Dreaming of a start-up? These students are taking the plunge: ‘Just do it and see where it goes’
Many students dream of running their own business. But where to start? The Master Honours Challenge ‘Entrepreneurship’ helps students figure things out. ‘Now I can actually go for it.’
During the Master Honours Challenge Entrepreneurship, students set to work on launching or further developing their own businesses, under the guidance of their dedicated lecturer Betty Huerta. No vague plans, no early drafts, but real-world companies. ‘We learned about business models, budgeting, market research and more,’ says Anna Jed (22).
The start-ups vary greatly in focus and ambition. What stands out is that the students developed their ideas based on their own interests and strengths. This resulted in a wide range of ventures, from fashion to film industry.
Impact that matters
For example, Noa de Jongh launched a website offering affordable and stylish second-hand clothing. The motto: Vintage that vibes. Prices that work. Impact that matters. The 23-year-old student notes that while many students want to make more environmentally friendly choices, it’s often easier said than done. With her business, she aims to contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle, while also pursuing her passions: fashion and entrepreneurship.
'I didn’t think I’d end up with something this concrete'
‘A few years ago, I already sold vintage clothing, kind of as a hobby,’ Noah says. She has since expanded on that idea. Along the way, she found inspiration in the stories shared by various guest speakers. ‘There was, for example, a guest lecture focused on consultancy and sustainable businesses. It was great to see how enthusiastic the speaker was.’
Her business is currently on the back burner, as Noa is focused on graduating. ‘I need to finish my bachelor’s first. But after that, I really want to continue this business, even during my master’s in business administration. Now I can actually go for it, everything is ready. When I started the course, I didn’t think I’d end up with something this concrete.’
-
Student pitched their companies to each other. -
Student pitched their companies to each other. -
Student pitched their companies to each other. -
Student pitched their companies to each other. -
Student pitched their companies to each other.
Inclusive film industry
Through his company Merdeka, Leon Cronie (26) is committed to breaking stereotypes in the film industry. ‘We see that change is underway, but the problem lies with the people in power, the producers.’ The perspective of, for example, black people or LGBTQ+ individuals is often lacking there, Leon explains.
That’s why he started a community focused on people who are under- and misrepresented. ‘I’d been thinking about collaborating with other creatives on film projects for a while. When this course came up, I realised how cool it is that the idea in your head can be turned into something real.’
Original date ideas
Djullietta Norberhuis (22) noticed a different need in our society. ‘I realised that relationships start off very smoothly, but at some point, they require more effort.’ The quality of dates tends to decline over time: people assume they already know each other inside out. ‘I thought: how convenient would it be if you could just order a date?’ Djullietta came up with SparkDates, a service that lets couples order boxes with original date ideas.
'That’s what’s so great: the theoretical side doesn’t matter much here.'
The Honours Challenge brought her a lot: ‘I found like-minded people. You’re thrown into a community both inside and outside of class and that’s really valuable. The ideas of others really push you to step out of your comfort zone and prevent you from getting stuck in your thinking.’
Djullietta sees the course as an inspiring place to put ideas into practice. ‘That’s what’s so great about this course: the theoretical side doesn’t matter much here. You just need to know what you’re doing. That’s the motto: take steps, just try, and then see where it goes.’
The Master Honours Challenge “Entrepreneurship” will start again in 2025-2026. Interested in participating? Fill in the form of interest and you will be notified when applications open!