Nearly a hundred businesses in Saint-Étienne were affected by clashes and damage that occurred during social unrest on Saturday, October 17th. In response, the City of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne Métropole, and the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a crisis meeting on the following Monday at the Hôtel-de-Ville, attended by the Prefect of the Loire, François-Xavier Bieuville. The Mayor of Saint-Étienne and President of Saint-Étienne Métropole, Régis Juanico, announced several support measures.
An emergency fund of €10,000 per affected business will be quickly established by Saint-Étienne Métropole and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, operational from Thursday, October 22nd.
A one-stop shop, managed by the CCI Lyon Métropole – Saint-Étienne – Roanne and its partners, is open to advise and guide businesses. It can be reached at 04 72 40 59 59, from 9 am to 6 pm.
A psychological support unit has also been set up for business owners who may need assistance following the violence they experienced.
“"Behind every broken window, there is a weakened business, employees, families, and sometimes years of work threatened"
The City of Saint-Étienne has also published a guide to procedures and plans to enhance downtown activities to increase foot traffic, while encouraging residents to support local businesses. The Office de commerce is also available to businesses at 04 77 48 60 39.
