Febecoop

Febecoop is a cooperative expertise center and consulting agency dedicated to promoting, defending, and developing the cooperative model across Belgium and internationally. With a presence throughout the country, Febecoop operates through its regional branches: Febecoop Wallonie-Bruxelles and Febecoop Vlaanderen-Brussel. In Wallonia and Brussels, Febecoop Wallonie-Bruxelles supports the development of cooperatives by offering tailored business consulting and services. Their mission is to advocate for a human-scale economy, emphasizing the importance of cooperative principles in fostering sustainable and equitable economic growth. In Flanders and Brussels, Febecoop Vlaanderen-Brussel serves as a cooperative knowledge center and consulting firm. They provide guidance and advice at every stage of value-driven entrepreneurial projects, from initial ideas to solid cooperative structures. Their services include strategic development, financing, governance adjustments, and assistance in transforming existing companies into cooperatives. Febecoop Vlaanderen-Brussel also engages in research and development of new cooperative applications, ensuring the model evolves with contemporary needs. They collaborate with various partners, both public and private, to strengthen the cooperative movement in the region. Febecoop's overarching mission is to promote and develop the cooperative model by raising awareness among the public and policymakers, supporting social and cooperative entrepreneurs and startups, and conducting research on cooperative themes. Their vision is to be the reference point for cooperative and social entrepreneurship in Belgium, serving members, organizations in the social and cooperative economy, project initiators, economic and political actors, and the general public. The organization is guided by core values such as solidarity, engagement, and expertise. Solidarity forms the foundation of cooperatives and the broader social and solidarity economy. Engagement reflects the dynamic commitment of Febecoop's members and staff to the cooperative model. Expertise is demonstrated through the continuous development of individual and collective knowledge about the cooperative model and the socio-economic and institutional environment in which they operate. Febecoop also emphasizes the seven cooperative principles established by the International Cooperative Alliance, including open and voluntary membership, democratic member control, member economic participation, autonomy and independence, education and training, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for the community. These principles guide their operations and interactions with cooperatives and the broader community. Through its comprehensive services and commitment to cooperative values, Febecoop plays a pivotal role in fostering a sustainable and equitable economy in Belgium.