
For the purposes of this study, social economy is defined as encompassing organisations placing people and social or environmental purpose over profit, reinvesting profits to carry out activities in the interest of their members or users, or in the interest of society at large, as well as in quality services, jobs, and in the sustainable development of the communities in which they operate, following democratic or participatory governance principles. The proximity economy, on its part, is defined as a way of organising the economy around direct relationships with the objective of creating growth not solely in terms of financial capital, but also societal capital and contributing to the well-being and sustainability of our societies. Examples of such activities include but are not limited to personal and contact services, small shops, bars and restaurants, repair, cleaning, and maintenance services.