How to start a business in Belgium – Start! Bootcamp
Do you have an entrepreneurial dream? Are you wondering if your business idea is feasible in the Belgian market? Starting your business prepared increases your success rate enormously. Together with Starterslabo, we offer a dedicated bootcamp to help you navigate the Belgian system and transform your entrepreneurial spark into a solid business plan.
Belgium’s entrepreneurial landscape can be complex, especially for internationals. At International House Leuven, we believe your background, whether EU or non-EU, is a unique asset. Organized in collaboration with Jessica Jacobs from Starterslabo, this bootcamp provides the tools, network, and local insights you need to launch your own business with confidence and professional expertise.
Would you like an introduction to entrepreneurship or the chance to meet business advisor Jessica in person? We suggest attending the 'Navigating Entrepreneurship in Belgium' info session on May 26 first.
About the bootcamp
In six interactive group workshops, we guide you through the process of transforming your idea into a well-founded business plan.
Step 1: Build Your Business Plan
During the first 5 group workshops, you will develop your plan step-by-step with guidance from an experienced business advisor:
Workshop 1: Your Business Idea
Define the problem you are solving and your unique value.
Workshop 2: Market Research
Identify your customers, competitors, and partners.
Workshop 3: Marketing Strategy
Learn how to reach your audience and sell your service.
Workshop 4: Financial Plan
Determine if your idea is financially feasible and sustainable.
Workshop 5: Organization & Operations
Plan the practical day-to-day running of your business
Step 2: Validate Your Idea
In workshop 6, you will pitch your business idea to potential customers and receive direct, constructive feedback from the group and experienced entrepreneurs. This is the perfect opportunity to sharpen your market approach and refine your strategy.
Step 3: Feasibility Advice
Everything comes together in a final assessment. Your advisor provides a realistic look at your viability based on your idea, finances, and personal ambitions, giving you a solid basis to decide your next steps.
When
Every sessions go from 9:30-13:00 on the following days :
| Session | Topic | Date |
| Workshop 1 | Your Business Idea | Monday, June 8 |
| Workshop 2 | Market Research | Tuesday, June 9 |
| Workshop 3 | Marketing Strategy | Wednesday, June 10 |
| Workshop 4 | Financial Plan | Monday, June 15 |
| Workshop 5 | Organization & Operations | Tuesday, June 16 |
| Workshop 6 | Presentations | Wednesday, June 17 |
Following the workshops, individual coaching sessions and your final feasibility advice will be scheduled. These can be planned at your own pace to fit your schedule.
Where
Provinciehuis Vlaams-Brabant: Provincieplein 1, 3010 Leuven
Price
The full program costs €215 (incl. VAT). The real value of the program is €1,843.70, but thanks to support from the Vlaams Agentschap Innoveren en Ondernemen (VLAIO), participants only pay a small portion of the cost.
Please note that the invoice for payment will be sent out after the first workshop. In order to sign up you must be able to attend all 6 workshops!
Registration
You can register for the bootcamp via the button below. Please note that after filing out the form you will receive confirmation from Jessica.
Please note that the registration form is in Dutch, but the workshops will be held English.
Who is this for?
This bootcamp is open to all internationals living in Flanders, including students, researchers, employees, and job seekers. To participate, you should have the intention of remaining in Belgium for at least five years and the goal of launching your business in Flanders.
Please note that while the workshops are conducted in English, the presentation slides and registeration form are in Dutch. Therefore, a basic knowledge of Dutch and a genuine willingness to further improve your language skills is required.
If you have any questions about the program you can reach out to Jessica at Starterslabo at Jessica.jacobs@starterslabo.be
About Starterslabo
Starterslabo specializes in supporting starting entrepreneurs as they take their first steps. With over 20 years of experience, they have helped more than 5,000 entrepreneurs launch their ventures through the proven Start! Bootcamp formula.
They believe that with the right guidance, anyone can turn a passion into a profession. Starterslabo focuses on breaking down the barriers to entrepreneurship, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Learn more at: www.starterslabo.be