Steward-Ownership: the future of business?
Steward-owned companies are pioneering an alternative form of ownership that is rapidly spreading across the world. The concept The concept was sparked by Patagonia’s “Earth as the only shareholder” and is particularly valuable for impact enterprises, as it provides the strongest safeguard against potential mission-drift.
When thinking long-term, steward-ownership is the key! And now, this model is also gaining traction in Belgium. In this Webinar, the newly established organization Steward-owned offers deeper insights into this alternative ownership structure and how it can be implemented in Belgium. It highlights the benefits and approach of transitioning to steward-ownership for start-ups and scale-ups, as well as its impact on governance, financing, and stakeholder engagement.
Steward-ownership ensures that companies prioritize their mission over short-term profits, especially during critical moments. It disrupts the traditional link between money and power by separating two key rights: voting rights and economic rights—representing a true paradigm shift.
While the legal frameworks may differ, all steward-owned companies commit to two fundamental principles:
Self-governance – the company remains independent and cannot be sold for private gain.
Profit serves purpose – they are reinvested in the company’s mission rather than being extracted by shareholders.
The impact of steward-ownership:
Mission always comes first.
Protection against takeovers and speculative investors.
Ensuring long-term stability and independence.
Long-term decision-making.
Steward-owned companies have been shown to increase customer trust, improve survival rates, and boost employee satisfaction and retention.
Register now and discover how steward-ownership can shape the future of business!
Practical details:
Date: Tuesday, March 18th.
Time: 12:00 PM.
Duration: 1H.
Guest: Peter Depauw, from Steward-Owned.
Where? Online meeting.