Boost je Buurt 2021
Soup that fights food waste and loneliness, a gallery for artists with mental health problems, and serving boards made from the reclaimed wood of locally felled trees. These are just three of the 28 participants of our Boost je Buurt 2021 challenge for impact entrepreneurs making Amsterdam's neighbourhoods healthier, greener and more inclusive.
Amsterdam's seven city districts selected four impact entrepreneurs to join a business development programme supervised by Impact Hub Amsterdam. Keep reading to learn more about these entrepreneurs:
From Amsterdam Centrum
Fentestik - Seabin Project is a collaboration to clean up Amsterdam's canals with Seabins that filter waste and microplastics and to create social employment and an educational program with schools in the neighbourhood.
Zoev City provides sustainable water transport of goods and waste through busy inner cities via floating hubs and tugboats.
Reflower is a platform for renting artificial flowers so that fewer fresh flowers are grown, imported and discarded.
Wij Doen Goed is a platform where individuals and small organizations can organize crowdfunding campaigns.
From Amsterdam Nieuw-West
Het Groene Loket activates residents to create a green, cool, rain-proof living environment through green rooftops and facades.
Spin AI employs people with autism to provide data annotation services in the field of artificial intelligence.
De Natuurkamer connects residents through nature-themed activities, food and drinks at its idyllic Sloterplas location, which includes a vegetable garden.
EQpura coaches people with horses and aims to develop a multipurpose location – including a flower meadow and vegetable garden – with a neighbourhood initiative.
From Amsterdam Noord
Studio Valkenier is an architecture firm investigating whether functional roofs can be used to grow food with the help of aquaponics.
Uitzendbureau Z.O.N is an agency that focuses on temporary work and secondment for people who face employment barriers.
De Buitenkans, a project by urban interaction designer Tessa Steenkamp, features rain-resistant structures placed at bulky waste locations to collect reusable items and materials.
Helpdigitaal helps older adults without digital resources to reconnect with their loved ones via video calls by providing access to a tablet, SIM card, and support.
From Amsterdam Oost
Integreat empowers new citizens in Amsterdam to integrate by teaching others how to cook authentic dishes from their country in their homes.
Vini Mini creates tools to educate (future) parents on how to prevent food allergies by introducing allergens to children early.
Everybodycanbeahero, a coaching program and networking platform, encourages the residents of Amsterdam Oost to use their talents and ideas for impactful projects and enterprises.
De Buurtkringloop is a neighbourhood thrift shop and meeting place that promotes circularity and sustainability through creative activities.
From Amsterdam West
Oma’s Soep simultaneously fights loneliness in older people and food waste by working with the elderly and a network of volunteers to make delicious soups from surplus vegetables.
Beeldend Gesproken is a gallery and art library for artists with mental health problems.
Het Jonge Dromers Collectief focuses on talent development for young people who can make a collective impact in their neighbourhood and city.
Van Wyk aims to create an accessible meeting place – a fusion between a hip cafe and community centre – where residents can escape their social bubbles.
From Amsterdam Zuid
SparkOn is a digital platform that connects people of different generations to share skills, knowledge and life experiences, both on- and offline.
HOUD contributes to the circular economy by using wood from locally felled trees to craft serving boards.
Shine Social Club is a free app that helps older adults (60+) connect to people with shared interests in their neighbourhoods.
Switch Studio designs and offers training programs to get young people moving and help them work on their personal development.
From Amsterdam Zuidoost
Bijlmer Bookstore is an Afrocentric shop that makes reading for children and young people in Zuidoost more accessible, recognizable and fun.
Women Skate the World uses skateboarding – as a sport and subculture – to connect, empower and inspire girls, women, mixed youth groups, and LGBTQI+ skateboarders.
Ching’s Tea Home’s colourful tea bus brings a spirit of community and acceptance to any occasion and connects residents through traditional tea ceremonies.
Schrijver in je Buurt connects local writing talents with people and organizations in the neighbourhood via a digital platform.
