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Creating a business plan for your small business in France

Embarking on your entrepreneurial journey in France? A robust business plan is your North Star. Here’s why it’s crucial and a step-by-step guide to crafting one.

When you’re running a small business in France, having a well-crafted French business plan is akin to having a trusted compass. It’s not just a document, it’s the cornerstone of your enterprise’s success. 

Table of Contents

Why is a business plan vital for your small business in France?

A French business plan is more than a proposal; it’s your business’ heartbeat. It paints a vivid picture of what your venture stands for, its financial feasibility, and the promise it holds for profitability. This plan encapsulates your business’ raison d’être, outlining objectives, financial projections, and budgetary considerations. 

Beyond a mere blueprint, it’s your strategic tool. It’s what you’ll present to banks, potential investors and partners. But more significantly, it’s your personal guide, tailored for your small business in France. It’s the roadmap that leads you through every twist and turn, helping you mark milestones, monitor progress, and navigate challenges. 

A dynamic guide for your small business in France

Your French business plan isn’t set in stone. It’s a living, breathing document. It evolves with your business, adapting to the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship in France. You’ll return to it, refine it, and find inspiration within its pages as your business grows. In essence, a business plan isn’t just a paperwork formality. It’s the living soul of your small business in France, offering clarity, direction and a touch of entrepreneurial magic. 

How to start your business plan for your French business?

What motivates my desire to start a small business in france.

This is the foundational question that sets the tone for your entire business venture. Consider the unique appeal of France. Is it the vibrant culture, the economic stability or the specific opportunities within the French market that draw you in? Reflect on what you hope to achieve by establishing a business in this dynamic landscape. Are you seeking to tap into a particular industry, offer a service that’s currently in demand, or perhaps bring a product that complements the French lifestyle? Understanding your personal motivations will not only guide your business decisions but also infuse your venture with a sense of purpose.

What is my reason for starting this business?

Beyond the desire to operate in France, delve into the specifics of your business concept. What problem or need does your business address? Consider the unique value proposition you bring to the market. Is it a product or service that enhances convenience, offers a novel experience, or fulfils an unmet demand? Identifying this core purpose serves as the compass for your business strategy. It ensures that every decision, from product development to marketing, aligns with the fundamental reason your business exists. 

Is there a spot in the market that my business can fill?

This question is pivotal. It’s where market research plays a critical role. Investigate the current business landscape in France. Analyse the offerings, strengths, and weaknesses of existing players in your industry. Identify areas where there may be underserved customer needs or opportunities for improvement. This ‘gap’ could manifest in various ways – perhaps in product quality, customer service, pricing or even the accessibility of certain services. Pinpointing this gap is your entry point into the market, where your business can make a meaningful impact. 

How long should my business plan be?

The length of your business plan can vary depending on the complexity of your business and your specific objectives. Generally, a concise, focused plan can be incredibly effective. It might span 15 to 25 pages. This allows you to articulate your vision, strategy and financial projections without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary detail. However, for more intricate businesses or those seeking significant investments, a more extensive plan with in-depth market research, comprehensive financial models, and detailed operational strategies may be warranted. 

> You might be interested in the article: Setting up a business as an auto-entrepreneur in France

What should your business plan include?

Your mission statement.

Your mission statement is the heartbeat of your small business in France. It encapsulates the very essence of what you aim to achieve and how you plan to do it. This concise yet powerful statement is the guiding start that informs every decision, strategy and action your business takes. It defines your purpose, values and the unique value you bring to the market. 

Your strategy and marketing plan

Understanding the French market is paramount for success. This section requires an in-depth exploration of the business landscape. Identify your competitors – who are they, what are their strengths and weaknesses? Know your customers – their needs, preferences and behaviours. This is where you develop a deep understanding of the market dynamics, enabling you to position your small business effectively.

Your marketing plan, a vital component of this section, is the strategic playbook for reaching your target audience. It outlines the channels, tactics and messaging that will amplify your business presence. From digital marketing strategies to on-ground promotions, this plan is the compass that ensures your offerings are seen by those who need them. 

Your financial roadmap

Numbers tell a compelling story about the viability of your small business in France. In this section, you’ll lay out the financial blueprint. Start with the startup costs, what will it take to get your business off the ground? Then, project your sales, taking into account factors like market demand, pricing and sales cycles. Balance this with a keen eye on expenses, encompassing everything from operational costs to marketing expenditures.

Cash flow projections are the lifeblood of your business. They reveal how money moves in and out, offering a critical snapshot of your business’s financial health. It’s paramount to be realistic and conservative in your estimations, providing a solid foundation for financial stability and growth. 

Turning your vision into action

This is where the rubber meets the road. The action plan is the practical roadmap that transforms your business plan from ink on paper to a thriving reality. Break down every strategic initiative into actionable steps. Assign responsibilities, set realistic deadlines and establish key performance indicators to measure progress. This section brings your business plan to life, turning concepts into tangible achievements. It’s the dynamic force that propels your small business forward. 

> You might be interested in the article: 10-step guide to starting a small business in France

Download your FREE French business plan template

Ready to put pen to paper? We’ve got you covered! Fill in the form below to access our FREE French business plan template. It’s designed to guide you through each section, ensuring you cover all the essential bases. 

Useful resources

Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie (CCI): CCI is a network of chambers of commerce across France. Their website offers resources, training and services for entrepreneurs. Visit the website here. 

Agence Pour la Création d’Entreprises (APCE): This agency is dedicated to helping people start and grow their businesses in France Their site provides valuable guides and advice. Visit the website here. 

National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE): INSEE provides essential economic and statistical data about France. This information is invaluable for market research and business planning. Visit the website here. 

Chambre des Métiers et de l’Artisanat (CMA): If you are starting an artisan or craft-based business, CMA offers support, training and resources tailored to your needs. Visit the website here.

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90 Business French Vocabulary Words and Phrases

The French business world is a subculture with its own lexicon.

Trust me: I’ve been there for about a decade or so now.

After years of navigating this strange yet lovely place, I’ve come up with a list of the most essential business French vocabulary.

Whether you’re a seasoned learner or just starting your French language adventure, make sure to keep this list handy!

1. Société (Company)

2. entreprise (company), 3. boîte (company —  informal), 4. bonjour (hello, good day), 5. salut (hey), 6. se serrer la main (handshakes), 7. la bise (kisses on the cheek), 8. vous (you — formal), 9. tu (you — informal), 10. monsieur (sir), 11. madame (ma’am/madam), 12. les collègues (coworkers), 13. pote de travail (work buddy), 14. team buildings (team building events).

• 15. Les formations de travail (Training Sessions)

16. Une Société par Actions (Joint Stock Company)

17. une société à responsabilité limitée (limited liability company), 18. une multinationale (multinational company), 19. une maison-mère (parent company), 20. une association à but non lucratif (nonprofit organization), 21. petite et moyenne entreprise (small and midsize enterprise), 22. mettre à jour (update), 23. actualisation (update of data), 24. une mise au point (lit. “bringing into focus”), 25. livrer (turn in), 26. un bilan /  une annonce (lit. “a review” / “an announcement”), 27. un rapport de situation (status update), 28. une évaluation (an evaluation), 29. un compte-rendu (minutes of a meeting), 30. un rapport annuel (annual report), 31. le paiement (payment), 32. le salaire (salary), 33. les honoraires (fees), 34. une avance (advance payment), 35. une échéance (due date for payment), 36. un règlement par virement bancaire (payment by bank transfer), 37. la comptabilité (accounting department), 38. le bénéfice (profits), 39. les biens (assets), 40. brut (gross profit), 41. bénéfice net (net profit), 42. relations publiques (public relations), 43. au revoir (goodbye), 44. pourrais-je parler à…   (may i speak with … ), 45. c’est de la part de qui (who is calling), 46. c’est… à l’appareil. (it’s … calling.), 47. je vous le passe. (i’ll put you through.), 48. ne quittez pas. (please hold — formal), 49. la ligne est occupée. (the line is busy.), 50. pourriez-vous rappeler   (can you call back), 51. voulez-vous laisser un message (would you like to leave a message), 52. est-ce qu’il peut me rappeler /  est-ce qu’elle peut me rappeler   (can he call me back / can she call me back), 53. pourriez-vous répéter (can you repeat that), 54. mon numéro de téléphone est le …   (my telephone number is …), 55. une vidéoconférence (a video conference), 56. faire un skype (discuss over skype), 57. la connexion est très mauvaise (the connection is very bad), 58. la connexion a été coupée (the connection dropped), 59. partager l’écran (share the screen), 60. avantages sociaux (employee benefits), 61. avocat (lawyer), 62. banque (bank), 63. bourse (stock exchange), 64. brevet (patent), 65. contrat (contract), 66. cryptomonnaie (cryptocurrency), 67. directeur (director), 68. dividende (dividend), 69. droit des affaires (business law), 70. embauche (hiring), 71. employé (employee), 72. emploi (employment), 73. entente (agreement), 74. entretien d’embauche (job interview), 75. faillite (bankruptcy), 76. facture (invoice), 77. fournisseur (supplier), 78. gestion (management), 79. gestionnaire (manager), 80. horaires de travail (working hours), 81. impôt (tax), 82. informatique (information technology), 83. intérêt (interest), 84. investissement (investment), 85. investisseur (investor), 86. licenciement (layoff), 87. logistique (logistics), 88. marque déposée (trademark), 89. négociation (negotiation), 90. fructueux (profitable), and one more thing....

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Beware of the French word for a company, une   société . It can mean the same as the English “society,” but its second meaning as “company” is just as common. Now you know what French people mean when they’re attempting to speak English and ask, “What society do you work for?”

La société a récemment lancé un nouveau produit sur le marché international. (The company recently launched a new product in the international market.)

If you’re looking for a less confusing term for “company,” you can also use this one.

Notre entreprise se spécialise dans le développement de logiciels sur mesure. (Our business specializes in custom software development.)

If you want an even more informal term for “company,” and the people involved are fine with it, use boîte .

La boîte organise une réunion importante demain pour discuter des objectifs annuels. (The company is organizing an important meeting tomorrow to discuss annual goals.)

You’re likely already familiar with this go-to French greeting , but don’t make the mistake of greeting someone with it in the hallway after you’ve already used it at the beginning of the day. It’s employed strictly once per day.

Bonjour à tous les participants de la conférence ! Nous sommes ravis de vous accueillir. ( Hello to all conference participants! We are delighted to welcome you.)

Once you’ve used up your daily quota of  bonjour , you could say salut instead. Note, however, that most French coworkers are more likely to just nod or say nothing.

Salut , comment ça va ? C’est toujours un plaisir de vous voir à nos événements. ( Hi , how are you? It’s always a pleasure to see you at our events.)

Not unlike their Anglophone counterparts, handshakes are expected in a French business environment.

Nous nous serrons la main pour sceller l’accord commercial conclu entre nos deux entreprises. (We shake hands to seal the business deal between our two companies.)

If you work in a smaller or more informal business, you’ll find that coworkers may greet each other with la bise in the morning if they like each other—or pretend to. The number of kisses varies according to region, but in Paris it’s often two kisses beginning on the left.

En France, on pratique souvent la bise pour se saluer dans un contexte professionnel. (In France, cheek kissing is often practiced as a professional greeting.)

In practice, both tu and vous are acceptable to use in a business environment. However, you need to listen carefully to your colleagues to determine the correct level of formality for each situation and each particular business’s culture.

To be safe, use vous as it’s considered more polite. It’s almost always used in meetings with those outside of your own company, and with your boss. Some bosses may prefer the more relaxed tu , though. When in doubt, ask!

Vous êtes invités à participer à notre prochaine conférence sur l’innovation technologique. ( You are invited to attend our upcoming conference on technological innovation.)

You’ll sometimes find tu used among workers at all levels in arts organizations, nonprofits and smaller companies. It’s also common for colleagues to use  tu among themselves, but  vous with the bosses.

Tu peux me passer le dossier avant la réunion ? (Can you pass me the file before the meeting?)

Monsieur is a polite way to address a man. It’s used much more than its English counterpart, and can come in handy when you forget someone’s name.

Monsieur , nous avons bien reçu votre demande et nous y donnerons suite dans les plus brefs délais. ( Sir , we have received your request and will respond to it as soon as possible.)

 Similarly, madame is a polite way to address a woman, particularly one that you don’t know very well.

Madame , nous sommes honorés de vous présenter nos meilleurs vœux pour le succès de votre entreprise. ( Madam , we are honored to extend our best wishes for the success of your business.)

Foreigners working in France are often surprised by the limited amount of socializing that goes on between les collègues .

Les collègues travaillent ensemble pour atteindre les objectifs de l’entreprise. ( Colleagues work together to achieve the company’s goals.)

Once your les collègues get comfy with you, though, it is possible to transition to pote de travail .

Mon pote de travail et moi collaborons étroitement sur ce projet depuis plusieurs mois. (My work buddy and I have been closely collaborating on this project for several months.)

Team buildings are becoming increasingly common in France to foster social connections between workers. (Ignore what dictionaries might tell you, as the shortened anglicism is usually used .)

Les team buildings sont essentiels pour renforcer la cohésion au sein de l’équipe. ( Team buildings are essential for strengthening team cohesion.)

15 . Les formations de travail (Training Sessions)

Companies are required to provide training sessions for their employees. However, employees often don’t take these too seriously, and instead use them as opportunities to socialize.

Nous organisons des formations de travail régulières pour améliorer les compétences de nos employés. (We organize regular work trainings to enhance the skills of our employees.)

Earlier, we mentioned three French terms for “company” in French. Now, we’re going to get into the specific types of companies.

First up is une société par actions , which simply means that the stocks or shares (representations of ownership) within a company can be purchased or sold by individuals or entities known as “stockholders” or “shareholders.”

La création d’ une société par actions offre plusieurs avantages en termes de responsabilité financière. (The establishment of a joint-stock company offers several advantages in terms of financial liability.)

When a company has “LLC” in its name, you’ll know that it’s this. As its name suggests, it’s a company structured in such a way that the individual company owners shoulder as little of the company’s debts as possible. If you’re curious about how that works, here’s a more detailed article about it on Investopedia .

Une société à responsabilité limitée limite la responsabilité des actionnaires aux montants investis dans l’entreprise. ( A limited liability company limits the liability of shareholders to the amounts invested in the company.)

Multinational companies are those that have operations outside of their country of origin. Some of the most famous French multinational companies are Christian Dior, Hermès, L’Oréal and Louis Vuitton.

Une multinationale opère dans plusieurs pays et est soumise à des réglementations internationales. ( A multinational operates in multiple countries and is subject to international regulations.)

A parent company is one that has a significant controlling interest (typically over 50% ) over another company or group of companies known as subsidiaries.

Une maison-mère supervise les opérations de ses filiales et détient souvent une participation majoritaire dans celles-ci. ( A parent company oversees the operations of its subsidiaries and often holds a majority stake in them.)

When you say that a company is “nonprofit,” it doesn’t necessarily mean that the company doesn’t have any money flowing in or out of it. Rather, it means that all of its “profits” are put into projects that aim to benefit society in some way (at least, in theory).

Une association à but non lucratif se consacre à des activités d’intérêt général sans rechercher de bénéfices financiers. ( A non-profit organization is dedicated to activities of general interest without seeking financial profits.)

Just as Anglophones have SMEs, France has PMEs.

Les petites et moyennes entreprises jouent un rôle crucial dans l’économie locale. ( Small and medium-sized enterprises play a crucial role in the local economy.)

One of the more frequent things you’ll be asked for in a French office is to mettre à jour someone about something. The noun form is une mise à jour (an update).

For example:

Ils mettent à jour ces stratégies au moins tous les trois ans. (They update these strategies at least every three years.)

Lorsque vous recevez une mise à jour … (When you receive an update …)

When you’re discussing numbers such as items or prices, you might use  actualisation , like in  une actualisation des prévisions de trésorerie (an update of cash flow forecasts).

L’actualisation des données est essentielle pour maintenir la précision de nos informations financières. (The update of data is essential to maintain the accuracy of our financial information.)

This one is used for meetings that update, define or further refine projects.

Nous tiendrons une mise au point demain matin pour actualiser et affiner les détails du projet en cours. (We will have a meeting [on] the details of the ongoing project tomorrow morning.)

When you’re asked to livrer a report, make sure you have it ready—or, at least, a good reason why it’s not ready yet!

Je dois livrer le rapport final d’ici la fin de la journée. (I have to turn in the final report by the end of the day.)

Both un bilan and une annonce refer to a published report, typically given to the media.

Nous avons une annonce importante à partager lors de la réunion de l’équipe demain. (We have an important announcement to share at the team meeting tomorrow.)

Now and then, your boss may ask you about un rapport de situation regarding the project you’re working on.

Le directeur financier présentera un rapport de situation lors de la réunion du conseil d’administration. (The CFO will present a status update at the board meeting.)

This refers to an evaluation, such as that of an employee.

Une évaluation des performances de l’équipe sera réalisée à la fin du trimestre. (A performance evaluation of the team will be conducted at the end of the quarter.)

This can also refer to a general write-up of a situation.

Le responsable des ventes doit fournir un compte-rendu détaillé des activités du mois dernier. (The sales manager must provide a detailed report on last month’s activities.)

Un rapport annuel refers to the financial statements that companies need to file every year.

Le rapport annuel sera distribué aux actionnaires lors de l’assemblée générale. (The annual report will be distributed to shareholders at the general meeting.)

By the way, here’s a good general guide on writing various types of business reports in French. Note that you’ll use formal—and sometimes slightly more florid language—than you might in the ultra-practical world of Anglophone business. (Just see this post on writing French letters for examples.) When in doubt, check how other reports at your company are generally structured.

When you’re talking about money being handed out, you can’t go wrong with the general term le paiement .

Le paiement des factures doit être effectué avant la fin du mois pour éviter des frais de retard. (The payment of invoices must be made by the end of the month to avoid late fees.)

If you want to talk about salaries specifically, use le salaire.

Les employés recevront leur salaire à la fin de la semaine. (Employees will receive their salary at the end of the week.)

The word honoraires almost looks like the English word “honorary,” doesn’t it? (You’d definitely not want to translate it that way, though.) The reason I pointed that out is because (in my opinion) it more strongly conveys the feeling that the “fee” is something that you’re supposed to pay or “honor.”

Les honoraires du consultant sont basés sur le nombre d’heures travaillées. ( Fees for the consultant are based on the number of hours worked.)

I think this phrase is pretty self-explanatory, but it’s still worth knowing!

L’entreprise offre une avance sur salaire pour aider les employés en cas de besoin financier urgent. (The company offers an advance on salary to assist employees in case of urgent financial need.)

Better not let those bills go past their une échéance !

La date d’échéance pour le paiement des factures est fixée au 15 du mois prochain. (The due date for payment of invoices is set for the 15th of next month.)

Luckily, bills can easily be settled via un règlement par virement bancaire .

Nous préférons un règlement par virement bancaire . (We prefer payment by bank transfer .)

Also luckily, bills are handled by la comptabilité , often referred to as just la compta .

La collaboration étroite entre les différents départements et la comptabilité est essentielle pour assurer la gestion financière optimale de l’entreprise. (Close collaboration between various departments and the accounting department is essential to ensure optimal financial management of the company.)

This refers to how much a company earned in any given period.

Le bénéfice net de l’entreprise a augmenté de manière significative cette année. (The company’s profit has increased significantly this year.)

Les biens refers to everything a company owns—tangible or intangible—that has monetary value, and can be used to settle debts and/or pay shareholders.

Les biens de l’entreprise comprennent des équipements de pointe et des propriétés immobilières. (The company’s assets include state-of-the-art equipment and real estate.)

This doesn’t mean disgusting! Rather, it refers to how much the company earned before expenses are deducted.

Le brut représente le total des revenus avant déduction des dépenses. (The gross represents the total income before deducting expenses.)

Meanwhile, bénéfice net refers to the company’s earnings after expenses are deducted.

Le bénéfice net est le montant restant après la déduction de toutes les dépenses. (The net profit is the amount remaining after deducting all expenses.)

If you work in the PR department or want to reach out to that specific department, here’s a handy phrase to know.

Les relations publiques jouent un rôle clé dans la gestion de l’image de l’entreprise. ( Public relations play a key role in managing the company’s image.)

In a business context, it’s fine to end a phone call with au revoir instead of the various other ways to say goodbye in French .

Au revoir et à bientôt lors de notre prochaine réunion d’équipe. ( Goodbye and see you soon at our next team meeting.)

On the other hand, the typical French phone opener  allô ? is too informal for business. You should instead answer the phone by stating the name of the business, the type of business or the department. For example, you might say  Relations publiques, bonjour ! (“Public relations, good morning!”)

You’ll often go through a secretary to speak with someone in your company—in which case this phrase will come in handy.

Pourrais-je parler à Monsieur Dupont, s’il vous plaît ? ( Could I speak to Mr. Dupont, please?)

Conversely, if you’re the one answering the call, this is your go-to phrase.

C’est de la part de qui ? ( Who is calling , please?)

Just insert your name between c’est and à , and you’re good.

C’est Marie à l’appareil . Comment puis-je vous aider aujourd’hui ? ( This is Marie on the line. How can I help you today?)

Hopefully, the other person is available and receptive to whatever business you have with them.

Je vous le passe . Monsieur Martin est en ligne pour discuter du projet avec vous. ( I’ll pass you to him. Mr. Martin is on the line to discuss the project with you.)

This literally means “don’t leave,” and if a song helps you remember this one, great! Just don’t model your French pronunciation on Nina Simone , as lovely as she is. Go for Jacques Brel instead:

Ne quittez pas , je vous mets en attente un instant. ( Hold on , I’ll put you on hold for a moment.)

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This the absolute last phrase you want to hear when you’re calling and have urgent business.

Excusez-moi, la ligne est occupée actuellement. Pourriez-vous rappeler plus tard ? (Sorry, the line is busy at the moment. Could you call back later?)

If the other person isn’t available, you might hear this, too.

Pourriez-vous rappeler demain matin pour confirmer votre rendez-vous ? ( Could you call back tomorrow morning to confirm your appointment?)

You’ll rarely be asked this though, as many don’t seem to want to go to the trouble.

Voulez-vous laisser un message ? Je transmettrai votre message dès qu’il sera disponible. ( Would you like to leave a message ? I will forward your message as soon as possible.)

You can request this if you really want to talk to the other person, but they can’t call you back for one reason or another.

Est-ce qu’il peut me rappeler d’ici une heure ? J’ai une réunion en cours. ( Can he call me back in an hour? I’m currently in a meeting.)

If you can’t hear what the other person is saying, you can say this without sounding rude.

Pourriez-vous répéter la dernière partie de votre message ? La ligne était un peu faible. ( Could you repeat the last part of your message? The line was a bit weak.)

In order for the other person to call you back, they’ll need this information.

Mon numéro de téléphone est le 01-1555-1234. N’hésitez pas à me rappeler à ce numéro. ( My phone number is 01-1555-1234. Feel free to call me at this number.)

Like everywhere else, some businesses in France now take advantage of Skype and other forms of video and internet calling. You might be asked to have une   vidéoconférence, for example.

Nous allons organiser une vidéoconférence pour discuter des prochaines étapes du projet. (We will organize a video conference to discuss the next steps of the project.)

Then again, your boss might be more specific and ask to faire un Skype instead.

Nous devrions faire un Skype la semaine prochaine pour discuter des détails du projet. (We should discuss over Skype next week to go over the project details.)

Is the other person wondering why your video keeps cutting out? Give them this response. And if they’re saying something important that you couldn’t quite hear, you can also ask pourriez-vous répéter ?

Malheureusement, la connexion est très mauvaise en ce moment. Pouvons-nous réessayer plus tard ? (Unfortunately, the connection is very bad right now. Can we try again later?)

If your video cuts out completely, you can also say this.

La connexion a été coupée . Je m’excuse pour la coupure. Reprenons notre discussion. ( The connection has been cut . I apologize for the interruption. Let’s resume our discussion.)

If you want to do a presentation online, you might want to partager l’écran .

Nous avons la possibilité de partager l’écran pendant la réunion pour mieux comprendre les points présentés. (We have the option to share the screen during the meeting to better understand the points being presented.)

Apart from their salaries, there are additional perks and privileges that employees can have in exchange for working for a company—and these are the avantages sociaux .

Les avantages sociaux comprennent une assurance santé et des congés payés. ( Employee benefits include health insurance and paid time off.)

If your company ever gets into legal trouble (and best pray it doesn’t!), it should hire one of these.

L’ avocat de l’entreprise examinera le contrat avant la signature. (The lawyer of the company will review the contract before signing.)

Whether you’re working for one, or you want to visit one in France, make sure you know what banque means!

Nous avons ouvert un compte auprès de la banque locale pour faciliter les transactions financières. (We have opened an account with the bank to facilitate financial transactions.)

Just as the U.S. has the NYSE, France has the Euronext Paris (sometimes known as the Paris Stock Exchange).

La bourse a connu une forte fluctuation ces derniers jours en raison de divers facteurs économiques. (The stock market has experienced significant fluctuations in recent days due to various economic factors.)

This basically provides exclusive rights over an invention.

L’entreprise a déposé un brevet pour protéger son innovation technologique. (The company has filed a patent to protect its technological innovation.)

Whenever you engage in business with anyone, make sure you read the fine print of your contrat.

Le contrat entre les deux parties a été signé et entrera en vigueur dès maintenant. (The contract between the two parties has been signed and will take effect immediately.)

Whether you’re already in this industry or want to be in it, you’ll want to know the French umbrella term for Bitcoin and the like.

Les cryptomonnaies gagnent en popularité en tant que moyen de paiement alternatif sur le marché. ( Cryptocurrencies are gaining popularity as an alternative means of payment in the market.)

This is a person appointed to manage a company. Make sure you know who this is in your company!

Le directeur général dirigera la réunion du conseil d’administration demain matin. (The director will chair the board meeting tomorrow morning.)

This is what stockholders receive in exchange for owning part of a company.

Les actionnaires recevront un dividende en fonction des bénéfices réalisés par l’entreprise. (Shareholders will receive a dividend based on the profits earned by the company.)

Before you do business in France, make sure you know the droit des affaires inside out—or, at least, hire someone who does.

Le droit des affaires englobe un ensemble de règles et de réglementations qui régissent les activités commerciales. ( Business law encompasses a set of rules and regulations governing business activities.)

Of course, this refers to when a company brings new employees into its fold.

L’ embauche de nouveaux employés est essentielle pour la croissance de l’entreprise. ( Hiring new employees is essential for the company’s growth.)

In case you’ve been wondering how to refer to yourself in relation to a company you’re working for—well, here you go!

L’ employé du mois sera récompensé lors de la cérémonie de remise des prix. (The employee of the month will be rewarded at the awards ceremony.)

On the other hand, this is the state of being an employé.

La fluctuation du marché du travail peut influencer le taux d’ emploi dans différents secteurs de l’économie. (The fluctuation in the job market can influence the rate of employment in various sectors of the economy.)

This is what you hope to arrive at whenever you’re having negotiations with another party.

Une entente a été conclue entre les deux entreprises pour une collaboration à long terme. (An agreement has been reached between the two companies for a long-term collaboration.)

Need to prepare for an upcoming job interview in French? We’ve got you covered in this post .

L’ entretien d’embauche est une étape cruciale du processus de recrutement. (The job interview is a crucial step in the recruitment process.)

If the boss says your company is nearing faillite , you should definitely prepare for a job interview!

La faillite d’une entreprise peut avoir des conséquences financières graves pour ses actionnaires. (The bankruptcy of a company can have serious financial consequences for its shareholders.)

Can’t forget to send these out—especially where customers are concerned!

N’oubliez pas de régler cette facture avant la fin du mois pour éviter des frais de retard. (Don’t forget to pay this invoice by the end of the month to avoid late fees.)

If you’ve ever been requested to contact the fournisseur once in a while, now you know what it means!

Le fournisseur a livré les matériaux nécessaires à temps pour le début du projet. (The supplier delivered the necessary materials on time for the start of the project.)

The gestion is the group of people responsible for ensuring that everything in the company is (or should be) running smoothly.

Une bonne gestion est cruciale pour assurer le succès à long terme de l’entreprise. (Good management is crucial to ensure the long-term success of the company.)

As you can see, adding the suffix -aire to gestion transforms it into a word that means “a person who manages.”

Le gestionnaire de projet est responsable de la coordination et de la planification des activités. (The project manager is responsible for coordinating and planning activities.)

You’d definitely want to know what these are before you sign that job contract.

Les horaires de travail flexibles sont de plus en plus populaires dans de nombreuses entreprises. (Flexible working hours are becoming increasingly popular in many companies.)

This is a useful word to know if you’re working in payroll and accounting, or when you’re looking at your paycheck in French and wondering where most of your salary went.

L’ impôt sur le revenu des entreprises est généralement calculé en fonction des bénéfices annuels. (Corporate income tax is usually calculated based on annual profits.)

This word refers to the study and use of systems for storing, retrieving and sending information. Make sure not to confuse it with information , which fortunately means the same as its English counterpart!

L’ informatique joue un rôle crucial dans l’efficacité des opérations quotidiennes de l’entreprise. ( Information technology plays a crucial role in the efficiency of the company’s daily operations.)

In a business context, intérêt refers to the extra amount or rate you pay on top of what you loaned.

Le taux d’ intérêt sur le prêt détermine le montant supplémentaire à rembourser en plus du capital emprunté. (The interest rate on the loan determines the additional amount to be repaid in addition to the borrowed capital.)

This refers to the act of allocating money for the purpose of generating income or profit.

L’ investissement dans la recherche et le développement est essentiel pour rester compétitif sur le marché. ( Investment in research and development is essential to stay competitive in the market.)

You can be sure that these people are always watching their investissement closely.

L’ investisseur a manifesté un fort intérêt pour soutenir notre expansion internationale. (The investor has shown strong interest in supporting our international expansion.)

This is definitely the last word you want to hear, especially if it refers to you.

Le licenciement de personnel est une décision difficile, souvent motivée par des raisons économiques. ( Laying off employees is a difficult decision, often driven by economic reasons.)

Simply put, this is how the company keeps all of its moving parts moving together smoothly.

La logistique efficace est cruciale pour assurer une livraison rapide et fiable des produits aux clients. (Efficient logistics is crucial to ensure fast and reliable delivery of products to customers.)

This is an example of an intangible asset—that is, something that cannot be touched, but has significant monetary value for a company.

La marque déposée protège les droits de propriété intellectuelle d’une entreprise sur son logo et son nom. (The trademark protects the intellectual property rights of a company over its logo and name.)

This is what takes place on a daily basis between companies and third parties whenever they need something that’s valuable to one or the other.

La négociation avec les fournisseurs peut permettre d’obtenir des conditions plus avantageuses pour l’entreprise. (The negotiation with suppliers can lead to more favorable terms for the company.)

Finally, whatever your adventures in the French business world, may they be interesting, smooth and—of course— fructueux .

Les pourparlers ont été fructueux , et un accord a été conclu pour une collaboration future. (The negotiations were successful , and an agreement has been reached for future collaboration.)

And that’s it for our business French vocabulary roundup! Keep this list bookmarked so you’ll be able to navigate the French corporate world with ease.

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Introducing Yourself in a Business Meeting

Learn how to introduce yourself

Introducing Your New Colleague

Learn how to introduce a new colleague in a business situation

Describing Your Profession in French

Learn how to describe your job simply

Talking About Your Business Routine in French

Learn how to talk work about routine and different works

A Frustrating Situation in France

Learn how to complain in everyday situations

Leaving the Office At the End of the Day

Learn how to use leave-taking business expressions and how to ask for permission

Going on a French Business Trip

Learn how to respond to questions an officer might ask you when you're going through customs

Making Small Talk in France

Learn how to make business-related small talk

Asking for Information About Office Procedures

Learn how to ask simple questions about work

Talking About Your Job in French

Learn how to describe the content of a job and what to say when you meet someone after a long while

Making a Business Phone Call

Learn how to make a business phone call

Apologies in a Business Setting

Learn how to apologize appropriately in a business situation

Arranging a Business Meeting

Learn how to arrange a business meeting

Passing a Phone Message

Learn how to pass a phone message

Asking for Directions

Learn how to ask for directions

Asking For Time Off Work in French

Learn how to ask for a day off

Asking for Help in a Difficult Business Situation

Learn how to ask for help in a business setting

Making a Suggestion in French

Learn to make suggestions in French

A French Business Presentation

Learn how to briefly describe a product

A French Job Interview

Learn the basics of a job interview

Making Some Difficult Business Decisions in France

Do you like french ads.

Learn how to follow an advertisement

Passing on a French Message

Learn how to ask someone to relay a message over the phone

Can You Follow French Instructions?

Learn how to give and follow instructions

Presenting About Your French Company

Learn how to follow a very simple presentation about the company

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30+ French business expressions you need to know

Is your business looking to expand its borders? If so, chances are you and your “personnel” will want to start commandeering some new languages to help your international business relations. And if there’s one language you’ll want to have a solid understanding of, it’s French. Although not as popular as English or Chinese, French is a hugely important language in the business world. Unfortunately, it’s also a difficult language with a lot of formal nuances you’ll need to abide by, especially when using it in a professional environment. To help you out , here’s a crash course in Business French, including a list of handy French expressions and words you need to know for business purposes.  

ESSENTIAL GREETINGS

“Bonjour” is a really common phrase. But make sure you know how to use it properly: French people strictly use “bonjour” (meaning good day) once a day. To casually greet someone, on the other hand, consider using “salut.” Also, remember that handshakes are common and expected in most business/professional situations. In more informal situations, you may greet someone with kisses on the cheek; usually 2, starting on the left cheek.  

FORMALITY: TU VS VOUS

Remember, like German, Spanish, and a bunch of other languages, French has 2 forms of greeting a person; tu (informal) or vous (formal). When first meeting someone (or whenever in doubt on which form to use) it’s always best to stick to vous. If a person prefers you to address them using tu, they’ll likely mention it. Alternatively, you can pay extra attention to the conversation around you and gauge which form they’re using, then adapt. For now, it’s safe to say that it is still common for people to use vous in business settings. But keep in mind that some smaller companies or younger staff may prefer using tu instead. Also, remember that monsieur (sir) and madame (ma’am) are commonly used in formal meetings, much more so than their English equivalents.  

“COMPANY” IN FRENCH

Note that the French word for company is “société,” which is also used to refer to society. Alternatively, you may hear the word “entreprise” or, in more informal circumstances, is boîte. Here are the French titles of some common types of companies:

• “Une société par actions”- A joint-stock company
• “Une société à responsabilité limitée”- A limited-liability company
• “Une multinationale”- A multinational company
• “Une maison mère”- A parent company
• “Une association (à but non lucratif)”- A non-profit organization
• “PME (Petite et moyenne entreprise) “- SMB – small and medium-sized business

COMPANY STAFF/DEPARTMENTS IN FRENCH

A company is obviously made up of a variety of people and departments.  Here are some basic French words to help you refer to people or company departments correctly:

• “Le personnel”- The staff
• “La succursale”- The branch
• “Comité de direction”- Top management (or “codir” for short)
• “Le service marketing”- The marketing department
• “Les services de vente”- The sales department
• “La comptabilité”- Accounting (or “compta” in short)
• “Le service de contentieux”- The legal department
• “Le service de ressources humaines”- Human resources department
• “Stagiaires”- Interns
• “Un employeur”- A employer
• “Les employés “- The employees
• “Un apprenti”- An apprentice
• “PDG (président-directeur général)”- CEO

TALKING ABOUT MONEY IN FRENCH

Money is an important part of business. Here are some important French words to help you when talking about good ol’ cash:

• “Le bulletin de salaire”- The pay slip
• “Le salaire”- The salary
• “Le registre du personnel”- The payroll
• “Un licenciement”- A layoff/
• “Une avance”- An advance payment
• “Un règlement par virement bancaire”- A payment via bank transfer

FRENCH ON THE PHONE

Phone calls are a basic part of daily business. Here are some basic phrases you’ll need to know in order to connect to the right person via the phone:

• “Allô?”- Hello. Note that this is really informal, and shouldn’t be used in business.
• “Au revoir.”- Goodbye.
• “Pourrais-je parler à ______ ?”- May I speak with ______?
• “C’est de la part de qui ?”- Who’s calling?
• “C’est ______ à l’appareil.”- It’s _______ calling.
• “Je vous le passe.”- I’ll put you through.
• “Ne quittez pas.”- Please hold. The literal translation is “don’t leave.”
• “La ligne est occupée.”- The line is busy.
• “Pourriez-vous rappeler”- Can you call back?
• “Est-ce qu’il/elle peut me rappeler?”- Can he/she call me back?
• “Voulez-vous laisser un message?”- Would you like to leave a message?
• “Mon numéro téléphone est le _____. “- My telephone number is _____.

3 HANDY FRENCH EXPRESSIONS FOR BUSINESS

• “AU TEMPS POUR MOI” This means “it’s my fault” and is a really important phrase to know. If you happen to make a mistake, use this phrase to own up to and then reassure everyone you’ll have it sorted immediately.Example English: “The meeting will take place tomorrow at 8 am. My bad, it has been cancelled.” French: “La réunion aura lieu demain à huit heures. Au temps pour moi, elle a été annulée.”
• “SE TENIR AU COURANT” Meaning “to keep each other updated,” this is a great phrase when making future plans. For example, you would use “se tenir au courant” when agreeing to meet with a business partner next week without actually settling on a date. Example English: “I will keep you updated regarding the next meeting.” French: “Je vous tiens au courant pour la prochaine réunion.”
• “JE VOUS RECONTACTERAI” This means “I’ll get back to you” and is used regularly in business meetings or other professional settings. You might use this expression, for example, after being presented with an opportunity that you need to think over before accepting/declining.Example English: “I will get back to you should I have any more questions.” French: “Je vous recontacterai si j’ai d’autres questions.”

16 HANDY FRENCH WORDS RELATED TO BUSINESS

• “Le voyage d‘affaires”- The business trip
• “Le client”- The client
• “L’acheteur”- The buyer
• “Le vendeur”- The seller
• “L’associé”- Partner
• “Le bénéfice”- Profit
• “Les biens”- The assets
• “La réunion”- The meeting
• “Le chiffre d’affaire”- Sales/ turnover
• “Le concurrent”- Competitor
• “Créer une entreprise”- To set up a business
• “Faire faillite”- To go bankrupt
• “Les frais”- Fees
• “L’impôt”- Tax
• “La formation”- Training
• “La marque déposée”- Registered trademark

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▾ Dictionary (English)

Plan noun ( plural: plans ) —, projet m ( plural: projets m ), plan ( sth. ) verb ( planned , planned ) —, prévoir qqch. v, concevoir v, planifier v, pension plan n —, health plan n —, inspection plan n —, foundation plan n —, ambitious plan n —, assignment plan n —, mobility plan n —, main plan n —, ▸ dictionary (english), plan noun, masculine ( plural: plans m ) —, map n ( plural: maps ), plane n ( plural: planes ), blueprint n ( plural: blueprints ), programme be n, plan de retraite m —, plan de base m —, plan politique m —, plan de raccordement m —, plan de mobilité m —, plan de fondation m —, plan transversal m —, plan principal m —, plan de réaction m —, plan départemental m —, plan des affectations m —, plan horizontal m —, plan d'inspection m —, plan commun m —, ▸ wikipedia, ▸ external sources (french), ▾ external sources (english).

• This is not a good example for the translation above.
• The wrong words are highlighted.
• It does not match my search.
• It should not be summed up with the orange entries
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How do you say business plan in french?

Plan d'Affaires

Add your answer:

What is a macro business plan?

macro business plan

How do you say I am a business woman in french?

Je suis une femme d'affaires.

What is the further action for a feasibility plan?

If the plan is to continue with the business proposal then proceed to write a business plan

What is the business plan for Amanda?

The business plan for Amanda is to stay home with the kids

How do you business plan?

The best way to write business plan is by first downloading business plan template on the internet and following the guidlines given by the template.

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plan translation | English-French dictionary

action plan , American plan , backup plan , birth plan

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