The role of public–third sector relationships in solving social issues: The case of one-stop-shop service for the promotion of female immigrant entrepreneurship in montreal

Abstract

Objective: This exploratory paper specifically examines a case of public–third sector relationships, Montreal’s CEMFII, within the most consolidated relation types to highlight what characteristics match with it and what do not match. Research Design & Methods: An extensive review of the literature on the relationship between the State and the third sector was performed in order to develop a model of such relationships and stress their principal characteristics. Findings: It is suggested that the development of a One-Stop-Shop service could remedy some of the difficulties female immigrants face when attempting to develop businesses. The paper also argues that the CEMFII, as a product of the ‘State – third sec-tor’ interactions, has been risky and complicated. Implications & Recommendations: It might be useful that the third sector organisations acquire a financial autonomy to diminish their dependency on the public funds, which is subject to political leadership changes, and to guarantee the sustainability of the project. Contribution & Value Added:The uniqueness of this work lies in applying general frameworks of ‘public – third sector’ relations to a specific case within a specific urban socioeconomic context, where the effects of political leadership changes can be clearly viewed.