“From Idea to Own Business” (Van Idee naar Eigen Onderneming) opens its doors to social organizations in Amsterdam Nieuw-West who wish to offer their community members an accessible introduction to entrepreneurship in the Netherlands. Under the coordination of Agatha Kuiper and a committed team of volunteers, the course provides a welcoming and hands-on learning environment for anyone interested in turning an idea into a viable business.
On December 3rd, Road of Hope proudly concluded the first edition of From Idea to Own Business offered to the Samen aan de Slag cooperative in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Samen aan de Slag supports individuals in taking meaningful steps toward participation in Dutch society, whether through paid or volunteer work. By combining practical tools with life-coaching principles, the collaboration empowers residents to grow at their own pace, guided by their unique skills, environment, and circumstances.
Over the span of 10 in-person sessions, each lasting two hours, participants received 20 hours of structured training. The program covered the essential components of entrepreneurship, from identifying one’s strengths and refining an idea, to understanding the Dutch business landscape and planning next steps.
“What sets this program apart is its individualized support” says Agatha. In addition to the group sessions, every participant receives two hours of one-on-one mentoring. This tailored guidance helps the participants create a realistic and strategic roadmap for starting a business in the Netherlands. “Our expectation is that by the end of the course, participants not only deepen their knowledge but also gain clarity, confidence, and a practical plan of action” she concludes.
A Meaningful Final Session
In December, the final session brought together four participants from three different nationalities, each presenting their personal learning journey. Some participants were ready to launch their businesses immediately, while others continued refining financial aspects of their plans. Regardless of the stage, each presentation reflected growth, resilience, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
Participants emphasized how the course provided the knowledge, structure, and personalized support they needed to move forward. One of the participants described the mentoring sessions as “highly productive” and essential for transforming ideas into sustainable concepts.
Open to Organizations Supporting Newcomers
Any organization based in Amsterdam Nieuw-West that works with newcomers with a refugee background is eligible to join the program. If your organization is interested in offering this opportunity to your community, Road of Hope welcomes you to reach out for more information!
👉 ondernemerschap@roadofhope.org .