Rikx Program for Social Entrepreneurship

The Rikx platform, developed by the City of Rotterdam as part of the 2021 Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Mayors Challenge, connects businesses with social return obligations to local social enterprises that support people facing barriers to the labor market. By funding dedicated social entrepreneurs, Rikx helps create pathways to employment and builds more inclusive economic opportunities for marginalized residents. Our team provided independent evaluation of the platform, combining administrative data with fieldwork—including surveys, interviews, and site visits—to assess its implementation, reach, and social impact. This evidence-based evaluation offers insights to guide future improvements and support the long-term sustainability of this pioneering model.