What is Boost je Buurt?

Boost je Buurt (Boost Your Neighbourhood) is a challenge that empowers local entrepreneurs to create positive change in Amsterdam’s neighbourhoods. Amsterdam Impact is on a mission to identify entrepreneurs who are striving to make their neighbourhoods healthier, more inclusive and diverse, or more sustainable—or all of the above—through their neighbourhood challenge, Boost je Buurt.

This initiative offers a business development programme worth €20.000, plus an additional development budget of up to €7,500, to entrepreneurs who help strengthen their communities.

Boost je Buurt is led by Amsterdam Impact, the City of Amsterdam’s impact entrepreneurship initiative, in collaboration with the city’s seven districts and the Weesp city area. Together with Impact Hub Amsterdam, Amsterdam Impact has created a dynamic entrepreneurship programme where selected participants receive coaching, masterclasses, and workshops on key topics such as finance, law, online communication, marketing, pitching, and campaigning.

"Local entrepreneurs play a crucial role in shaping vibrant and resilient communities. At the City of Amsterdam, we are proud to support those who are making a real difference—whether by fostering inclusivity, driving sustainability, or improving neighbourhood well-being."

— Linea Bingel, Policy Advisor Entrepreneurship and Innovative & Impact Ecosystems at the City of Amsterdam

How does Boost je Buurt work?

Each of Amsterdam’s seven districts selects three to four impact-driven entrepreneurs (and Weesp selects 1 to 3 entrepreneurs) based on their contribution to a pressing societal issue and the strength of their business model.

"Boost je Buurt helps you navigate what the municipality can do for you and connects you with other social entrepreneurs in the city. I participated in 2022 and still benefit from the connections I made during Boost je Buurt."

— Marthe de Groot, founder of Marie Marie

The programme, run by Impact Hub Amsterdam, includes workshops, e-learning modules, and personalised coaching. Participants also gain access to the valuable networks of the municipality, Impact Hub Amsterdam, and other challenge partners, along with guidance on how to leverage these connections.

"In 2021, we participated in Boost je Buurt. What we took away most from the programme were the many workshops on different business models (including Canva's) and how to grow your business. These are things we always consider when making decisions. Additionally, we are still in touch with other entrepreneurs who also took part in Boost je Buurt!"

— Nathifa and Zuwena Elshot, founders of Bijlmer Bookstore

After completing the programme, entrepreneurs launch a public campaign to gather votes from fellow Amsterdammers. The challenge concludes with a festive closing event, where we announce both the jury and public award winners. These winners receive prizes of €2,500, €5,000, and €7,500.

Who won the previous edition of Boost je Buurt?

In 2025, the public awards went to:

🥇 1st place – Restaurant Elixer
🥈 2nd place – TKRAMREPUS
🥉 3rd place – We Are Queer

The jury prizes went to:

🥇 1st place – Ommetje met Tom
🥈 2nd place – Reform Stigma
🥉 3rd place – WIJs Bijles

About Boost je Buurt

Boost je Buurt is an initiative by Amsterdam Impact, part of the Municipality of Amsterdam. Amsterdam Impact strengthens the network of businesses tackling social challenges through entrepreneurship. We support entrepreneurs, provide assistance, and share knowledge and tools to make an impact in the city. In doing so, we contribute to an economy that looks beyond profit alone: an economy that is diverse, inclusive and sustainable. Our goal? To develop Amsterdam into Europe's most social and impact-driven innovation hub.

Impact Hub Amsterdam is a leading incubator and accelerator for impact-driven organisations, bringing together entrepreneurs, governments and corporates to build a more sustainable and inclusive future. With over 16 years' experience, we help entrepreneurs scale up their vision through tailored programmes, and support corporates with their sustainability challenges via open innovation programmes and access to a powerful global network of 100+ Impact Hubs and more than 300,000 changemakers. As the implementing partner of the Boost je Buurt entrepreneurship programme, they guide entrepreneurs throughout the challenge and help grow initiatives that contribute to an inclusive and future-proof city.

Starters believes that every individual can make a difference. Personal leadership and entrepreneurship are the driving force for tackling social issues. Starters is building a world in which everyone consciously chooses a career with meaning. That's why they offer programmes in which impact-makers develop their ideas, with guidance, practical tools, a safe learning environment and a powerful network. In this way, Starters empowers people and organisations working towards a sustainable, fair and future-proof society.