Social and Solidarity Economy in Brittany: A Model for Rural Development
On the first day, the programme was kickstarted by speaker Emmanuelle Rousset, Vice-President of the Ille-et-Vilaine Departmental Council. She is responsible for the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) and ecological transition.
Emmanuelle Rousset highlighted how SSE is used as a strategic driver for rural development in Brittany - NO PLACE NOR PERSON LEFT BEHIND .
Social Entrepreneurship Serving Local Territories
Ludovic Thomas, Incubator Manager at TAg35 and Matthieu Constant, Coordinator of the Social and Solidarity Economy Hub of the Fougères area, delivered a very thorough presentation, outlining the work and challenges in rural areas.
The SSE model promotes democratic governance, social innovation, and the reinvestment of profits into communities. In Brittany, it accounts for over 14% of all jobs – the highest proportion in France.
Key takeaways from the presentation included:
- SSE supports local entrepreneurship, particularly in underserved rural areas
- It helps address major rural challenges, such as isolation, ageing populations, and limited access to services
- Initiatives like Tag Bzh foster the development of socially innovative businesses tailored to local needs
- A strong support ecosystem, including clusters, incubators, and networks, helps guide both project leaders and municipalities
The presentation concluded by reminding us that SSE is more than an economic model – it’s a transformative, community-centered approach to building inclusive and resilient rural societies.
Local entrepreneurs
Our host had invited local entrepreneurs, who shared their journey and support from both the local council and the SSE. We were lucky to pay both a visit during a fieldtrip:
Le Tournevis is a Work Integration Social Enterprise and a shared workshop. They foster social connection and sharing around the values of the circular economy, sustainable development, and the transmission of artisanal skills.
The accomodtation and culture venue La Rivée was created through the renovation of a former heritage building owned by the municipality of St Georges de Chesné. It is managed by a non-profit association with ecological and humanistic values, aiming to foster social connections and promote local heritage. Supported by the municipality, the initiative contributes to revitalizing an isolated rural area.
La Rivée is a welcoming place for meeting, sharing, and inclusion, with accessible spaces for people with reduced mobility and all types of disabilities. A shared garden encourages community spirit and awareness around healthy, sustainable food as part of a broader permaculture approach.
The link to the HUB is through Ecosolidaire(s), who contributed to the project.
