In conversation with...
What can business coaches offer your impact startup? Find out in this interview with one of the Startups for Society business coaches and funding specialist Bas Snels.
experience and a network entirely focused on start-ups
Entrepreneurship is all about taking action: experimenting, falling down, getting back up and taking new steps. For the founders of impact startups in the Hart van Brabant region, this is not a lonely process. They can count on guidance from business coaches provided by Startups for Society’s partners.
With their experience in supporting start-ups, their network and their strong commitment, they help entrepreneurs to take their ideas to the next level. One of them is Bas Snels, a funding specialist at Midpoint Brabant. We spoke to him about what drives him and how he helps this particular group of entrepreneurs to move forward.
Finding financial solutions that suit your current stage of life
Bas, could you tell us a bit more about what you do for Startups for Society?
“In a nutshell: start-ups need funding at various stages of their development. Funding that is suited to that specific stage of their journey. Funds to pay for a small office, hire staff, develop a product or service for the first time, or scale up. There are all sorts of options available for this. I guide the processes towards securing funding. In this way, I ensure that start-ups can build on their plans. All the more so because our involvement often gives lenders that extra bit of confidence.”
What is it about that job that appeals to you so much?
“I don’t just help founders with meaningful plans secure funding. I get to support them in making their dreams a reality. What could be better than that?! It’s also incredibly exciting and inspiring to work with young people and their innovations. That keeps me on my toes. And I can really make a difference to ‘my region’. For Tilburg and the surrounding area, it’s important to build an ecosystem of new business activity and thereby maintain the general prosperity that exists here. So it’s a win-win situation in many ways.”
In your view, what is the main benefit of your coaching?
“It comes down to a number of things. First and foremost, we have an extensive network, we act as intermediaries, and we have a wealth of experience in our field. That combination means that things which seem impossible can sometimes be made possible after all. We also look at certain matters from a different angle. We consider alternatives, for example, when things aren’t going quite so smoothly. A different or more objective perspective can sometimes be incredibly helpful. And every now and then, we give someone just that proverbial nudge they need to take action, even though they’re reluctant to do so. Because that’s part of being an entrepreneur too.‘.
‘Yet perhaps our greatest added value is that we have no hidden agenda. So we don’t have quick ’chit-chats” on the side, but focus entirely on the start-ups and keep in regular contact with one another to keep each other up to date. That’s when you can really make progress.”
How are your efforts received by the participating start-ups?
“The founders I mentor and speak to are incredibly eager to learn; they’re genuinely keen and so they embrace all the help we offer. I think we really give them the feeling that we’re fully committed to them. But I also think it helps that many of the partners’ coaches run or have run their own businesses. So we know what we’re talking about. Even during the more challenging phases and moments. Advice does land differently when someone speaks from personal experience.”
Making your start-up a success
What advice would you give to every start-up?
“You really don’t have to be able to do everything yourself. The main thing is to surround yourself with the right people – people with specialist knowledge. And seek out professionals. Get in touch with us, for example. Our sole aim is to make your start-up a success. Make the most of that!”
Startups for Society is an initiative of Tilburg University IQONIC, Fontys Centre for Entrepreneurship, Avans Entrepreneurship Centre, Entrepreneurship | Municipality of Tilburg and Midpoint Brabant. Together, we are doing everything we can to ensure the successful development of impact start-ups in the Hart van Brabant region.
Are you looking for valuable connections for your impact startup?
From events and knowledge to inspiration
What does your startup need? Coaches and experts will support you or point the way. Join an event or inspiration session. Get in touch with your fellow impact startups. Learn from speakers, experts and see how impact entrepreneurs walked the road to success.
Are you ready to turn social challenges into a successful, sustainable business? We will help you on your way!
How can we help you?
Business coaches and experts
Contact one of our business coaches or experts today. Turn your innovative idea into the next social impact success story!
