What exactly is steward-ownership? At first glance, it might seem like just a corporate ownership structure, but it is so much more. It forms the foundation of a company, the DNA that drives every decision, consistently prioritizing the company's long-term independence and purpose.
While the legal implementation may vary, all steward-owned companies make a legally binding commitment to two core principles: Self-governance and Profit serves purpose.
1. Self-governance
Power over the company cannot be speculated with but is held by actively engaged stewards, not absentee owners. Voting rights aren’t sold or inherited but are passed on to capable people who are aligned with the company’s purpose.
2. Profit serves purpose
Company profits aren’t extracted for private gain but are reinvested, shared with stakeholders, or donated. This model ensures that companies prioritize purpose over profit alone.
As a non-profit Steward-owned accelerates the movement towards more steward-ownership in Belgium.
We are a guide for anyone on their way to explore steward-ownership. As a fieldbuilder, we make this new kind of ownership accessible for everyone. We research and share all our expertise to lower barriers and strengthen the knowledge hub.
Steward-ownership brings together start-ups, medium-sized businesses and large corporations. It combines modern with traditional entrepreneurship, sustainability with profitable business.
Since our partner Purpose Foundation coined the term ‘Steward-ownership’ in 2016, the worldwide movement is growing very fast.
What makes steward-ownership unique?
Steward-ownership is a corporate ownership structure that presents an alternative to shareholder primacy. It ensures that companies prioritize their long-term purpose over short-term profits, especially during pivotal moments.
Steward-ownership changes how power is distributed — not according to investments or inheritance, but according to ability and value alignment. In practice, this model splits decision-making and profit-sharing rights. It is a proven ownership model that has been in place for many decades.
It offers start-ups a way to legally secure their purpose and enables SMEs to plan their succession independently of the family and in the long term.
Think long term in a short term world
Steward-ownership provides a structure for being a good ancestor. By separating ownership from profit distribution, the company remains independent of the pressure for short-term financial returns. The ideal way of enabling long-term decision-making.
Mission-driven at all times
Profits are means to a purpose, not a goal in itself. Value created in the company cannot be extracted by the shareholders. Profits are reinvested, used to cover capital costs or donated. Mission always comes first.
A future proof economy
It’s a crucial building block to pivot the economy towards positive driver for people and planet. Classic companies can escape the system lock of maximising shareholder surplus value and a new mission-driven economy can be embedded.
Benefits for employees, business and society
Various studies have shown that steward-ownership outperform traditional companies based on levels of employee satisfaction and customer trust, while having a higher survival rate and equal or better profit margins.
Ownership is a bundle of rights that can either be combined or separated. The allocation of these rights—voting rights and profit-sharing—is a fundamental decision and a core aspect of steward-ownership.
Pioneers show the way
These organizations (both very old and very new) are steward-owned.
Let their stories and this rapidly growing movement inspire you.
FAQ - Common questions about Steward-ownership
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To start: the best moment to implement steward-ownership is probably … now.
However, you can begin with a traditional ownership structure and transition to steward-ownership later. This approach is often suitable for many startups and remains a valid option.Here are four reasons not to wait:
The later, the more complex and costly
A strong signal to stakeholders (demonstrates commitment to long-term purpose)
Clarity and filtering for potential investors
Laying solid foundations - It can unify founders around a shared purpose early on
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Absolutely! Steward-ownership is a flexible concept that can be tailored to different business sizes and structures. Startups can build this model into their DNA from day one, giving them a clear focus and attracting aligned investors. SMEs can transition to steward-ownership to protect their legacy and ensure mission continuity as they scale. Even larger corporates can adopt steward-ownership to demonstrate leadership in sustainable business practices and reinforce trust among employees, customers, and investors. The adaptability of steward-ownership makes it a powerful framework for businesses of all kinds and stages.
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Steward-ownership is a universal principle, not (yet) a standalone legal structure. Its implementation varies by company.
We work with you to design the steward-ownership foundation tailored to your business. Our guidance includes drafting statutes, financing agreements, and shareholder contracts. With the support of experienced lawyers and tax advisors, we ensure the structure aligns with your goals while complying with Belgian legal frameworks.
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The concept of steward-ownership doesn’t challenge the value of a nonprofit (vzw/asbl) or cooperative, but rather rethinks how traditional ownership models are structured.
For some, a nonprofit (VZW/asbl) is ideal. Others may find that steward-ownership better balances impact and financial sustainability by ensuring mission alignment and self-governance. The choice depends on your impact strategy, capital needs, product, and market.
Unlike cooperatives, steward-ownership does not necessarily involve broad democratization of voting rights. Instead, it focuses on allocating voting power to individuals deeply involved in and committed to the company’s mission, guided by clear criteria for who can become a steward.
Steward-ownership adds an extra layer of protection:
It guarantees a complete separation between voting rights and financial rights.
It ensures the company cannot be sold or repurposed for short-term gain.
It keeps decision-making close to those actively engaged in the business.
It is also designed to facilitate growth financing while safeguarding the mission.
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We help companies secure financing that aligns with steward-ownership principles by connecting them with investors who believe a company’s mission should remain central.
Fortunately, there is a growing number of investors eager to explore stewardship financing. While early pioneers in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland have paved the way, interest in Belgium is rapidly increasing.
That said, financing can still be challenging as it requires a shift in traditional investor mindsets. We are here to support you in navigating this landscape and finding mission-aligned capital.
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We are your Belgian point of contact for all things steward-ownership. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, founder, or investor, we offer advice on steward-ownership and the innovative financing it entails.
We organize accessible, fast-paced exploration sessions for businesses. These sessions delve into the core elements of steward-ownership, helping you and your team assess whether it’s the right fit for your company—now or in the future.
How we can help you:
Ask a question in the monthly open call
Every first Tuesday of the month at 1 PM the Belgian Steward-owned team is available to answer all your questions. No registration needed.
Explore your fit with steward-ownership in a 1to1 meeting
Considering a steward-owned enterprise or investment? We take time to listen to your story and needs. Lets figure out how we can help you. Happy to be your guide
Bring this concept to the public. We love invitations.
During a keynote or workshop, we will guide you through the unique world of steward-ownership. Discover why this is a crucial building block to shift the economy.