Business start-ups are very important for The Hague and the region. Many firms collapse relatively quickly, often with a legacy of huge debts and great personal misery. A large number of firms were leaving The Hague. In the Stabij project the City of The Hague seeks to stimulate education and enterprise through sustainable entrepreneurship.

Stabij’s main task is to support and coach new and relaunching businesses in the Haaglanden region. Its consultants provide managerial and entrepreneurial advice. Stabij applies a business scan to obtain a detailed analysis of the entrepreneur, the business aims and concept. The results of this scan give an indication of what the future holds for the new business, and enable Stabij to prepare a support plan for it.

Stabij first applies a business scan. Based on the results of this scan a support plan is prepared. The Stabij advisers act as a sounding board. They offer advice on a range of issues, such as the choice of legal form, the required diplomas and licences, the funding for the initial costs and the early phase. Furthermore, the advisers provide constructive discouragement of a start-up if the plans are not adequate, financing is not available, etc.

Stabij ensures sustainable entrepreneurship in the city of The Hague: 73% of the businesses supported by Stabij are still in business after five years. Nearly 500 people entered gainful employment between 1997-2004 through Stabij; with its support they were able to successfully start or relaunch a business. Stabij-supported new and relaunched businesses still create added value for the local economy and jobs today. Stabij promotes and stimulates network formation, as evidenced by the Hague Women’s Forum, which has around 80 members. Stabij stimulates student business startups; in the past period more than 43 students started their own businesses.

In 2003 Stabij employed six full-time staff, including four advisers. Since 2001 Stabij has an office in the Schilderswijk district, the Stabij SME Service Centre (MKB Servicepunt), specifically for small and medium-sized entreprises. One adviser is based in this office.

Stabij
http://www.stabij.nl
Mr C.R. Reitsma, tel. +31 (0)70 380 3110

09/09/2004

case

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Business support