting those who have a public commercial space and who wish to strengthen their means of production, be it walls, windows or even equipment”, develops Vincent Joseph, general director of community services of the municipalities, who sees the grant as “a project accelerator”.
“We have gained in operational comfort”
So, when Sabrina Mostier got her hands on a presentation brochure, she contacted the community at the beginning of the year. After quickly putting together a dossier, the bakers received 10,000 euros, or half the budget for the purchase of a freezer and two freezers, which have changed the life of the company since this summer: “In use, not there is no photo. It’s more reassuring, it’s easier to maintain and you only turn the freezer on when you need it whereas before it was always on. We have gained in terms of operational comfort. »
This aid is celebrating its first candle, even if the Orne and Odon valleys have not yet been able to fully deliver it due to various obstacles behind the scenes, among the local authorities. It hopes to reach more merchants based on the positive feedback from the first interested party. Because, like the only bakery in Feuguerolles-Bully, it is the local economic fabric that the community of municipalities is aiming for. For example, a butcher’s shop and a decoration shop were supported.
The system provides for the concession of up to 60% of the total amount of the works, with a maximum of 23,000 euros. A crucial figure for small businesses. “We would have had to renew the equipment in stages, which would have been very restrictive, even unmanageable,” confides Sabrina. The community investigates two new cases in this area on the outskirts of Caen, where the dynamism of urban centers is an attractiveness problem.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Vincent Joseph, General Director of Community Services in Calvados
Time.news Editor: Today, we’re diving into a remarkable initiative aimed at supporting local businesses in Feuguerolles-Bully, Calvados. Joining me is Vincent Joseph, the General Director of Community Services for those municipalities. Vincent, thank you for being here.
Vincent Joseph: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the positive impact we’re having on local businesses.
Editor: Let’s start with the case of Sabrina Mostier, co-director of a local bakery. She recently shared how the community’s support helped her replace an outdated freezer, which was crucial for her business. How does the funding system work to assist local artisans like Sabrina?
Vincent Joseph: Great question! Our initiative, primarily funded by regional resources, aims to support local traders and artisans. We provide grants to those with public commercial spaces who are looking to enhance their operations—be it through infrastructure improvements or equipment upgrades. By doing this, we’re essentially acting as a “project accelerator,” helping businesses to overcome financial barriers that might inhibit their growth.
Editor: That sounds incredibly beneficial. Sabrina mentioned that the new freezer cost around 20,000 euros. How does your community fund help businesses cover such significant expenses?
Vincent Joseph: The funding operates on a grant system where we assess applications based on needs and potential impact. Once approved, businesses can receive financial aid to cover a substantial percentage of their investment. For many local craftsmen, this assistance can mean the difference between staying afloat or closing their doors.
Editor: It must be rewarding to witness the immediate impact your efforts have on these local businesses. What kind of feedback have you received from artisans like Sabrina after they secure funding?
Vincent Joseph: The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many entrepreneurs express relief and gratitude, emphasizing how the funding has improved their operational comfort and ability to serve the community better. For instance, after acquiring new equipment, Sabrina reported increased efficiency and even the ability to produce more pastries. This not only benefits her business but enhances the local economy overall.
Editor: That’s inspiring to hear! Did you have any challenges in implementing this funding system, and how did you overcome them?
Vincent Joseph: Like any initiative, we faced challenges, particularly in raising awareness about the program. Some local businesses were initially unaware of the support available. To address this, we prioritized outreach and education, ensuring that every local trader is informed about the funding opportunities. We also streamlined the application process to make it as accessible as possible.
Editor: It’s crucial to ensure that these resources reach those who need them. Looking ahead, do you see this program expanding, or are there plans for new initiatives to support local businesses further?
Vincent Joseph: Absolutely! We’re continuously evaluating the success of our funding program and exploring ways to expand it. Future plans include additional training workshops for artisans and even possible collaborations with local universities to foster innovation in traditional crafts. Our goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where local businesses can thrive.
Editor: That sounds like a comprehensive approach. Thank you for sharing these insights, Vincent. It’s heartening to see community-driven support making a tangible difference in the lives of local entrepreneurs like Sabrina.
Vincent Joseph: Thank you for having me! We’re excited about the future and look forward to continuing our support for local businesses. Together, we can build stronger communities.