Hefboom (meaning ‘lever’) has been supporting social and sustainable entrepreneurship in Flanders and Brussels for 40 years. Through ethical financing, advice and services to organisations, the cooperative and its 1000+ members are contributing to an inclusive and fair society. This concept is very familiar to us here at Alterfin.

Focus on Hefboom’s activities

Like Alterfin, Hefboom works with organizations that generate great societal or ecological value but have little or no access to traditional financing, and organizations that deliberately opt for ethical financing. But unlike Alterfin, which concentrates on low- and middle-income countries, Hefboom is active in Belgium.

Hefboom offers three types of financing:

• Booster loans (up to 25,000 euros) for start-up businesses short on capital or vulnerable entrepreneurs who want to make a fresh start. Often, these target groups cannot (or can no longer) access loans from traditional banks.
• Impact loans: bigger loans for social organizations, nonprofits and cooperatives working in the social economy, healthcare, social housing or ecology, and sustainable innovation.
• Cultural loans developed specifically for artists and cultural organizations.

Hefboom also offers affordable guidance to organizations working with vulnerable target groups that have hit certain financial and business obstacles, and it provides services to cooperatives and nonprofit organizations.

Just like Alterfin, Hefboom takes a human, solution-focused approach. They see financial difficulties as opportunities rather than problems. Their committed team always searches for constructive solutions and is available to explore the options together.

Complementary approach

Both cooperatives share one ambition: to create a social, sustainable, and inclusive economy. Although their geographical focus is different, both Hefboom and Alterfin create economic opportunities in the places where they are needed the most. After all, that is the key to a fair and inclusive society for everyone – beyond borders.

The best witnesses to our impact? Our end-beneficiaries.

Dimitri Baeten, Hefboom customer
Financial Director of Kringwinkel - Antwerp, Belgium

“The loan from Hefboom enabled us to solve our liquidity problem and to restructure, in consultation with our social partners. This loan not only gave us some breathing room, but also allowed us to further develop Kringwinkel Antwerp’s plans for the future.”

Ernest Kamchybekov, Alterfin's partner
General Director of Elet Capital, microfinancing institution in Kyrgyzstan

“Thanks to the financing from Alterfin, we were able to offer loan products suited to the needs of vulnerable population groups in rural areas. Alterfin is a responsive partner that understands our challenges and has given us maximum support in achieving sustainable growth.”

Co-operative in heart and soul

Both Hefboom and Alterfin are supported by citizens, organizations and institutions that make a conscious choice to use their capital ethically and sustainably as a force for good. In a time when societal challenges such as inequality, climate change and social exclusion are becoming increasingly prominent, cooperatives respond by providing hope. Together, we aim for an economy that serves human beings, not the other way around. Together, we stand stronger – and we are translating the values of our cooperative into real impact, here and around the world.

‍#IYC2025

Interested in becoming a member of Hefboom? Learn more here.

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