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  • Financing
    in a simple way
  • Coaching
    For your success
  • Defending
    with advocacy

Our Story

As a leading microfinance institution in Belgium, microStart provides advice and grants microcredits to (starting) entrepreneurs who do not have access to financing from the conventional banking sector.

Created in 2011, microStart is an initiative of Adie, a pioneer in European microfinance, BNP Paribas Fortis and the European Investment Fund.

Today, microStart is one of the most dynamic and innovative European players in the field of professional microcredit. microStart's practices comply with the European Code of Conduct promoted by the European Commission for Microfinance Institutions in the EU.

We aim for a more inclusive society by facilitating the creation and development of viable enterprises and jobs for every individual, especially those experiencing financial and social inequalities.

Our values

  • Trust
  • Innovation
  • Respect
  • Solidarity
  • Professionalism

Facts & Figures As of the end of 2023

  • +9.800
    jobs created
  • 7185
    professional loans
  • +€ 61M
    injected into the economy
  • 91%
    repayment rate
  • 80
    volunteers
  • +11.000
    entrepreneurs trained

Our team

Board SC-ES

  • Carine De Nys

    Chair microStart SCRL

    Carine De Nys

    Chair microStart SCRL

  • Anne-France Simon

    Head of CSR Engagement & Inclusion - BNP Paribas Fortis

    Anne-France Simon

    Head of CSR Engagement & Inclusion - BNP Paribas Fortis

  • Jan Heyvaert

    Chief Human Resources and Sustainability Officer - AG Insurance

    Jan Heyvaert

    Chief Human Resources and Sustainability Officer - AG Insurance

  • Laure Coussirat-Coustère

    Deputy CEO - Adie

    Laure Coussirat-Coustère

    Deputy CEO - Adie

  • Patrick Somerhausen

    Co-CEO - Funds For Good

    Patrick Somerhausen

    Co-CEO - Funds For Good

  • Loïc De Cannière

    Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Incofin Investment Management

    Loïc De Cannière

    Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Incofin Investment Management

  • Guido Busseniers

    Chairman of microStart Support ASBL

    Guido Busseniers

    Chairman of microStart Support ASBL

  • Bruno Debuysscher

    Operations Director Partena

    Bruno Debuysscher

    Operations Director Partena

Board ASBL-VZW

  • Olivier Brissaud

    Administrator

    Olivier Brissaud

    Administrator

  • Guy Turchet

    Administrator & Treasurer

    Guy Turchet

    Administrator & Treasurer

  • Odile Amory

    Administrator

    Odile Amory

    Administrator

  • Guido Busseniers

    Chairman of microStart Support ASBL

    Guido Busseniers

    Chairman of microStart Support ASBL

  • David Dardenne

    Administrator (Senior Manager at Accenture)

    David Dardenne

    Administrator (Senior Manager at Accenture)

Management

  • Lorraine de Fierlant

    General Manager

    Lorraine de Fierlant

    General Manager

    lorraine.defierlant@microstart.be

    My interest in businesses started during my studies in economics. Nearly 8 years in corporate communication have allowed me to build relationships with CEOs, entrepreneurs, journalists, and politicians.

    The nonprofit organization Réseau Entreprendre in Brussels has nurtured my passion for entrepreneurship and deepened my understanding of supporting entrepreneurs through other entrepreneurs, creating sustainable jobs, facilitating the growth of a network of nearly 500 entrepreneurs, financing, and team management.

    I am convinced of the impact of microStart, which enables financing and support for entrepreneurs regardless of their background, income, social status, or education. This is an essential mission for our Belgian economy.

  • Sandra Fernandez

    Chief Customer Officer

    Sandra Fernandez

    Chief Customer Officer

    sandra.fernandez@microstart.be

    After graduating with a degree in languages and literature, I soon realised that I wanted to use my social skills and ideally make a contribution to those in need. That's how I ended up at Caritas International, where I worked in the migration sector for ten years. I discovered how resilient people can be and how, in their own countries, they creatively use entrepreneurship to support themselves and their families.
    This brings me now to microStart, where I hope to take on new challenges and discover that there are also many entrepreneurial opportunities in Belgium. I am convinced that entrepreneurship and microfinance can be one of the keys to success for many people, and I hope to contribute to this by starting this new and exciting chapter at microStart. 

  • Haifaa Saad

    Finance, Risk & Admin Manager

    Haifaa Saad

    Finance, Risk & Admin Manager

    haifaa.saad@microstart.be

    I undertook a Master's degree in Economics in Cairo which I completed at ULB, followed by The European Microfinance Program (EMP) which gave me the necessary knowledge in the field. Several internships and professional experiences as well as an immersion in Morocco allowed me to perfect my knowledge. Within microStart as a management controller, a position that allows me to link finance and microcredit which modestly and indirectly helps to create several jobs in Belgium.

  • Michel Rossius

    CEO's advisor

    Michel Rossius

    CEO's advisor

Support

  • Sara Loveniers

    Deputy CCO

    Sara Loveniers

    Deputy CCO

    sara.loveniers@microstart.be

    After my studies in social sciences and economics, with a specialisation in TEW, I wanted to deepen my knowledge in social and development economics. 

    That's why I decided to follow a study on globalisation and development, where I learned about the importance of microcredits in the world. 

    Support for small entrepreneurs is also very important in Belgium.  That's why I'm very enthusiastic about working at microStart to help entrepreneurs and starters get started.

    Every day, we are in contact with clients who have a dream, and we help them to realise it through financing, support and advice. 

    I am very proud to contribute to the social impact of microStart on our society!

  • Larissa Rakotozandry

    Customer Support

    Larissa Rakotozandry

    Customer Support

    larissa.rakotozandry@microstart.be

    Attracted by the social impact of microfinance, I specialised in Microfinance and Financial Inclusion at the ULB.
    Coming from a developing country, I am aware of the importance of having someone who believes in your project and who helps you to make it happen. That's what really attracted my attention to microStart and I'm proud to be able to participate in the future success story of an entrepreneur!

  • Brunel Pembele

    Customer Support

    Brunel Pembele

    Customer Support

    brunel.pembele@microstart.be

    With experience in a telecommunications company and the financial sectors, I have accumulated a lot of knowledge and skills. 
    Communication is central for me and working together towards a suitable solution is very interesting.  Working at microStart gives me a new opportunity to further develop my knowledge in the field of customer service and above all to help customers to realise their projects.

  • Adham Zaghloul

    Recovery

    Adham Zaghloul

    Recovery

    adham.zaghloul@microstart.be

  • Trabelsi Nidal

  • Tamara Pezo

    Risks & Statistics Manager

    Tamara Pezo

    Risks & Statistics Manager

    tamara.pezo@microstart.be

    With a background in management science, I started working in the fund administration sector where I had the opportunity to perform various functions related to the calculation and control of net asset values. This experience not only gave me an insight into market finance, but also sharpened my interest in responsible finance. This led me to culminate my studies with a thesis on microcredit. Convinced of the positive impact of microcredit on economic and social development, I decided to breathe new life into my career by joining the microStart adventure. I share the same values with this organisation.

  • Aurélie Hochstras

    HR & Finance Administrator

    Aurélie Hochstras

    HR & Finance Administrator

    aurelie.hochstras@microstart.be

    After a first experience as HR assistant for 4 years in a company, I was looking for a new challenge. So, thanks to my desire to learn new things, I decided to continue my career path at MicroStart. I was captivated by its vision and values. I am very motivated and happy to be able to contribute to this project. In my opinion, entrepreneurship is the engine of our economy and I am therefore delighted to join a company that has understood this principle 100%.

  • Amina Hmimsa

    Junior Accountant

    Amina Hmimsa

    Junior Accountant

    amina.hmimsa@microstart.be

    Having adopted a dual culture lifestyle, Moroccan that of my parents and Belgian my native country, I can say that I have developed a rich personality allowing me to adapt to all types of situations in my life.

    Having completed my secondary education in an Athénée with a general economic-mathematical option, I was immersed in the world of accounting from my teenage years, and I knew immediately that this was the direction I wanted to follow.

    With my CESS in hand, I embarked on higher studies in accounting at the HEFF Coremans. These years as a bachelor were rich in learning and experience.

    I was lucky enough to have done my internships during my last year of bachelor in an international pharmaceutical company. They hired me directly for a student job during the summer holidays.

    I then had the opportunity to develop my knowledge as a PA accountant in a company with 2 activities; economic and social and with 4 NPOs.

    I am a person with a lot of experience, I am very knowledgeable. The opportunity to deepen my knowledge, to evolve and to increase my grades without being considered as a junior accountant (being a recent graduate) is what pushed me to take up new challenges and become the accountant of microStart.

  • Olivia Van den Bogaert

    Partnership & Advocacy Manager

    Olivia Van den Bogaert

    Partnership & Advocacy Manager

    olivia.vandenbogaert@microstart.be

    I started to develop an interest in entrepreneurship during my studies as a management engineer. After a first experience as a salesperson in a company, followed by the launch of a small restaurant, I decided to commit myself for one and a half years to a project of coaching young entrepreneurs in an NGO in Ivory Coast. This project convinced me that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for poverty reduction and economic and social development! Working at microStart was a logical next step in my career path. Moreover, microStart allows me to work in an organisation whose vision and values I share.

  • Martijn Crabbé

    Partnership Officer

    Martijn Crabbé

    Partnership Officer

    martijn.crabbe@microstart.be

    I graduated in Finance at the Arteveldehogeschool in Ghent where I also did an internship with microStart. During this internship, my motivation increased to work in the financial sector but with the goal of helping people with their entrepreneurship every day. After a first work experience in digital marketing, I joined microStart (this time as a full-time employee). microStart combines the financial with the social, a key role in our society. I therefore wish to help the people who come to microStart to start up their businesses as best I can.

  • Steffen Van Wijmeersch

    Communication & Marketing Manager

    Steffen Van Wijmeersch

    Communication & Marketing Manager

    steffen.vanwijmeersch@microstart.be

    After graduating from the VUB, I took my first professional steps by organising activities for the homeless in the CAW. During my career in various social organisations, my love for communication and design grew more and more. After further training and a first professional experience as communication manager at Cultureghem VZW, I started as a freelance graphic designer. The birth of "LOWI" was also my first step as an entrepreneur. At microStart, I found the opportunity to combine my love of communication and design with a social component and a sense of entrepreneurship. As far as I'm concerned, it's right on target!

  • Tiphaine Gire

    Head of Development & Marketing

    Tiphaine Gire

    Head of Development & Marketing

    tiphaine.gire@microstart.be

    After graduating with a Master's degree in International Strategic Management Consulting, I became involved in the management of solidarity projects at the end of my studies. For more than five years, I coordinated and managed development aid and humanitarian projects in various sectors, mainly within specialised agencies of the United Nations system in Madagascar (the Food and Agriculture Organization, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization) and in the Democratic Republic of Congo (the World Food Programme).

    Evolving in an environment where I am increasingly confronted with and interested in social entrepreneurship as a driver of economic development and social inclusion, I am now directing my career towards actions that combine entrepreneurial initiative (or social innovation) and the fight against poverty. 

    I fully support microStart's vision and I am now happy to join the organisation and to invest myself alongside its teams as Development Project Manager. 

  • Boglárka Csatlós

    Salesforce Developer

    Boglárka Csatlós

    Salesforce Developer

    boglarka.csatlos@microstart.be

    After graduating from Université de Bourgogne in Applied Foreign Languages, I returned to Hungary to start my professional career. My first job happened to be at Salesforce Technical Support as a Tier 2 agent for French and English speaking customers which allowed me to discover my skills and interest in IT. Since then I have been working for over 9 years in various Salesforce related roles in Hungary and in Belgium: support agent, SME, technical consultant, internal admin, technical architect, developer.

    At microStart I can combine my passion for my profession with a social mission which is a very strong motivation for my everyday work. I am proud to be part of an organization facilitating people to take initiative of entrepreneurship and to take their life in their own hands regardless of their background.

  • Vincent Nguyen

    Junior Salesforce Administrator

    Vincent Nguyen

    Junior Salesforce Administrator

    vincent.nguyen@microstart.be

    After studying at ULB and then ICHEC, I launched my career as a consultant specializing in digital transformation, with particular expertise in Salesforce technology. This experience enabled me to work with a number of companies, where I had the opportunity to support them in their digitalization. However, beyond the functional and technical aspects of my work, I've always felt a deep aspiration: to put my skills at the service of a cause that's close to my heart, namely, to have a positive impact on society. For me, the idea of reconciling my passion for new technologies with a social commitment was an obvious one. That's why I chose to join the MicroStart team.

  • Marie Halin

Brussels

Liège

  • Belinda Moulin

    Branch Manager

    Belinda Moulin

    Branch Manager

    belinda.moulin@microstart.be

    With a degree in Population and Development Sciences, I was able to gain experience in the field of development cooperation in different organisations.
    As Koffi Anan said, "Microcredit has proven to be an effective weapon against poverty and hunger and can really improve the lot of people, especially those who need it the most".
    Working for microStart is an opportunity for me to contribute to the fight against poverty and the integration of people excluded from our society.

  • Laura Bonjean

    Advisor

    Laura Bonjean

    Advisor

    laura.bonjean@microstart.be

    As a graduate in social and sustainable enterprise management, working at microStart was my first ideal job. 
    After living in Norway for a few months, I applied for a job at microStart, looking for a job that combines the non-profit world and entrepreneurship, that makes sense and that is in line with my values. Indeed, equity, humanity and inclusiveness are very dear to me. 
    I admire people with great ideas and the desire to undertake, and I am enthusiastic about supporting them in their projects.

  • Laura Laruelle

     

    My journey has allowed me to work alongside companies that share a humanistic vision of the economy, and in 2021, I became aware of social entrepreneurship. Convinced of the importance of microfinance for self-employment creation, my goal at microStart is to create a warm environment where every entrepreneur feels supported and encouraged in their projects.

Hainaut

  • Sarah Vandevelde

    Branch Manager

    Sarah Vandevelde

    Branch Manager

    sarah.vandevelde@microstart.be

    I have a Master's degree in law and I am eager to work in a meaningful and committed profession. My studies have enabled me to integrate the values of equity and equality, from which stems the right of everyone to undertake an economic activity. I admire people who, full of ideas, dare to start their own business and I want to encourage them to do so. This is the aim of microStart and the reason why I feel at home here. My experience in voluntary work and associations has made me realise how important listening and advising are and are two things I really enjoy doing.

  • Maverick Montone

    Advisor

    Maverick Montone

    Advisor

    maverick.montone@microstart.be

    With a degree in hotel management, I have made the choice through my career to contribute to the satisfaction of each customer.

    With experience in the hotel sector and holding various managerial and executive positions, I was able to develop human and social principles and skills and espouse the values dear to microStart.

    Affected by the health crisis linked to COVID-19, I made the choice to give a new impetus to my career. microStart is for me an obvious choice! Indeed, having the constant desire to help and accompany, to put my human values, my team spirit and my analytical skills at the service of microStart, I will be able to make myself useful and allow each client to develop professionally and guarantee the right to economic initiative.

    These principles and values fully reflect the vision and mission of microStart. The provision of my skills to company projects, teammates and clients, the expertise of my colleagues and manager are the keys to achieving my social and human missions.

Ghent

  • Hassan Abo Esmail

    Branch Manager

    Hassan Abo Esmail

    Branch Manager

    hassan.aboesmail@microstart.be

    Having studied English literature, I did not really expect to change my career to microfinance.
    I started working for an NGO involved in microfinance at the First MicroFinance Institution-Syria in different positions: first as a credit advisor, then in the credit control unit, risk management and compliance department at the head office. Microfinance is a passion for me and part of my personality. It was therefore logical that I should also work in the microfinance sector in Belgium, namely at microStart. I first started as a volunteer in May 2017, and in October 2017 I was able to start working as a credit advisor.

  • Elmehdi Lagrit

    Advisor

    Elmehdi Lagrit

    Advisor

    elmehdi.lagrit@microstart.be

    I have been working at microStart since May 2018. I started as a receptionist with a contract as section 60. Due to some changes within the company, an opportunity as a Community Officer came up in the Ghent office. Being a true citizen of Ghent, I know the city very well and I know where the different communities are, so this job seemed like a good challenge. The position of community officer is a very stimulating and above all important position within microStart. At microStart, we focus on people with an immigrant background. These people need to be heard and helped. It is also very important to gain their trust and show them that we want to help them. For me it is a very pleasant job, because you come into contact with many different cultures and people from different backgrounds. It also broadens my knowledge as a person and I find that a very important part of my job. I learn a lot from my work but also from my clients.

  • Saman Douroudi

    Advisor

    Saman Douroudi

    Advisor

    saman.douroudi@microstart.be

    After several years of experience in the world of real estate and banking, I had the feeling that it is not always easy for everyone to achieve their dream. Everyone has the right to give everything to reach their goal and this certainly cannot be hindered by one's background, income, social situation or education. I wanted to see myself as a link to offer added value in the search for these people. That is why I chose to work at microStart. I was strongly attracted by the vision of this financial institution.

    With respect, trust and professionalism, I do everything in my power to make the dreams of all clients come true.

  • Ahmad Ghali

    Advisor

    Ahmad Ghali

    Advisor

    ahmad.ghali@microstart.be

    I studied law and worked as a lawyer in Syria, specialising in company law and banking law. Driven by my passion for economics and entrepreneurship, I followed the Master in Business Economics at Ghent University. Through my work in the social sector, I became aware of people's needs and the importance for society that people can rely on each other and trust each other. microStart is not only a financial institution, it is also a gateway to social and economic participation for motivated people who do not have enough resources to achieve their dreams. Helping people is a precious goal for me, that's why I immediately got involved in this position of microcredit advisor at microStart, where solidarity, respect and equality are essential.

Antwerp

  • Jochen Lenders

    Branch manager

    Jochen Lenders

    Branch manager

    jochen.lenders@microstart.be

    Originally from an entrepreneurial family, I left Belgium to pursue my university education and start my career. My journey took me across a multitude of countries, taught me 4 additional languages and gave me the chance to work in a handful of large, corporate organisations. In my spare time, I created 2 start-ups and was fortunate to be able to contribute to sociable projects, working with young entrepreneurs, homeless people, children and athletes.

    Upon my return to Belgium, my eye fell on microStart as it combined a lot of my passions into one; entrepreneurship, finance and a social cause. I really believe in the mission and values of this company and I am delighted about the opportunity to put my skills to good use in my new environment.

  • Werner Van Dessel

    Werner Van Dessel

    werner.vandessel@microstart.be

    Microcredit first came onto my radar after reading the book "Banker to the Poor" by Muhammad Yunus from Bangladesh (2010). During that period, I was staying in India where I was involved in a charity project. I noticed how people were able to accomplish wonderful projects with just a little financial support. At that time, microcredit was still unknown in Belgium, and I continued to work for many years in the "traditional" conservative banking sector. Finally, I have made the move to an organization where social engagement and assistance to the economically weaker sections are central, Microstart.

Find the nearest office

Telephone reception

Monday – Friday
9h – 12h30 / 13h - 16h (FR, NL and EN)

+32 2 888 61 00

Agencies

Monday – Friday
By appointment only

  • Brussels branch

    Rue de Fiennes 77
    welcome@microstart.be

  • Liège branch

    Boulevard de la Sauvenière 58
    liege@microstart.be

  • Hainaut branch

    Partena
    Boulevard Tirou 130
    hainaut@microstart.be

  • Ghent branch

    Voormuide 41
    gent@microstart.be

  • Antwerp branch

    Partena
    Uitbreidingstraat 180 2600 Antwerpen
    T +32 2 888 61 00
    antwerpen@microstart.be

Permanences at our partners

By appointment only on +32 2 888 61 00 or by e-mail welcome@microstart.be

  • Ostend permanency

    Partena Professional
    Graaf de Smet de Naeyerlaan 26/28

  • Courtrai permanency

    Partena Professional
    Houtmarkt 9D
    gent@microstart.be

  • Mons permanency

    Partena Professional
    Boulevard Sainctelette 73
    hainaut@microstart.be

  • Sint-Niklaas office

    Partena Professional
    Plezantstraat 161
    antwerpen@microstart.be

  • Namur permanency

    Partena Professional
    Rue Pépin 1
    liege@microstart.be

  • Verviers permanency

    CRVI
    Rue de Rome 17
    liege@microstart.be

  • Hasselt permanency

    Partena Professional
    Herkenrodesingel 6A
    antwerpen@microstart.be

  • Nivelles permanency

    Storylab in Cap Innove
    Rue de la Recherche 2
    hainaut@microstart.be

  • Bruges permanency

    Partena Professional
    Gistelse Steenweg 17
    gent@microstart.be

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