A business can be a prototype of the world you want to live in.

We are your Belgian point of contact for all things steward-ownership. For more and more start-ups, SMEs and investors, we are a guide to apply this alternative model of ownership for business.

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.

The 8th of May, Belgian changemakers will gather in Brussels to explore, deepen, and celebrate the rise of steward-ownership.

This event is FREE, but spots are limited.

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

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.