Luc De Weerdt has been appointed as new director at greenbizz.brussels, it has been announced.
He replaces Jean-Marc Bryskere who was at the helm for some 9 years.
greenbizz.brussels is an innovative business centre in Brussels, which focuses on the green and sustainable economy. It is located in the Tivoli GreenCity district in Laeken, in a former industrial zone that citydev.brussels has transformed into a sustainable district. greenbizz.brussels is one of the eight SME parks that citydev.brussels has in its portfolio.
De Weerdt says that, above all, he wants to maintain the “same positive course and further strengthen the ecosystem.”
In an interview, he describes himself “as a man who takes mission-driven businesses to heart.” He is 56 years old and graduated in economics.
He said, “During the first part of my professional life, I was mainly active in international collaboration. Then, I became an independent entrepreneur by taking over two family businesses active in the fitting of commercial vehicles. At the end of 2020, I was interim director of De Overmolen, an organization that develops social real estate in Brussels.”
He goes on, “My years spent in international collaboration reawakened my interest in an activity with societal added value. As an independent contractor, I have experienced the joys and pains of entrepreneurship. This is what brought me to greenbizz.brussels: working with and for entrepreneurs with societal added value.”
He adds, “Based on my first days, it seems to me that Greenbizz is fulfilling its mission very well. It is a dynamic place where green start-ups and sustainable businesses can grow and collaborate to contribute to a more environmentally friendly future. There is a positive atmosphere and the collaboration with all the Greenbizzers is pleasant.”
He says, “I have no plans for a change in strategic direction. Ten years ago, Greenbizz was well received. Even today, there is a positive atmosphere and users greatly appreciate Greenbizz. Above all, I want to continue to dedicate myself to managing spaces, supporting users and expanding the network. The goal is for our members to be able to fully concentrate on their business.”
Thomas Ryckalts, chairman of the board of directors of greenbizz.brussels, commented, “Thanks to his expertise, Jean-Marc has contributed to the success of Greenbizz. Indeed, it supported entrepreneurs in their growth process and connected them with relevant networks, mentors and financing opportunities. We are grateful to him for all the work accomplished and welcome his successor.”
Further comment came from Philippe Antoine, general director of Economic Expansion at citydev.brussels, who noted, “The challenge for companies starting up in Brussels is and remains the lack of space.
“At citydev.brussels, we note that the demand for spaces for SMEs that are adapted to young or medium-sized businesses remains significant. Our eight SME parks are hugely popular and we are in the process of preparing ten new ones. Greenbizz should also have a big brother in a few years: Greenbizz II.
“Around 30 workshops for SMEs will be available there. We are very happy to welcome Luc De Weerdt.
“He will be able to bring his enormous experience into the management of Greenbizz and set the course to make Greenbizz II a reality.
“His enthusiasm is infectious. With him on board, Greenbizz still has good years ahead of it to stimulate the urban transition in Brussels towards more sustainable business models.”