You, your business, or your organization can become a co-op member (shareholder) by purchasing a share of the cooperative Vrienden van Noordouest (KBO). We offer four types of shares:

• A/ founding share (€2,500)
• B/ investor share (€5,000)
• C/ regular share (€2,500)
• D/ supporter share (€1,000)

Each shareholder becomes a member of the General Assembly of the Cooperative Company (CV) and helps guide the project’s direction.

The three A-shares are assigned to Ben, Charline, and Laurens, the founders and initiators of the project. They safeguard the initial mission of Noordouest and know all the ins and outs.

Want to know more? Read our statutes and an information note on potential risks.

We keep real estate and day-to-day operations separate. The cooperative Vrienden van Noordouest owns the building. If you buy a share in the cooperative, you’re investing purely in real estate, a safe investment with low risks. As a member of the General Assembly, you have a say in every decision.

Additionally, we are setting up a nonprofit organization (vzw) that will rent the building from the CV and manage the café’s daily operations. This includes placing drink orders, coordinating volunteers, booking bands, etc. Initially, the nonprofit will rely on volunteers. Later, we may appoint a manager, but who knows what the future holds.

If you are an A-, B-, or C-shareholder of the cooperative, you can – if you want – join the nonprofit. The nonprofit’s General Assembly decides collectively on daily management, content, role distribution, and responsibilities.

We recommend only buying a share if you can afford to miss the money. To allow Noordouest enough time to grow, investors can theoretically sell their shares after three years (and only if it doesn’t jeopardize operations). In an emergency, there are three practical options:

• The nonprofit builds a savings fund. If there’s enough money, the nonprofit buys back your share.
• If the café is successful, we’ll undoubtedly find a new shareholder to replace you.
• If the café doesn’t perform as expected, we may need to consider selling the property, and everyone would get their share of the sale price.

Are you handy and ready to help? After purchasing the building, we aim to restore and renovate it to its former glory. Any help is welcome. Are you an architect, plumber, or experienced renovator? Let us know.

Noordouest is also open to anyone willing to get involved – as a volunteer, immediate neighbor, or a member of an organization that might use the space in the future. Together, we’ll determine the future of this place.

B-shareholders (€5,000) receive an annual gross dividend of 2 percent (= €100 per share) from the cooperative. The net payout (after withholding tax) is 1.6 percent (= €80 per share). Do you receive less than €800 in dividends per year? You’ll get the withheld tax back through your personal income tax return.

Our future neighborhood café is a corner building at the intersection of Jean Dubrucqlaan and Verhoevenstraat. The property includes a ground floor of 55m² and a basement of 23m². The street side offers ample space for a terrace overlooking the park, where the sun sets.

The two upper floors are home to two apartment owners with whom we have good contact.

Examples of inspiration include Het Bos (Antwerp) and La Vieille Chéchette (Sint-Gilles). Co-op members and other engaged individuals can help shape Noordouest together.