Matching Public Funds and Crowdfunding: Empowering Citizens and Strengthening Social Enterprises

As part of the Inclusive Economy Action Plan of the Province of Antwerp, the Trividend Provincie Antwerpen fund introduces an innovative approach to support the social economy and impact ventures. This initiative focuses on creating employment opportunities for individuals distanced from the labor market and promoting ventures aligned with circular economy principles through interest-free loans.

Pilot Program: citizen involvement and crowdfunding

The pilot project is designed to involve citizens both financially and content-wise, fostering deeper community engagement with impact ventures. Key elements include:

Financial Involvement: Impact ventures will be encouraged to raise €15,000 through crowdfunding. These funds will be matched by the Province of Antwerp at a ratio of €3 for every €1 raised, significantly boosting the available capital.

Purpose and goals

Community support: citizens contribute not only funds but also their enthusiasm, expertise, and networks, building a supportive community around the ventures.

Citizen engagement: actively involve citizens in the development of social enterprises, leveraging their skills and enthusiasm to create stronger, community-backed ventures.

Enhanced funding impact: amplify the effect of public funding through a matching scheme, enabling greater financial support for impact ventures.

Key beneficiaries and expected benefits

Beneficiaries:

• Early-stage impact ventures, particularly those focusing on:
• Creating employment opportunities for individuals distanced from the labor market.
• Advancing circular economy practices.

Expected Benefits:

Stronger financial support: matching funds significantly increase the capital available for early-stage ventures.

Community building: ventures benefit from the expertise, enthusiasm, and networks of an engaged citizen base.

Sustainable development: promotes socially and environmentally sustainable business practices while addressing critical societal challenges.

Driving social and economic impact

This innovative approach combines public funds with crowdfunding to create a win-win model for citizens and impact ventures. By fostering deeper community involvement and leveraging financial resources, the Province of Antwerp strengthens the social economy, supports circular innovation, and drives inclusive regional growth.