During the event, Febelfin brought together a number of players in the field of financing for entrepreneurs, including Be Angels, finance&invest.brussels, Hefboom, Microstart, PMV, Wallonie Entreprendre, as well as representatives from the Belgian Leasing Association, the Belgian Professional Association of Factoring Companies, and several entrepreneurs. Throughout a morning session, entrepreneurs shared their experiences in seeking financing, while industry experts highlighted the complementary possibilities of alternative financing solutions.

The event was also centred around the signature of a Charter dedicated to the financing of entrepreneurs. This Charter, a direct result of the roundtable on financing female entrepreneurs, reaffirms the financial sector's commitment to gender equality and also symbolises a concrete commitment to improve access to different sources of finance for entrepreneurs.

In this way, the banking sector commits to including alternative forms of financing in the training and communication of its advisors who are in contact with entrepreneurs. When the bank cannot provide credit to an entrepreneur or cannot finance the full amount requested, and if the project seems sound, the financial institution will encourage its advisers to suggest other available financing options to the entrepreneur.

This approach allows more projects with an added economic value to be realised. It also encourages a collaborative and inclusive approach: the bank remains a partner throughout the entrepreneur's financial journey.

In the past, Febelfin has also taken initiatives to support companies in their search for financing. In that context, the website Financiering van ondernemingen / Financement des entreprises (only in Dutch/French) was created.

In addition, Febelfin Academy offers bank advisors training courses on alternative financing solutions.

The integration of alternative forms of financing in the training and communication of bank advisors will definitely strengthen the partnership between banks and entrepreneurs. This step forward shows that the financial sector remains committed to Belgian entrepreneurship. A culture of inclusion and partnership helps to strengthen Belgium's entrepreneurial fabric, stimulate innovation and promote sustainable economic growth. This collaborative approach can only enhance entrepreneurship as a whole.
 

Minister of Small Businesses, Self-employment and SMEs: ‘The event organised by Febelfin makes it possible to implement one of the 25 measures from the action plan drawn up as a result of the roundtable I organised on access to financing for female entrepreneurs. More generally, the main players in entrepreneurial financing in Belgium have come together to sign a Charter that engages them to better inform and guide entrepreneurs to the most appropriate sources of financing. Access to finance is crucial for starting, investing and expanding SMEs, and raising awareness on this matter will help ensure more projects succeed. I congratulate Febelfin, as well as Microstart, Lever, the Belgian Leasing Association, the Belgian Professional Association of Factoring Companies and the Regional Public Investors for this initiative.’

Karel Baert, CEO Febelfin: ‘With this Charter, we are determined to pave the way for a future where entrepreneurship becomes truly accessible to all. Because diversity and inclusion are the foundations of a thriving economy. The vitality of this economy is also determined by its ability to adapt, and the sector is fully committed to that by diversifying its financing offer and making it available to all.’