The Business Project Support Contract (CAPE) is a framework designed to support individuals in their business creation or takeover projects. It provides a structured environment where project promoters can develop their activities while benefiting from specific social rights and support from an accompanying structure.
Social Rights of the Beneficiary
Throughout the contract’s execution, the CAPE beneficiary enjoys the same social rights as employees under the general social security scheme:
- They fall under the general social security scheme (either through continued rights if not remunerated, or through affiliation in other cases).
- They may continue to receive unemployment benefits during the CAPE.
- They may acquire new unemployment insurance rights if remunerated during the CAPE.
- They benefit from provisions related to hygiene, safety, working conditions, and health.
Payment of Social Contributions to the Social Security Scheme
Throughout the contract’s execution, the accompanying structure (Ministère du Travail, de la Santé, des Solidarités et des Familles) is required to pay social contributions to the social security scheme. These contributions are calculated as follows:
- Before the start of economic activity: based on any remuneration stipulated in the contract, minus any retribution to the accompanying structure.
- After the beneficiary’s registration with the Business Formalities Centre (CFE): based on tax-exclusive revenues received, minus expenses related to the activity and any retribution to the accompanying structure.
Work Accident-Occupational Disease contributions owed by support structures:
- For unremunerated CAPE beneficiaries: aligned with the scale for continuous vocational training trainees, based on a flat-rate assessment.
- For remunerated CAPE beneficiaries: aligned with the scale for common law employees.
Liability for Third-Party Commitments
If the project promoter undertakes commitments towards third parties (suppliers, potential clients, etc.):
- Before business creation: the company or association is responsible for their execution.
- After business creation: the company or association and the CAPE beneficiary are jointly responsible for commitments made in accordance with contractual provisions until the end of the contract.
Liability for Damages Caused to Third Parties
If damages are caused to third parties:
- During the CAPE execution and until the project promoter’s registration: the company or association is held responsible.
- After business registration and until the end of the contract: the company or association remains responsible if the beneficiary has respected the terms of the contract.
Rules for Cumulation with ACRE
- If ACRE (Aid for Business Creators and Takers) is granted, the social contribution exemption will apply to contributions paid by the accompanying structure from the start of economic activity until the end of the CAPE.
- If the ACRE exemption period is not completed by the end of the contract, the entrepreneur may benefit from the exemption for the remaining period.
Application Process
For detailed information on the CAPE and to initiate your application, please visit the official service-public.fr website: {{#url_formulaire}}https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/R20105{{/url_formulaire}}.
Frequently Asked Questions about CAPE
Who is eligible for the CAPE?
The CAPE is designed for individuals undertaking a business creation or takeover project. For specific eligibility criteria, it is recommended to consult Ministère du Travail, de la Santé, des Solidarités et des Familles or the official documentation.
What support does the CAPE provide?
The CAPE primarily ensures beneficiaries maintain social rights and provides a framework for the accompanying structure to manage social contributions and liabilities during the project’s execution, as detailed in the contract.
How long does the CAPE last?
The duration of the CAPE is defined by the contract between the beneficiary and the accompanying structure. Specific terms and renewal conditions should be verified with Ministère du Travail, de la Santé, des Solidarités et des Familles.
What happens if I start my business during the CAPE?
If you begin your business activity while under the CAPE, you must register with the Business Formalities Centre (CFE). Specific rules apply regarding social contributions and liabilities after registration, as outlined in the contract.
Are there any financial aids associated with the CAPE?
The CAPE itself does not provide direct financial aid. Instead, it ensures beneficiaries retain social rights similar to employees and outlines the payment of social contributions by the accompanying structure.
Who is eligible for the CAPE?
The CAPE is available to individuals planning to create or take over a business, specifically targeting recipients of minimum social benefits and job seekers. Full-time employees are not eligible.
What support does the CAPE provide?
CAPE offers guidance in defining business projects, conducting feasibility studies, and completing preparatory steps for business creation. It does not cover operational expenses once the business is established.
How long does the CAPE last?
The CAPE is a written contract with a maximum duration of 12 months, which can be renewed twice in writing.
What happens if I start my business during the CAPE?
If you begin your business activity while under the CAPE, you must register with the Business Formalities Centre (CFE) and will continue to benefit from social rights until the contract expires.
Are there any financial aids associated with the CAPE?
While the CAPE itself does not provide direct financial aid, beneficiaries retain social rights similar to employees, including unemployment benefits and social security coverage.