Village Finance

Village Finance is a Brussels-based non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the development of sustainable and locally rooted businesses. Since its inception in 2005, Village Finance has been a catalyst for local economic growth, supporting freelancers and very small businesses (VSBs) that develop innovative solutions to accelerate Brussels' economic transition. The organization emphasizes the importance of peer-to-peer exchange, experience sharing, and the creation of new opportunities, believing that a good project requires not only funding but also external perspectives and a robust network to truly thrive. Historically, Village Finance has provided thematic grants to support over a hundred entrepreneurial projects across various sectors, including sustainable food, eco-construction, commerce, soft mobility, and the social economy. Notable initiatives include the "Entreprise Durable – Mentor-shift" grant, which awards €5,000 to 20 exemplary Brussels-based micro-enterprises committed to sustainability. This grant finances 50 hours of mentorship over two years, enabling these enterprises to share their experiences and best practices with emerging sustainable businesses. Additionally, the "Bourse Mobilité Durable" offers €5,000 grants to ten micro-enterprises annually, supporting investments in sustainable mobility solutions such as bike parking facilities, cargo bikes, or partnerships with bicycle delivery cooperatives. Village Finance also highlights the contributions of its mentors, showcasing entrepreneurs like Sara Lenzi, founder of the sustainable Italian restaurant Entre Nous, and Céline Ruyssen, co-founder of Tandem Fiets|Café|Vélo, a space promoting cycling and sustainable food. These mentors exemplify the organization's commitment to sustainability and community engagement. For entrepreneurs seeking financial support to implement sustainable initiatives, Village Finance offers two primary grants: Sustainable Mobility and Sustainable Business. The organization provides toolkits and FAQs to assist applicants and encourages direct contact with their team for personalized guidance. Village Finance's mission remains steadfast: to foster the emergence and growth of sustainable, locally anchored, and impactful businesses in Brussels. By activating connections that help committed entrepreneurs grow, Village Finance continues to play a pivotal role in Brussels' economic transition towards sustainability.