Starting your own business

The key word to a good start for your own business is knowledge about the market and your possibilities. Talk to other (starting) entrepreneurs, find out about your competition and get some good advice. Visit the website of the Chamber of Commerce and the account managers of our municipal 'business desk'.

Chamber of Commerce
The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel: KvK) manages the Dutch trade register. Its English website explains all about starting your own business and the necessary paperwork and offers some useful checklists.

Tax and Customs Administration
The website of the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (in English) provides all the necessary information on taxes for private individual and companies.

Business desk
Once you have sorted out the basic issues, you should visit the ‘Bedrijvenloket’ (business desk) of the Municipality of Nijmegen. Our account manager can tell you all about local rules and regulations, locations, facilities and he/she will also help you collect all necessary documents.

To make sure the account manager has enough time for you, please call at least one day in advance to make an appointment at the City Counter (location: Mariënburg 75), tel. 14 024 ( from abroad +31 24 329 90 00).

You can also write to Postbus 9105, 6500 HG Nijmegen, or send an e-mail to bedrijvenloket@nijmegen.nl. Office hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday 9.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and Thursday nights after 5.00 p.m. (by appointment only).

'Starterscafé'
The municipality of Nijmegen organises a monthly event called the 'Starterscafé'. This is an informal get-together at a bar in Nijmegen for starting entrepreneurs each third Monday of the month (except for February, July and August). Every month, a different aspect of entrepreneurship forms the central theme of the evening. A useful and pleasant way to meet other starting entrepreneurs, share experiences and establish a network! There's plenty of time to talk to specialists and consultants from several disciplines and relevant companies (e.g., financial, legal, tax, business plans, PR, etc.). From 7.30 to 10.30 p.m. (opening speech by a colleague-entrepreneur at 8.00 p.m.). Address: Cafe Samson, Houtstraat 4, Nijmegen (centre). Free admission, no smoking and one free cup of coffee on the house!