Sustainable entrepreneurship, have you already considered it?

Sustainable entrepreneurship probably rings a bell, but what does it actually mean? "Sustainable entrepreneurship is based on three pillars, the three Ps: Planet, Profit, and People," summarises Mikaël Gillekens. "In other words, it's about making a profit while respecting the planet's resources and the people you work with."

A must-have

Is this business model the preserve of a few committed entrepreneurs? Not at all! While it was still a choice a few years ago, integrating sustainability into your business model has become a necessity. "It's even a condition sine qua non for successfully launching a new activity," adds Mikaël Gillekens. "Without even mentioning the regulatory aspect, if your project doesn't include a sustainable dimension, you won't convince either your banker or consumers, who are increasingly attentive to the social impact of their choices!"

Full of ideas... but where to start?

You've got your project in mind, and you're ready to make the leap. But where do you start, as a student or young professional?

"Before thinking about financing, you need to develop a solid business plan," insists Mikaël Gillekens. "A start-up incubator can be the best guide in this respect. I'm thinking of Enactus, of which BNP Paribas Fortis is a partner of, and which is very active in universities. Their teams can integrate you into the sustainable ecosystem and put you in touch with the right people."

And what about my bank?

While some banks will only finance your project, others will play the role of a true partner. "At BNP Paribas Fortis, we have extensive experience in supporting start-ups. In addition to examining their financial plan and challenging it with sustainability in mind, we help them with their first steps (opening an account, company number, social secretariat...) and put them in touch with internal experts or external partners."

They're off to a good start...

There's no shortage of "success stories" on the side of the Belgian bank. "We recently helped Javry set up its original online coffee delivery model," recalls Mikaël Gillekens. "With Bonjour Maurice, we contributed to the launch of a sustainable clothing brand. And we also helped finance Yuma Labs, a sustainable eyewear brand made from recycled plastic."

Why not you?

As you can see, to launch a business that's both sustainable and prosperous, you need to find not only the right idea but also the right players: a start-up accelerator and a bank that puts sustainability at the heart of its priorities. It's your turn!