CroissancePlus

CroissancePlus is a French non-profit organization (association loi de 1901) that brings together founders and leaders of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies (ETIs). Founded in 1997 by Denis Payre, it operates as a network and advocacy group, engaging with public authorities, economic decision-makers, and the media to promote an entrepreneurial model that combines economic performance with social responsibility. Its stated missions include sharing experience and business solutions among members, and influencing public policy through pragmatic recommendations to foster business growth. The association supports business creation and development, promotes innovation and French competitiveness, and defends employee shareholding and open capital. Membership is open to entrepreneurs who are founders or buyers of a company, are on a growth trajectory (in terms of revenue, headcount, innovation, or development), and value sharing with employees. The network publishes guides and tribunes, and regularly issues proposals to presidential candidates and the government. CroissancePlus has been led by a series of prominent French entrepreneurs. Its presidents have included Denis Payre (1997–1998), Bruno Vanryb (1998–1999), Sylvain Forestier (2000–2001), Christian Poyau (2002–2004), Charles Beigbeder (2004–2005), Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux (2005–2008), Frédéric Bedin (2008–2011), Olivier Duha (2011–2013), Stanislas de Bentzmann (2013–2016), Jean-Baptiste Danet (2016–2019), Thibaut Bechetoille (2019–2022), and Audrey Louail (2022–2025). Since July 2025, Virginie Calmels has served as president. In February 2017, ahead of the French presidential election, CroissancePlus published "L'Urgence de la Réforme," a booklet of 70 proposals on economic reform. After Emmanuel Macron's election, the association expressed readiness to work with the government on legislative reform. The organization remains active, publishing tribunes and guides, and maintaining a directory of member companies.

CroissancePlus was created in 1997 by Denis Payre, a French entrepreneur. It was established as a network of leaders of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies (ETIs) with the aim of influencing public authorities, economic decision-makers, and the media, and of promoting a new entrepreneurial model. The organization is a non-profit association under the French law of 1901. The association's early years were marked by a rotating presidency. Denis Payre served from 1997 to 1998, followed by Bruno Vanryb (Avanquest Software) from 1998 to 1999, Sylvain Forestier (La Maison Bleue) from 2000 to 2001, Christian Poyau (Micropole-Univers) from 2002 to 2004, and Charles Beigbeder (Poweo) from 2004 to 2005. Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux (Virgin Mobile) then led the organization from 2005 to 2008, followed by Frédéric Bedin (Le Public Système) from 2008 to 2011, Olivier Duha (Webhelp) from 2011 to 2013, Stanislas de Bentzmann (Devoteam) from 2013 to 2016, Jean-Baptiste Danet from 2016 to 2019, Thibaut Bechetoille from 2019 to 2022, and Audrey Louail (Ecritel) from 2022 to 2025. In July 2025, Virginie Calmels (CV Education) became president. Throughout its history, CroissancePlus has focused on supporting business creation and development, promoting innovation and French competitiveness, defending employee shareholding, and advocating for open capital. It has engaged in public policy debates, notably during presidential elections. In February 2017, ahead of the presidential election, the association published "L'Urgence de la Réforme," a booklet containing 70 proposals deemed essential for economic reform. After Emmanuel Macron's election, CroissancePlus indicated its readiness to work with the government to reform the legislative framework. The organization continues to publish guides and tribunes, and maintains a directory of member companies. Its current missions include sharing experience and business solutions among members, and influencing public policy through pragmatic recommendations to foster growth. Membership criteria require entrepreneurs to be founders or buyers of a company, to be on a growth trajectory (in revenue, headcount, innovation, or development), and to value sharing with employees.

• 2025

  Virginie Calmels becomes president in July.

• 2022

  Audrey Louail becomes president.

• 2019

  Thibaut Bechetoille becomes president.

• 2017

  Publication of 'L'Urgence de la Réforme' with 70 proposals for the presidential election.

• 2016

  Jean-Baptiste Danet becomes president.

• 2013

  Stanislas de Bentzmann becomes president.

• 2011

  Olivier Duha becomes president.

• 2008

  Frédéric Bedin becomes president.

• 2005

  Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux becomes president.

• 2004

  Charles Beigbeder becomes president.

• 2002

  Christian Poyau becomes president.

• 2000

  Sylvain Forestier becomes president.

• 1998

  Bruno Vanryb becomes president.

• 1997

  CroissancePlus founded by Denis Payre.

A network and advocacy group for French SME and mid-cap leaders, promoting growth-oriented entrepreneurship and economic reform.

1. 1CroissancePlus official websitecroissanceplus.com
2. 2Wikidata entry for CroissancePluswikidata.org
3. 3French Wikipedia article on CroissancePlusfr.wikipedia.org