The Pulse Foundation and the Degroof Petercam Foundation join forces to launch an innovative programme to help bankrupt entrepreneurs.
Brussels, 1 December 2020 - The Pulse Foundation joins forces with the Degroof Petercam Foundation to launch Revival, a new program aimed at entrepreneurs who have had to close down their business following bankruptcy and are looking for a professional rebound. Based on the expertise of the French association 60.000 Rebonds, the Revival program offers free and tailor-made support, which aims to help entrepreneurs by halting the downward spiral and isolation that can result from bankruptcy by enabling them to reinvent themselves and start a new professional journey. Starting in Brussels, the project aims to have a national reach by 2021.
December 1, 2020
Alongside the entrepreneurs
"As soon as the lockdown was announced last March, it was clear that entrepreneurs would be the first one to suffer economically from this situation. As the only foundation in Belgium whose exclusive mission is to support entrepreneurship, we couldn't just sit back and do nothing," explains the co-president of the Pulse Foundation, Tanguy du Monceau.
After analyzing the needs of the entrepreneurs and the responses so far provided by the actors in the field, a lack of support and accompaniment structures was felt in the aftermath of the bankruptcy.
Turning to its neighboring countries, Pulse quickly identified the French project 60.000 Rebonds as a solution to the missing link in Belgium.
Silvia Steisel, managing director of the Degroof Petercam Foundation: "By joining this initiative we want to help entrepreneurs deal with the consequences of the economic difficulties they face. In line with the values of the Degroof Petercam Foundation, this initiative also aims to support projects dedicated to solutions for job creation".
A winning methodology and partnerships
In concrete terms, as soon as the entrepreneur enters the program, he or she is placed in a trio with a coach and a godfather or godmother, both of whom are volunteers. After a first stage which aims to "get the entrepreneur back on his feet" through dedicated coaching, the second stage of the process consists of defining and setting up a new professional project. Throughout this coaching, it is also planned that the entrepreneur will have access to a network of experts and benefit from moments of exchange and meetings with peers.
"The human approach, professionalism and results obtained by the French association have definitely convinced us of the relevance of the proposed solution. The results speak for themselves: more than 95% of the participants leave the program with a new professional solution, either through a salaried job or through the launch of a new entrepreneurial activity," adds Emmanuelle Ghislain, Director of the Pulse Foundation. "Moreover, the very positive reception received, both from the ecosystem and from private and public financial partners, has reinforced our strong belief that the project brings a real societal value".
The Pulse Foundation and the Degroof Petercam Foundation can also count on the support of the Brussels-Capitale Region, through the Cabinet of Minister Trachte in charge of Economic Transition and Scientific Research. In the field, partnerships with operators such as Hub.Brussels, Reload Yourself or Réseau Entreprendre enable Revival to be a complementary player to existing solutions on the Brussels territory.
A project that is getting off the ground
With around twenty volunteers already ready to embark on the adventure, as well as the first entrepreneurs waiting for support, the Revival program intends to start its activities on 16 December.
"In this period of economic difficulties and in view of the number of announced bankruptcies, we want to be present for those who will be in demand for our services. We continue to actively recruit sponsors, coaches and experts," says Revival project manager Jacinte Monsieur.
For those entrepreneurs hesitating to take the first step or who are wondering if the program is for them, we are reaching out to them: don't hesitate to contact us," Jacinte concludes.
For more information about the program, to register as an entrepreneur or volunteer:
www.re-vival.be
Jacinte Monsieur - jm@pulsefoundation.be
About the Pulse Foundation
The Pulse Foundation is an initiative of several large Belgian families whose mission is to promote and support entrepreneurship in our country. The foundation supports and accompanies projects working to promote and support entrepreneurship throughout the country.
For more information
www.pulsefoundation.be
Emmanuelle Ghislain - egh@pulsefoundation.be 0472633969
About the Degroof Petercam Foundation
Since its creation in 2008, the Foundation selects and supports innovative solutions for employment. These solutions can focus on developing skills for the future, contributing to job creation by supporting entrepreneurship and helping those with a more difficult access to jobs. We believe in a sustainable, all-inclusive society in which all people have a chance to thrive through a quality job.
For further information
www.degroofpetercam.com/en/social-impact/degroof-petercam-foundation
Silvia Steisel - s.steisel@degroofpetercam.com 02 287 99 31