A central government that encourages social enterprise

The central government has an important role in encouraging social entrepreneurship across the country. In the coalition agreement of the Rutte IV government, the ambitions to stimulate social entrepreneurship are described as follows: “In order to maintain a level playing field, social entrepreneurship will be facilitated by the introduction of the Societal B.V. There will also be one clear framework for social entrepreneurship with reporting requirements, and the government will enable an exception to the Competition Act with an amended proposal for sustainability initiatives.” Social Enterprise NL encourages the cabinet to take the next steps and anchor the promotion of social enterprise more strongly in policy and laws and regulations.

What do we do?

Social Enterprise NL is committed to bringing more attention to social enterprise nationally in the following ways:

  • Signing of the City Deal Impact Entrepreneurship. In March 2020, the City Deal was signed by 80 parties. With this multi-party collaboration, the City Deal Impact Entrepreneurship aims to promote impact entrepreneurship and reduce obstacles experienced by impact entrepreneurs.
  • Releasing of the Manifest Impact Economie. While we are busy fighting the virus and dealing with the social and economic damage, it is becoming increasingly clear that the design of our economy must be radically better. An economy that is circular, inclusive and poverty-free, for all. With this manifesto, we call on the government to commit to the Impact Economy!
  • Endorsement of the Chamber letter from former State Secretary of Economic Affairs and Climate. With this letter, former State Secretary Mona Keijzer makes important recommendations to further encourage entrepreneurship with a social mission.

What do we want to achieve?

Our ultimate goal is to activate the national government to create stimulating policies to increase the impact of social entrepreneurs. Specifically, we call on the new government to work on the following themes:

  • Introduction of the BVm. The addition of a modality 'm' (from 'societal') to the BV in the Civil Code provides for simple and unambiguous recognition, offering clarity and certainty to entrepreneurs and stakeholders. Inclusion in the Civil Code secures the enforcement and accountability of directors. The Netherlands is one of the few European countries that have not yet taken this step.
  • The Social Enterprise Code exploit. Many municipalities and provinces are now using the Code and its Register as a tool for policy choices and cooperation. The national government is the missing factor. Its support can give this tool the desired acceleration in the short term.
  • Make the circular economy work. Bring together the ambition of the circular economy and labor market policy. This requires decompartmentalizing already available - but fragmented - budgets into one integrated financial instrument.
  • De missing link in arbeidsparticipatie. Engage with innovative social enterprises that specialize in workforce participation and explicitly include them in policy.
  • Local initiatives = local power. Accelerate the development of community enterprises through a nationwide outreach program.
  • Knowledge Center for Municipalities and Provinces. The creation of a Social Entrepreneurship Knowledge Center prevents the various governments from constantly 'reinventing' the wheel. This knowledge center will ensure that they learn from each other and that policies at different levels fit together.
  • The social enterprise as a test lab. Inventory by ministry where social entrepreneurs are making breakthroughs that can be rolled out widely with proper collaboration and regulatory adjustment.
  • Nationwide public-private growth program. A national public-private growth program allows social enterprises to scale up, maximizing their reach and impact.

Do you want to get started on promoting social entrepreneurship as a government agency?

If so, please contact us at info@social-enterprise.nl.

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