Businesses seek aid after vandalism

Following the vandalism and damage suffered by hundreds of businesses and artisanal premises on Saturday, October 17, assistance measures are multiplying. The Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI AMP) has deployed since Monday, October 19, a support program for businesses affected by the violence and damage that occurred on the territory.

New support program launched

Named "Urgence Commerces," this single window aims to facilitate the procedures for merchants regarding security, compensation, and resuming business operations. The CCI AMP teams have participated in the prefectural crisis cell since Saturday and maintained contact with merchants to gather on-the-ground information. The new initiative must now centralize requests and direct professionals to the appropriate contacts and assistance based on their situation.

Support areas include security and compensation

The first aspect concerns the security of businesses, with support in filing complaints, procedures with banks and insurers, and guidance to the free and confidential psychological support cell set up by the prefecture for merchants and their employees. The service also provides support in compensation procedures, including mediation with insurers and review of available assistance programs.

Resuming business operations

Facilitating the resumption of business operations is the third axis, with the CCIAMP planning to guide businesses toward part-time work programs, possibilities for payment deadlines for social contributions, assistance for self-employed workers, and individual review of their tax situation. Financial support, with the assistance of the Bank of France, as well as legal support in collaboration with lawyers and accountants, are also planned.

Additional aid from local organizations

The Chamber of Crafts and Artisans of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur has activated its crisis cell. The program includes an exceptional aid that can go up to 1,500 euros, subject to eligibility criteria. CMAR teams are deployed on the ground with affected artisans, in cooperation with the chambers of Bouches-du-Rhône and Alpes-Maritimes.

Contact details and emergency services

Useful contacts include a single number, 3006 (free call), and a dedicated email address: contact@cmar-paca.fr. At the Union Patronale (UPE 13), emergency and psychological support cells are activated to support those affected. UPE 13 is fully involved and remains mobilized 24/7. Their legal advice and assistance service is open to all affected businesses, whether members or not: urgence@upe13.com.

Local support in Montpellier

In Montpellier, more than fifty businesses were damaged, including fourteen that were looted, according to the CCI Hérault on Monday, October 19, following the events of October 17. Its teams are intervening on the ground to assess the damage and identify the needs of affected professionals.

Measures to support recovery

To support their resumption of activity, the City and the Metropolis announced three measures, in collaboration with their operator Altémed, the CCI, and the prefecture. The first measure concerns an emergency fund intended for affected merchants, to be developed with the CCI and the prefecture, as a complement to the insurance coverage.

Logistical and space support

Premises can be made available to store goods out of harm's way in case of new incidents. Finally, vacant premises managed by Altémed must be offered to looted businesses to allow them to continue or resume their activity, in conjunction with their insurance.

Crisis cell activated in Hérault

A crisis cell has been activated under the authority of the Hérault prefecture. Merchants can call an information line at 04 67 61 63 21 to be guided through their procedures with insurance companies, security services, and administrations.

On-site and psychological support

The CCI also provides on-site support, including the assessment of urgent needs, logistical support, and coordination with the authorities. A psychological support cell from the Amarok Observatory is available at 0 800 50 12 01.