Do you often say, “One day I’ll start my own business”? Do you dream about launching something of your own? Are you constantly coming up with random ideas that seem full of business potential? Do you feel like deep down, you’re meant to be an entrepreneur? Well, you’ve clicked on the right article! Who says you can’t start a business while being a student? I’m a bit of a business bro at heart, and yes, I started my own business while studying (and I’m still balancing both, for better or worse). While I’m no expert, I’ve definitely learned a lot about the entrepreneurial world here in Maastricht, and I’m here to share it with you!
“But Luisa, I don’t even have a business idea yet.”
All I hear are excuses, my friend. I know you want to dive into the start-up scene, but maybe you’re feeling lost about where to begin or what project to join. I had the same problem last year. I had plenty of ideas but no clue where to start and certainly couldn’t execute them all on my own. That’s where Drinks & Demos comes in. It’s an event I organize with my study association, Incognito (from the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences), in collaboration with START (the student association for entrepreneurship & start-ups). Every month, we meet up at Kaleido, invite a speaker to share insights on how they started their business (the demos), and then, the fun part… drinks! And don’t worry, they can be non-alcoholic. The main goal is networking—discussing ideas, finding potential co-founders, or joining someone else’s project!
Speaking of START, if you’re serious about business, you should definitely check them out. Aside from Drinks & Demos, they host events like Road to START Summit, a start-up competition where you can pitch your own idea. The winner gets to attend the official START Summit in Switzerland, where they compete with start-ups from all over the world for a prize. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to network and potentially meet investors for your business.
“But Luisa, I’m not a business student!”
Again, all I hear are excuses! START has a consulting team ready to help with anything from writing a business plan to preparing your pitch for competitions. Whatever business-related challenges you face, they’ve got your back!
Now, let’s say you have a solid business idea and are seriously thinking of pursuing it, but you’re just a girl trying to figure out how this country works, let alone how to register a business and deal with taxes. It’s intimidating—I get it. That’s exactly how I felt until I randomly attended a lecture in my first year called “How to Start a Business in the Netherlands” and discovered Starters Centrum Limburg. “What’s that?” you ask. I’m glad you did! It’s a regional organization that offers free business consultations for new entrepreneurs. Marcel (shout out! Say hi to him from me if you visit him haha) walked me through how to register a business and file my taxes. Trust me, this resource makes navigating the system way easier!
Once you’ve got your idea, maybe some co-founders, and possibly even a registered business, it’s time to take action! A great opportunity for that is the Brightlands Start-Up League Challenge. This competition is open to start-ups in three categories: ideation, prototype, and start-up. So you actually don’t even need to register the business, you can simply test your idea! Throughout the challenge, you can attend workshops and speed-dating events, and it all leads up to the grand finale where finalists pitch their ideas for a chance to win cash prizes. It’s an amazing way to gain exposure, refine your business plan, and potentially secure funding to bring your start-up to life.
And if your start-up wins the challenge, you might even get the chance to join Qeske! Wait, what’s that? I know, it sounds like a weird name, but let me explain. Qeske is home to over 35 innovative start-ups and provides office spaces and facilities for companies. But it’s more than just a place—Qeske offers a supportive community where entrepreneurs collaborate, network, and share resources. Recently, they organized the Maastricht Entrepreneurial Summit, where 10 start-ups pitched their ideas to a panel, and afterward, we networked over drinks and food. So, make sure to follow them on Instagram to stay updated on their next event!
Lastly, don’t forget about LIOF, the regional development agency for Limburg. LIOF supports innovative entrepreneurs with advice, networking opportunities, and financing. They focus on helping start-ups innovate, invest, and expand internationally.
And that’s everything your marketing and business girlie here knows about business resources in Maastricht! I hope this was helpful. If you know of any other resources, reach out to us on Instagram—maybe we’ll even make a part two!
