Boost je Buurt 2026: Sign up now!

In every corner of Amsterdam, initiatives are buzzing that make the city more social, sustainable, and inclusive. From neighbourhood-focused projects to social enterprises: residents, creative minds, and entrepreneurs are working daily to give their area a boost. With Boost Je Buurt, we shine a spotlight on inspiring initiatives that have a positive impact on their surroundings. Whether it's stimulating the local economy, reducing inequality of opportunity, or tackling food waste, these projects demonstrate how engagement and collaboration lead to change.

Boost je Buurt 2026 is the fourth edition of the programme. Together with Impact Hub Amsterdam and Starters, Amsterdam Impact has established a dynamic entrepreneurship programme to strengthen your local network, sharpen your strategy, and take your initiative to the next level. Over three months, you'll work alongside other impact-driven entrepreneurs on your development.

The programme includes one-to-one guidance from experienced mentors, workshops on impact strategy, storytelling, strategic partnerships, and leadership to prepare you for the next steps in your growth as an entrepreneur. A city-wide campaign helps put you in the spotlight and gather votes, giving you the chance to win prize money of up to €7,500 to give your initiative an extra boost.

You can register here until 17 February 2026 (23:59) at the latest.

What can you win?

• A place on the entrepreneurship programme (worth €25,000)
• A chance to win jury or public prizes of €2,500, €5,000, or even €7,500

What do Boost je Buurt alumni say?

Ommetje met Tom won the top prize of €7,500 in 2025. Ommetje met Tom shows you Amsterdam through the eyes of father and daughter, Tom and Josephine. They share hidden stories of the city via walks and social media. Tom says:

"We're absolutely delighted with this recognition for Ommetje met Tom. We're going to invest the prize money in extra hands, because the two of us can no longer manage on our own. We want to expand further so that we can make even more connections with the city and all its residents."

Marthe de Groot, founder of Marie Marie: "Boost je Buurt helps you understand what the municipality can mean for you and connects you with other social entrepreneurs in the city. I took part in 2022 and still benefit from the connections I made back then."

Who can take part?

Boost je Buurt is for entrepreneurs who want to make their city better. Per district (Centrum, Nieuw-West, West, Noord, Oost, Zuidoost, and Zuid), 3 to 4 entrepreneurs are selected, and 1 to 2 in the Weesp area. In total, 22 to 30 entrepreneurs take part in the programme. During the finale, three jury prizes and three public prizes are awarded. Want to take part? Have a look to see if this suits you:

Impact entrepreneurs in Amsterdam. You have an impact enterprise in Amsterdam or plan to start one. Has your business existed for longer than three years? Then you can participate in a specific project that connects with or forms part of your existing enterprise. Your business is registered with the Chamber of Commerce in Amsterdam, or you plan to do so soon.

Your plan makes a difference. Your idea contributes to an inclusive, healthy, or sustainable neighbourhood.

Impact is at the core of what you do. Social impact is at the heart of your enterprise.

You have a clear business model. Your enterprise runs independently. At least half of your income comes (ultimately) from the sale of products or services.

Amsterdam strives for neighbourhoods where everyone can participate, live healthily, and do business sustainably. That's why the focus is on three themes:

Inclusive neighbourhood Projects that promote employment and talent development, tackle loneliness, or help elderly people live independently.

Healthy neighbourhood Initiatives that help Amsterdammers eat, move, or live more healthily.

Sustainable neighbourhood Ideas that contribute to urban farming, circularity, energy transition, or a climate-neutral city.

Want to know more about the programme timeline, the specific components, or to register now? See the Boost je Buurt website here.

Do you have questions about participation or the programme?

See the FAQs here or email the Boost je Buurt project leaders: Emily Rendel, emily.rendel@impacthub.net, or Linea Bingel, l.bingel@amsterdam.nl if your question isn't addressed there.

Sign up for Boost je Buurt 2026 here.