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Scaling social entrepreneurship in the Netherlands

Building an inclusive and sustainable society takes entrepreneurs who look beyond profit alone. Social entrepreneurs are driven by a mission to create positive change—whether by opening doors to employment for people who face barriers to the job market, advancing the circular economy, or shaping a future-proof food system. But making a real social impact isn’t easy. Access to the right funding and support is often hard to find. That’s where Rabo Foundation comes in. For years, we’ve been supporting social entrepreneurs grow—acting as an early-stage financier, a trusted sparring partner, and a connector. Our goal is simple: to help them amplify their impact.

What we offer to maximize impact

At Rabo Foundation, our experienced specialists support social entrepreneurs in building strong businesses and driving sustainable growth. We provide tailored financing, hands-on coaching, and leverage our network to connect them with like-minded entrepreneurs and potential investors. In addition, we share knowledge and up-to-date insights to help them future-proof their organizations and maximize their social impact.

For social entrepreneurs, impact comes first. That can make it harder to secure financing through traditional banks. That’s why Rabo Foundation provides early-stage finance to promising social enterprises. In many cases, we are their first financier—acting as a catalyst for growth. Our financing gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to launch successfully or take the next step toward scaling their impact. We offer a range of financial solutions tailored to the stage of the enterprise and the societal impact it aims to achieve.

Loans
For enterprises, start-ups, and scale-ups looking to grow and expand, we provide loans ranging from €75,000 to €500,000.

Donations
For pilot projects, early-stage ventures, or scale-up initiatives, we offer donations between €50,000 and €100,000.

Want to learn more?
View our brochure for social entrepreneurs in the Netherlands (only in Dutch)

Explore our social entrepreneurship brochure (Dutch)

In addition to financial support, Rabo Foundation offers social entrepreneurs access to a range of capacity‑building opportunities. These include training programs, courses, and coaching designed to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and support the development of a sustainable, scalable business model. Examples include:

Participation in the Social Entrepreneurship Program at Utrecht University

Practical workshops and training sessions focused on entrepreneurship and impact measurement

Personalized guidance and advice from experienced coaches

Beyond finance and capacity‑building support, Rabo Foundation strongly believes in the power of collaboration. We actively connect social entrepreneurs with relevant partners and peers who can help them grow and amplify their impact. Depending on their needs, we link them to:

Entrepreneurs with a similar social mission, fostering peer learning and collaboration

Partners who can provide financing, strategic advice, or specialized expertise

Brochure RF NL

Learn more about our support in the Netherlands (in Dutch)

Stories of entrepreneurs driving societal change

Discover the stories of social entrepreneurs supported by Rabo Foundation who are tackling societal challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions. These organizations show how entrepreneurship can create lasting impact.