Novacitis

What we do: Novacitis is a cooperative social enterprise based in Liège, Belgium, dedicated to accelerating the transition toward a sustainable, ethical, and solidarity-based economy. Our core activities include developing and managing living and working spaces for social entrepreneurs, co-creating and supporting cooperative enterprises, and providing consultancy for collective real estate projects. We specialize in management consulting and real estate, with a focus on fostering cooperation among businesses, associations, and citizens committed to social and environmental impact. Our flagship project, La Menuiserie, is a 2,000 m² business center in the heart of Liège, designed with sustainable architecture and soft mobility in mind, offering flexible workspaces, meeting rooms, a cooperative restaurant with local products, and event spaces—all dedicated to entrepreneurs driving the transition to a more responsible economy[2].

Where we are located: Our headquarters is located at Rue de l’Académie 53, 4000 Liège, Belgium. This historic building, formerly a city carpentry workshop, now serves as the vibrant hub for our community of transition entrepreneurs[2].

Short history: Novacitis was founded on November 14, 2017, by ten organizations and eight citizens united by a shared vision of cooperative entrepreneurship for the common good. Since its inception, Novacitis has grown into a dynamic ecosystem, bringing together over 160 cooperators, including 29 companies, collectively employing more than 500 people and generating over €33 million in turnover. The cooperative is recognized for its social and environmental impact, holding the Finance Solidaire label and accreditation from the National Cooperation Council. Our founding members represent diverse sectors such as finance, entrepreneurship, real estate, construction, local food production, service mutualization, and green electricity production.

Organization & culture: Novacitis operates as a cooperative, emphasizing collective decision-making, mutual aid, and solidarity. Our community includes entrepreneurs, associations, and citizens who share a commitment to ethical and responsible economic development. The organization is governed by a board of directors representing a cross-section of our membership. Our culture is collaborative, innovative, and rooted in the belief that economic success and social progress go hand in hand. We value transparency, inclusivity, and the empowerment of all stakeholders in shaping a desirable future.

Recent developments: In late 2020, Novacitis acquired the former city carpentry site in Liège, transforming it into La Menuiserie, the first business center in Wallonia entirely dedicated to transition entrepreneurs. This project exemplifies our commitment to concrete actions for sustainable urban development and local economic resilience. The site now hosts a growing community of organizations and individuals working together to build a more equitable and sustainable economy[2].