8 Master in Management students have volunteered to participate in the “Win-Win” fair, a project organised by the city of Ghent. The purpose of the fair is to create win-win situations by bringing together non-profit organisations and companies who offer their services or products to each other free of charge. The Vlerick students will act as an intermediary between the participants. This fair is an excellent example of sustainable entrepreneurship. It also stimulates local networking and offers a real benefit for society and the environment.

During a 2-hour fair on 1 December the registered companies and non-profit organisations can meet each other in person and try to work out matches between demand and supply. For example, a sports association could offer free sports sessions to the employees of an IT company and in exchange the IT company helps them to build a new website. The ultimate objective is to create as many qualitative win-win exchanges as possible.  Small and large companies and associations in and around Ghent are the target groups.

The Vlerick team consists of:
Nathalie Hoes, Hilde Medaer, Thomas Watteyne, Ernst-Jan Vrancken, Ann Bailleul, Roderic Vanheessen, William Van Steenberghe and Christoph Van Belle.

Ernst-Jan Vrancken: “My reasons for participating in this project are getting involved locally as an international student, networking and the opportunity to discover a way of creating win-win situations.”

Hilde Medaer: “During the 10 years I was a member of a scouting group I have personally experienced the need for materials in non-profit organisations. However, it was not always easy to find out which companies were prepared to offer some help. Therefore, I see my participation in the win-win fair as a unique opportunity to help non-profit organisations as well as firms. Furthermore, because I will act as an intermediary, I see the project as a chance to use and improve my communication skills in a professional environment.”