3. I already started a company
What possibilities for housing are available?
The University of Twente offers possibilities to obtain a small office in the Bastille on the campus. The rent of these offices is built out of a subsidy system. Information about this subject can be found at the website of the Student Union, that is the actual landlord of these offices. Interested? Please contact the person responsible for young entrepreneurship.
I am in need of money!
It is good to know that every entrepreneur is in need of money. Roughly, the search for money can be divided in:
1. Friends, Fools, Family
This concerns money obtained from a rich family member or friend of yours.
2. Pre-seed
For pre-seed money we created the TOP-program within Kennispark Twente. For this program there are a few conditions which can be found on this website as well. The most important aspect is that your business idea needs to be knowledge-intensive or innovative. Apart from the different supporting measures, there is also an amount up to 40.000€ associated with it.
Another possibility is the Pre-seed fund of Smart Creations. This fund focusses on the more creative starter.
3. Subsidy
Subsidies are an interesting source to finance the first steps of entrepreneurship. There are a lot of subsidy advisors in the market that give advice based on no-cure-no-pay. Additionally, the website of Antwoordvoorbedrijven can provide a good start.
4. Investors
For many student entrepreneurs an investment is too ambitious. There is only a small percentage of all companies that are suitable for this. If you think that your company is part of this small group we advise you to get in contact with the coordinator of young entrepreneurship. He can tell you more about the entries for this kind of financing.
In what networks can I participate?
Networking is an important part of entrepreneurship. The region of Twente is a web of networks and networking possibilities. Take advantage of this because it provides your company with exposure and offers contacts with possible clients.
The Chamber of Commerce composed a fine list with networking possibilities. Furthermore, the agenda of Kennispark and Saxion Entrepreneurshippoint offers enough possibilities as well.