This study sought to discuss the elements for the elaboration of public policies for promoting the solidary economy. The empirical object was the “Programa Oportunidade Solidária” in Sao Paulo, between 2001 and 2004. It was observed that even though an action inserted in a list of programs, articulated in a rational strategy for social inclusion and local development were many challenges to its realization. However, the great merit of the proposal that had the “Programa Oportunidade Solidária” was having innovated in order to enter the field of public policies on employment and income in São Paulo to promote the practice of social involvement and cooperative to a highly needy and accustomed to policies of welfare and personalist government....