What does B Local Oost want to achieve?

B Local Oost aims to strengthen the B Corp movement in the eastern part of the Netherlands by pursuing concrete goals that enable local impact. It’s goals include:

• Raising awareness about the B Corp movement and inspiring local businesses to use business as a force for good.
• Strengthening community ties by bringing together B Corps and mission-driven businesses in the region
• Encouraging collaboration through events, themed meetups, and co-creation opportunities that bridge different industries and sectors.
• Supporting positive change by making knowledge, best practices, and success stories accessible and actionable.
• Empowering regional solutions to global challenges through local networks and partnerships.

The Origin Story: From Dream to Launch

The seeds of B Local Oost were planted in 2023. A group of passionate individuals from the region began imagining a local community where like minded people could unite. Inspired by other B Locals across the Netherlands, and supported by B Lab Benelux, they started organizing informal gatherings.

One of the first events took place at Koninklijke van Wijhe Verf, where over 30 impact makers gathered to exchange ideas. Hosted by Edwin van Broekhuizen, the group discussed sustainable business practices, explored the B Corp standards, and played the B Lab Impact Game, sparking dynamic conversations. Here, new connections were made and the local impact community developed.

That early energy laid the foundation for what would become B Local Oost. In June 2025, fueled by community enthusiasm, it officially launched, as an initiative by the community, for the community.

A Toast to New Beginnings: The Launch Event

On 18 June 2025, the official launch event for B Local Oost took place at the beautiful De Reestlandhoeve. A place where care for people and nature come together in wine, and where (can you believe it?) in the summer months classical music sounds through the vineyards, all to contribute to the best condition for their grapes (read more here).

Guests were treated to:

• A guided tour of the vineyard
• The story behind De Reestlandhoeve’s impact journey
• Conversations with inspiring entrepreneurs
• And of course, a celebratory toast to this exciting new beginning

“What a beautiful start for B Local Oost: great energy, inspiring people, and a walk through the vineyards at the stunning B Corp location De Reestlandhoeve. Here’s to more collaboration ahead!” – Julia Oude Hendriksman, B Local Oost board member.

Building Momentum: What’s Already Happening

Now that B Local Oost has officially launched as a local impact community, more inspirational sessions are planned, focused on impact strategy, B Corp certification, and cross-industry collaboration. These events are open for anyone from the region who’s interested to connect, learn, and grow.

A B Local Oost LinkedIn page has been launched for you to follow all the latest news, and stay in the know of upcoming events.

Meet the People Behind B Local Oost

B Local Oost is powered by a group of dedicated entrepreneurs and professionals who believe deeply in transforming business for good. These initiators come from diverse sectors and backgrounds, but share a common purpose: to make positive impact the norm. Meet the board members:

• Julia Oude Hendriksman, Eshuis Accountants en Adviseurs
• Christel Engbers, OZOverbindzorg
• Edwin van Broekhuizen, Koninklijke Van Wijhe Verf
• Aldo van Duivenboden, Hogeschool Saxion
• Paulien Brama, Bureau PI

Join The Movement

Are you a business based in Overijssel or Gelderland that believes in putting people and the planet at the heart of your mission? Or are you a certified B Corp, in the process of certification, or simply a mission-driven organization? B Local Oost is your community.

• Follow B Local Oost on LinkedIn
• Sign up to stay in the know via their contact form
• Come to one of the upcoming events
• Reach out to one of the board members