Innovation and sustainability shape the future of SMEs. The demand for innovation is greater than ever. In a time where sustainability is central, strategic forward-thinking in developing new business models and business cases is essential. This process requires time and attention. That is why we are organizing the Bestart Bootcamp for SMEs. Do you have a sustainable and innovative business idea? Then we want to give you the chance to get off to a flying start.

Business Bootcamp 2024

In 2024, BeStart aims to support SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) that want to realize a sustainable business case. Our SME Bootcamp offers companies with an innovative idea or new business model the chance to achieve their ambitions and move full speed ahead. We help you to continue innovating and becoming more sustainable alongside your regular business operations. The bootcamp lasts a total of four days, spread out over several months. During these months, you will work intensively on validating your business idea and accelerating the development of your business case. You will do this alongside a group of entrepreneurs who are in the same phase. Even after the bootcamp sessions, we will continue to support you with targeted coaching, partly one-on-one and partly with the group.

Kickstart your sustainable future

Join the BeStart Bootcamp and take the next step in sustainable entrepreneurship. Accelerate your development, expand your network, and transform your innovative ideas into powerful, sustainable business models. Together, we are building a future where your company and the planet thrive.

These Startups and Scale-ups Went Before You

Be The Change

Market

BeStart boosts your market strategy. A scan of your company forms the starting point.  We support you in further refining your market entry, your product market-fit, your (repeatable) sales and in scalingup.

Talent

When scaling up, your team expands. BeStart facilitates the development of a robust organizational structure and culture and helps you cultivate execution-driven teams.

Capital

Capital is key. BeStart supports you in becoming investor ready and creating the right funding strategy. We connect you to relevant investors and funders from our extensive network.

Impact

You are not just scaling your business, you are scaling your impact. BeStart guides you in how to measure your impact and how to report on your progress.

What to expect

BeStart Networking Session
Bestart Network

Enter Our Dynamic Climate Tech Ecosystem

By participating in the BeStart program, you become part of our sustainable network in Northern Netherlands. We connect you with investors, financiers, knowledge institutions, early adopters, and experienced entrepreneurs who want to strengthen your sustainable business case.

Coaching

Business Coaching Tailored for Growth

Our business coaches help you translate your vision into concrete goals and actions. We offer customized training, engage you in discussions with fellow entrepreneurs working on sustainable issues, and provide advice from experienced entrepreneurs in developing and marketing sustainable businesses. Additionally, you will work on a 100-day plan to set priorities for the period after the bootcamp, and we arrange check-in moments with your business developers and fellow entrepreneurs to ensure you continue making progress.

Business coaching image
Testlabs BeStart Portrait of Participant
Testlabs

Testlabs and Opportunities for Expansion

In Northern Netherlands, a region excelling in water technology, green chemistry, circular plastics, sustainable energy, and regenerative agritech, the foundations of a sustainable future are being laid. This strong focus on innovation offers you the unique opportunity to easily test, validate, and scale up your new technologies in our advanced labs. Additionally, you will receive guidance and advice from top experts and benefit from our extensive network within these dynamic sectors. With this support, you can further develop your innovative ideas and transform them into sustainable and scalable solutions.

"The tailored accelerator program from BeStart taught us immensely valuable lessons for starting and scaling our business. Even after our graduation, their ongoing support and expertise have been tremendous assets, propelling us toward a successful future."

Frank van der Hulst
Hulo

“The network and business developers of BeStart are incredibly supportive. The program really helped us to work ‘on’ our company instead of ‘in’ our company”

Photo by Erik-Jan Koopmans
Marieke de Boer
Impacd Boats

“I moved to Friesland with SusPhos because of the supportive network and numerous testing opportunities. Everyone is eager to assist you here.”

Marissa de Boer
SusPhos

Makers and movers

Meet the inspirators behind BeStart: our initiators, partners, and board members. They are the heart of our network, enriching it with innovation and expertise.

“Do you really want to make an impact with your sustainable innovation? Do you want to reduce the time bedore your innovation is introduced into the market? Join BeStart and learn from the best.”

Ronald Wielinga

Watercampus

“Do you really want to make an impact with your sustainable innovation? Do you want to reduce the time bedore your innovation is introduced into the market? Join BeStart and learn from the best.”
“Paques is no longer small, but that doesn't happen automatically. That's why we want to share the lessons of scaling up and engineering with the rest of the chain.”

Joost Paques

Paques

“Paques is no longer small, but that doesn't happen automatically. That's why we want to share the lessons of scaling up and engineering with the rest of the chain.”
“BeStart will challenge and empower your startup to move to the next phase by providing crucial tools, nurturing a supportive community, and linking you to a network that will uplift your business.”

Martine Brandsma

NCTP

“BeStart will challenge and empower your startup to move to the next phase by providing crucial tools, nurturing a supportive community, and linking you to a network that will uplift your business.”
“BeStart is a transformational experience. By joining you become part of a supportive and vibrant learning community. Together we unlock your potential and catapult you to the next level.”

Hendrikus Venema

Innovatiepact Fryslân

“BeStart is a transformational experience. By joining you become part of a supportive and vibrant learning community. Together we unlock your potential and catapult you to the next level.”

BeStart: Your Catalyst for Change

Is BeStart Right for You?
  • You have a sustainable business (idea): You have an innovative business idea that solves a clear problem for a (target) group of customers willing to pay for your sustainable solution.
  • To market: As an SME entrepreneur, you are working on launching a new business case, facing challenges such as market introduction, financing, starting your team, and possibly spinning off from a parent company.
  • Scalable or repeatable: Your sustainable product or service is not only sustainable but also scalable or repeatable in the long term.
  • Team: As an owner or employee, you are part of an SME and want to build a new team around an innovative and sustainable idea.
  • Focus on the North: You are a Northerner and/or your company has clear ambitions in Northern Netherlands, where you contribute to the growth of this dynamic region.

Join the BeStart Business Bootcamp!

Register before October 1

Not entirely sure? You can register for an online Q&A here or join our Q&A session in person on September 19 by registering here.

For questions or other available moments you can send us a mail at hello@bestart.nl
Ministerie Economische Zaken en Klimaat Logo
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Europese Unie Regionale Ontwikkeling Logo
BeStart Meeting
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