BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FRIESLAND (BDF)

Business Development Friesland (BDF) from the Netherlands helps people and organisations to grow. We take own initiative to do so and we get frequently requested by businesses, schools, universities or governments to support them in their efforts. The legal status of BDF is a foundation, from its origin and mission it serves the needs of the supporting the regional economy and employment.

BDF is keen to play an active role to solve issues through entrepreneurship (education). BDF in the past 12 years has actively supported over 400 start-up companies during their first steps. In 2010, Business Development Friesland has set up the incubator in the city of Leeuwarden (Inqubator Leeuwarden) with support of the Province of Fryslân, municipality of Leeuwarden, two universities of applied science and two vocational schools. Here BDF directly experiences troubles, success and failure of small enterprises on a daily basis. We are in close touch with (potential) start-ups and micro entrepreneurs from various backgrounds and we mentor them with 1 on 1 coaching.

(Pre) start-up companies have to find their way in a new and unknown world called entrepreneurship. We help them to find their way. We strongly believe that this can best be done by letting the start-ups walk the path themselves, rather than doing it for them. This is key in the philosophy of BDF:  Entrepreneurs need to take risk, find out their uniqueness and their weaknesses in order to survive in today’s competitive market.

We pay strong attention to both their personal development and development of the business idea, and the connection between these two sides. However, by sharing knowledge with fellow start-up entrepreneurs, taking Masterclasses of successful established entrepreneurs and receiving training on specific challenging subjects (e.g. research spin-off, finances, employee management, business entities and taxes), the successful establishment of a business is achievable. Besides facilitating in knowledge sharing, organising Masterclasses and trainings, BDF acts as a mentor.