Starting a business without fear of bankruptcy, invoicing your clients while contributing to your pension, remaining free while being protected: it's possible. For more than 25 years, Smart has been supporting thousands of entrepreneurs thanks to a unique model: that of the shared company.
Many project owners are faced with a difficult choice: independence, an exciting option but one that comes with risks and uncertainty, or salaried employment, which is more stable but less flexible. Smart has found a way between these two options. ‘What we offer is a different way of doing business,’ summarises Yvon Jadoul, secretary general of the cooperative.
At Smart, artists, consultants and trainers retain their autonomy: they choose their clients, set their rates and manage their own schedules. However, in administrative and social terms, they are employees (some even have permanent contracts), with all the associated benefits: paid leave, pension, health insurance. ‘Smart combines the best of both worlds,’ continues Yvon Jadoul. ‘Your income becomes an employment contract, guaranteeing full social security.’
The shared company in practice
Smart defines itself as a shared company. In other words, each member develops their own business while relying on a collective structure that pools risks and resources. In practice, this means that the income generated by members goes through Smart, which invoices, collects payments, pays salaries and settles social security contributions.
‘Isolation is a real challenge for self-employed people’
Yvon Jadoul
Whereas self-employed people bear the economic risk alone, Smart spreads it across the cooperative. ‘With us, bankruptcy doesn't exist,’ insists the secretary general. If a client is late in paying, the salary is still guaranteed. If a business activity is interrupted, the member is not drowning in debt and can start again with greater peace of mind, as the cooperative advances payments and takes care of debt collection if necessary. This mutualisation frees members from financial pressure and administrative burdens, allowing them to focus on their work. This is undoubtedly one of the most striking differences with the self-employed status.
In exchange, an average contribution of 13% of turnover goes into a common pot that finances a range of services: legal support, administrative and accounting management, training, workspaces, debt collection and even zero-interest loans.
A solidary community
Smart is not just a service provider; the cooperative cultivates a genuine sense of community. Coffee meetings, co-development workshops and networking sessions allow members to exchange experiences, share contacts and, sometimes, set up joint projects.
‘Isolation is a real challenge for self-employed people'“, says Yvon Jadoul. 'With Smart, you're never alone.' Each member becomes a shareholder by paying an annual cooperative share of €30, according to the democratic principle of ‘one person, one vote”. No dividends are paid: all profits are reinvested in the collective project.
Responding to changes in the world of work
The model is appealing because it is in line with developments in the labour market. Freelancing is on the rise, multiple jobs are becoming the norm, and many people aspire to greater autonomy without giving up social security. In this context, shared companies are emerging as a hybrid solution.
Young graduates see Smart as a way to test out a business without having to set up their own company straight away. More experienced professionals see it as an opportunity to relaunch their career in a secure environment. ‘We are showing that it is possible to do business differently. This model combines freedom and security,’ sums up the secretary general.
And tomorrow?
Born in the cultural sector, Smart has gradually broadened its horizons. Today, the cooperative has nearly 40,000 members in Belgium and is establishing itself in several European countries. It inspires other initiatives and challenges public authorities on the future of work.
‘Self-employment cannot remain the only option for entrepreneurs. Shared companies are a credible alternative, in tune with today's realities,’ concludes Yvon Jadoul. In a context of job insecurity and the rise of burnout, Smart advocates a collective model that protects without restricting.
At Beci, we defend the interests of Brussels-based businesses and represent entrepreneurs in discussions with political decision-makers. Above all, we support projects that stimulate economic development in the Brussels-Capital Region. For several months now, Beci has been calling for a Brussels government capable of supporting business growth and creating an environment conducive to innovation and employment. More information on our dedicated page.