Ga naar de inhoud

+32 2 548 22 11
info@finance.brussels
Brussels Entrepreneurial ecosystem
+32 2 548 22 11
info@finance.brussels
Brussels Entrepreneurial ecosystem
Our financing solutions

COOP US,
another vision of entrepreneurship

Financing solutions of up to 250,000 € for Brussels cooperatives

In Brussels, as elsewhere, many cooperatives are committed to developing business projects aimed at providing sustainable solutions to societal challenges, whether in food, housing, energy, transport, supply chains, waste management, circular economy, logistics, and more. COOP US offers several financial solutions for cooperatives contributing to a low-carbon, resilient, circular, social, democratic, and digital economy.

Download the application form
Discover below video testimonials from our partners:

A tailor-made solution
Financing amounts & needs
Financing criteria
Funding procedure

A tailor-made solution

3
After many years of working with entrepreneurs, we know that every project is different and deserves a financing solution adapted to the needs and development stage of the company.

That is why we have designed, for cooperatives, a range of solutions going from simple loans to equity investments, or even a combination of both (hybrid model).

Our advisory team is available to answer your questions, help you prepare your financing request, and support you financially throughout the duration of our partnership.

What are the terms of the COOP US loan?

When we grant a loan, the interest rate is 2%, with monthly repayments over a period of up to 10 years, and with a possible grace period of 1 to 3 years.

The loan amount is defined based on the cooperative’s needs and its repayment capacity.

How does the COOP US equity investment work?

Equity investment means that the cooperative opens its capital to Brusoc, the subsidiary of finance&invest.brussels acting as a public investor.

When implemented, equity investment allows cooperatives to double the contribution of their cooperative members, including in the case of citizen savings campaigns.

Our advisors will explain all the implications of equity investment during your discussions and are available to answer any questions.

What is the COOP US hybrid model?

The COOP US hybrid model is a combination of a loan and an equity investment, designed to provide a more flexible and agile solution—particularly in terms of legal procedures.

Financing amounts & needs

3

What financing amounts can be granted to cooperatives and for what duration?

The financing amount granted by Brusoc can go up to 250,000 €, depending on the needs of your cooperative and the viability of the project(s) presented.

The financing duration can go up to 10 years, allowing enough time for the cooperative to develop and generate value before starting repayments.

What financing needs can COOP US cover?

For cooperatives, as for other businesses, our financing aims to help you create or develop your company. Our solutions can cover:

  • New investments: real estate, equipment/machinery, tools, fittings, renovations, etc.
  • Working capital needs: stock, raw materials, wages, overhead costs, etc.

Financing criteria

3

Which cooperatives are eligible for COOP US financing solutions?

COOP US financing solutions are intended for all Brussels-based cooperatives that meet the EMES European network criteria based on economic and entrepreneurial dimensions, social dimensions, and governance principles.

Examples of criteria include:

  • A social objective linked to an economic activity producing and selling goods/services
  • Demonstrated economic viability
  • Service to the community or to a specific group of people
  • Integration of sustainable production and consumption methods
  • Application of the principle “1 member, 1 vote”

All criteria will be presented in detail by our advisors during the preparation of your application.

If the cooperative is accredited as CNC and/or a Social and Democratic Enterprise, the analysis process will be simplified.

Funding procedure 

Funding steps

Preparatory meeting with a Brusoc analyst to present your cooperative project and financing options
Submission of your application to Brusoc / finance&invest.brussels
Analysis of your application and possible support from Brusoc to finalise it
Presentation of the file to a selection committee for validation of EMES criteria
Presentation to the Board of Directors, which makes the final decision on granting financing
After approval, free support is provided to project promoters

Documents to provide

COOP US application form download here

ZCopy of identity documents of promoters, founding partners, directors/managers, and legal representatives
ZCVs of project promoters
ZLatest coordinated statutes (or draft statutes)
ZA copy of the authorisations to practise the profession
ZBusiness plan of the cooperative
ZCash flow plan for year 1
ZProof of capital release
ZProof of registration with the BCE (or certification from the commercial register if the business is based in the region)
ZAll documents evidencing the powers of the identified representatives
ZIf the application concerns the takeover of an existing business
ZIf the business is already up and running: a copy of the current financial position (detailed provisional balance sheet and VAT returns), as well as the annual accounts for the last two years (including notes)

Request funding 

Do you need financial support to launch or grow your business?

We offer a range of tailor-made financing solutions. Request funding by completing this form. We will assess your request and get back to you with a first answer within 3 weeks.

Prepare your request
Request funding
*Personal data is collected and processed solely for the purpose of providing you with the requested information. This data will not be shared with third parties or used for commercial purposes.