ACRE provides eligible entrepreneurs with a partial exemption from social charges and essential support in their first years of business. It's one of several aids available to unemployed individuals starting or buying a company, alongside ARE, ARCE, and NACRE.
We'll break down how these programs differ and explain ACRE in detail, drawing from official French regulations to guide you accurately.
ACRE (formerly ACCRE) offers an exemption and reduction in social security contributions for new business activities. This aid can be combined with ARCE or unemployment benefits for creators, subject to specific conditions.
Beyond ACRE, job seekers creating or taking over a business can access these supports from Pôle Emploi and regional bodies:
Commonly called the unemployment benefit, ARE provides replacement income for involuntarily unemployed job seekers registered with Pôle Emploi. Those planning to start a business can continue receiving it if they meet eligibility criteria, stay registered as job seekers, and haven't previously claimed certain other aids.
ARCE delivers 45% of remaining ARE entitlements as a lump-sum capital payment at business startup. Eligible applicants include ARE recipients, those authorized for ARE, or redundant workers during notice periods who create or take over a business. Crucially, you must first secure ACRE approval.
NACRE offers comprehensive guidance for unemployed or hard-to-employ individuals to launch, finance, and grow their venture. Contact your Regional Council to connect with approved support organizations.
Expanded since January 1, 2019, ACRE now reaches beyond Pôle Emploi registrants. It targets micro-entrepreneurs (under the micro-social regime) in these groups:
Beneficiaries must hold effective control of the business. For companies, this means:
ACRE exempts charges for health, maternity, disability, death insurance, family benefits, and basic pension. It excludes CSG-CRDS, work accidents, supplementary pensions, training, and transport contributions.
Full exemption applies if income is under €30,852 (2020 figures). It tapers between €30,852 and €41,136, ending above that threshold.
Exemptions last 12 months, starting from activity commencement for salaried creators or affiliation date for non-salaried.
Pôle Emploi recipients with ACRE may maintain prior income temporarily and access capital from unemployment benefits. It also pairs with NACRE for setup, financing, and launch assistance.
Submit your request to URSSAF with your business creation or takeover dossier, or within 45 days thereafter. Micro-entrepreneurs not under the micro-social scheme receive it automatically—no extra steps needed.
In summary, ACRE delivers a 1-year social charge exemption, zero-interest loans, state funding for training/support, and income maintenance (3-6 months, aid-dependent)—vital for sustainable startups.
