Social Enterprise Tours

Come with us to Flevoland, the youngest province in the Netherlands (since 1986). This unique and man-made island is joined to the mainland by bridges. Built from scratch by drying land in the former Zuiderzee, the island is 4 metres below sea level, secured by many dykes and has several wind turbines. On this tour, you’ll visit community enterprises where profits are reinvested into the neighbourhoods for projects like landscaping, reviving playgrounds and organising community events. Familiarise yourself with the social enterprise movement here and get inspired by how these entrepreneurs think globally yet act locally. We’ll also visit Ontmoetingspark Buiten! – Dronten, an outdoor meeting park with a mini zoo and outdoor activities. Buiten! also offers daycare for people who struggle to find a regular job or have physical and mental health difficulties.

This tour is organised by LSA Bewoners and Social Enterprise NL as part of their Ondernemen met je Buurt programme.

Meet one of the frontrunners of the circular economy in The Netherlands and join us on an exciting tour to Apeldoorn. We’ll take you on a unique journey to explore the various facets of FOENIX – a remarkable second-hand social enterprise that goes beyond just selling pre-loved items. FOENIX has been recognised as the most inspirational social employer in the Netherlands.

During this tour, you’ll visit two establishments which include the secondhand shop, repair café, laundry centre, wood workplace, textile studio, bicycle workshop and the municipal recycling centre, where they actively prevent goods from becoming waste. You’ll learn about the circular economy policy in the Netherlands and the best practice collaboration between FOENIX and the local government.  During the bus journey, Branchevereniging Kringloop Nederland (BKN) and RREUSE (the European Umbrella organisation for second-hand social enterprises) will shed light on the sector, their meaningful work and answer all your questions. Enjoy lunch prepared by people who face challenges reintegrating into work force. 

This tour is organised by the BKN, representing 63 members and 238 second-hand social enterprise locations throughout the Netherlands.

This tour is not just about visiting places, it’s also about building connections with each other, with new neighbourhoods and with yourself. During this tour, you’ll immerse yourself in the social enterprise ecosystem of Rotterdam by not only getting to know the city and its social entrepreneurs but also by learning about the power of connection. Get inspired by the social entrepreneurial hub, BlueCity and have a sustainable inclusive lunch in Rotterdam South where social cohesion and inclusivity are the driving forces. End with an exciting adventure that remains a surprise. With our social entrepreneurs, we will focus on the areas of circularity, fair chain, labour inclusivity and social cohesion. We promise that you won’t be just listening; it will definitely be (inter)active!

This tour is organised by Voor Goed Agency.

Meet Social Enterprises in The Hague

Hop on board for a great adventure to this international city of peace, justice and one of the frontrunners in the Dutch Impact Entrepreneurship ecosystem. During this tour, you’ll learn more about the future of food in hubs like The New Farm, you’ll hear firsthand from circular innovators like social firm I-did and you’ll meet the diverse ecosystem that is transforming the Hague’s economy.

This tour is organised by local social enterprise network Social Club Den Haag in partnership with The City of The Hague / ImpactCity.

Amsterdam West Fashion & Food – Art & Activism

The Amsterdam West Tour will take you to the vibrant West District of Amsterdam which has one of the highest concentrations of social enterprises in the city.

On this tour, you’ll meet social enterprise front-runners like United Repair Centre and enjoy delicious food by a community based social enterprise. You’ll hear about the transformation of De Hallen tram depot and its residents ⏤ bike repair shop Recycle and Beeldend Gesproken Art Gallery.

You’ll also visit Ruigoord Cultural Free Haven, a creative hotspot that is part of the “Cultural Defence line” of Amsterdam and Chocolatemakers, where you’ll get some insider knowledge on how they produce their delicious chocolate. The tour finishes with a drink at Bar Bario, a safe and creative space for BIPOC, queer and trans people. There we’ll discuss activism and LGBTIQ+ social enterprises in the city.

This tour is organised by Amsterdam Impact in partnership with the West District team of the City of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam “North Stars” & “Social Centre” [SOLD OUT]

On this walking tour, you’ll discover the North of Amsterdam where SEWF23 takes place. This up-and-coming and rapidly changing neighbourhood hosts some of the social enterprise gems or “North Stars” of Amsterdam. You’ll discuss diversity and inclusion with Colourful Goodies (SEWF speaker), see firsthand how social enterprises raise the bar in the city’s circular economy and more. Afterwards, a social enterprise boat tour will take you through the centre where you’ll meet Amsterdam Underground. This cooperative is set up by tour guides who share their personal stories of homelessness and surviving on the streets of Amsterdam. Their tour finishes at de Prael Brewery, a social firm where you’ll have the opportunity to reflect together on the tour and try their delicious beers. De Prael drinks are also open to other SEWF23 guests from 5 PM onwards.

This tour is organised by Amsterdam Impact in partnership with Amsterdam Underground, the North District team of the City of Amsterdam.