Boost je Buurt: frequently asked questions

Is Boost je Buurt only open to start-up entrepreneurs?

No. Boost je Buurt is for both start-ups and established entrepreneurs. Has your business existed for longer than three years? Then you can participate in Boost je Buurt with a specific project that aligns with your existing enterprise.

Which district can I register in?

The neighbourhood challenge is intended for (aspiring) entrepreneurs in the municipality of Amsterdam. You choose the district where your enterprise is located. Haven't started yet, but are working on a plan? Then you select the district where you plan to establish yourself. For example, if you work from a home location in Centrum but offer services in Oost, you choose district Oost.

Can I get help writing my plan?

No, sorry! To participate, you fill in a registration form (approximately 2.5 A4 pages). You don't need to submit an extensive plan or pitch deck.

How well-developed does my idea need to be?

The registration form clearly indicates what information is required. Even if you're still in the start-up phase, you can participate –the more developed your idea, the greater your chances of being selected. If you already have a running business, then you can only join Boost je Buurt with a specific project.

Do I need to have collaborations already in place to be considered for selection?

One of the selection criteria is collaboration. We assess the extent to which your plan fosters or strengthens collaboration with others, such as with neighbourhood residents or local entrepreneurs – the more concrete the partnership, the better.

I have a good idea that costs little, but I don't have a business model. Can I participate?

No, unfortunately not. Boost je Buurt is designed for entrepreneurs with a financial business model. That means you generate (ultimately) at least half of your income from the sale of products or services. Do you have a great idea without a business model? Then you can go to other initiatives, such as West Begroot (westbegroot.amsterdam.nl).

Is this the first edition of Boost je Buurt?

No, this is already the fourth edition!

Can every social idea have a business model?

Increasingly, more enterprises are demonstrating that social impact and financial returns can go hand in hand. Even initiatives that focus on Amsterdammers with limited means can work with clever, affordable business models.

What does the jury look for?

During the finale, the jury selects three winning entrepreneurs. They assess the strength of your plan, your growth during the programme, and the impact that the development budget can have. In addition, they look at:

• Impact and added value: We assess how your enterprise makes a difference in the neighbourhood in terms of liveability, local business activity, and the connection between residents.
• Ambition and development: You have a clear plan for the future and demonstrate how you intend to grow further.
• Innovation: You bring something new: a product, service, or approach that strengthens or renews existing initiatives.
• Future-proofing: Your business model is robust enough to continue to exist in the long term as well.
• Growth potential: We assess whether your enterprise has the capacity to scale up or expand over time, allowing your impact to grow.
• Collaboration: You actively seek connections with other entrepreneurs, residents, or organisations in the neighbourhood. In this way, you help build a stronger local ecosystem.

Your question isn't here?

Email the Boost je Buurt project leaders: Emily Rendel, emily.rendel@impacthub.net or Linea Bingel, l.bingel@amsterdam.nl.