Crédal

Crédal is a Belgian cooperative that provides ethical and sustainable financial services. Founded in 1984, it aims to promote a fairer society and reinforce social cohesion through responsible finance. Crédal offers three main services: ethical investments, alternative financing, and solidarity-based project support. Their investments focus on social and environmental impact rather than purely financial returns. The cooperative provides loans to social economy organizations, entrepreneurs with positive societal impact, and individuals with limited access to traditional banking. Crédal's microcredit program supports entrepreneurs who cannot obtain financing from conventional banks. Loans range from €500 to €25,000 for professional projects. They also offer personal microcredit up to €10,000 for individuals with low incomes. The cooperative emphasizes supporting projects with social, cultural, or environmental benefits. Recent beneficiaries include social housing initiatives, fair trade organizations, and sustainable agriculture projects. Crédal also provides business development services, including training and coaching for entrepreneurs. As of 2023, Crédal had over 4,000 cooperative members and managed assets of around €50 million. The organization operates primarily in Brussels and Wallonia, with a growing presence across Belgium. Crédal's model demonstrates how ethical finance can effectively support local development and social inclusion.