Entrepreneurship under 30: bringing your ideas to life
Do you have any ideas, passions or projects running through your mind? In Brussels, many young people are making their ideas a reality. Discover how to turn your desires into concrete projects, learn through trial and error, and find out how other young people have already launched their business.
What is entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship isn't just about creating a start-up or raising funds. Above all, it means having an idea, turning it into a project and sharing it with others. In Brussels, many young people under the age of 30 embark on a variety of projects every day, discovering new skills and bringing their ideas to life.
Organising a trip with friends, starting a podcast, selling your creations online, setting up a sports team... that already counts as entrepreneurship.
A project that's just like you
You can base your project on your passions and it could be a cultural, sporting, artistic or digital venture, or something completely new. It may also have a positive impact on society and the environment.
By starting a business, you'll develop skills that will serve you for the rest of your life:
- creativity to think up solutions,
- independence to organise your projects,
- organisation and management,
- curiosity and openness to others.
Whether your project remains a passion or becomes your full-time profession, entrepreneurship helps you grow.
The advantages of starting young
Launching a business when you're still young can be a real advantage:
- Your first-hand knowledge: you understand the needs and trends of your generation, and you know where the most dynamic neighbourhoods are.
- Your familiarity with digital tools: social media, sales platforms, management apps, etc.
- Your network: your friends, family and peers can be your first customers and ambassadors.
- Your freedom: fewer financial or family constraints make it easier for you to experiment.
Your age is an asset, not a hindrance!
Still a student?
Good news! You can apply for student-entrepreneur status.
This status simplifies processes and allows you to combine your studies with entrepreneurship, while retaining certain benefits (family allowances, social reductions, etc.). It's the ideal gateway, allowing you to test out your project without any risk.
Find out more about the student-entrepreneur status
Some institutions offer arrangements to enable you to carry out your project alongside your studies (the option to make your project the subject of your final thesis or dissertation, flexible timetables, specific support, etc.). Ask your institution for more information about the options available.
Information session – Entrepreneurship under 30? The myths and realities of entrepreneurship
When you talk about entrepreneurship, do you immediately think of a tech start-up? In reality, it's much more than that!
On 23 October at hub.brussels, come and discover what entrepreneurship really means, beyond the popular misconceptions.
On the programme:
- Myths and realities: together, we'll dismantle the clichés about entrepreneurship.
- Practical advice: concrete tips and tricks to help you define your project and take the next steps.
- Testimonials: young entrepreneurs share their experiences and top tips.
Whether you already have an idea or you're just curious, this session will give you the practical steps to help you move forward.
Finding an idea
The best ideas come from a simple problem you observe around you. There's no need to invent the next unicorn to be an entrepreneur. Just make some observations in your everyday life:
- a service that's missing in your neighbourhood
- frustration expressed by your friends and family,
- a more sustainable solution to an existing need.
The most successful projects often solve everyday problems that everyone is familiar with.
Need some inspiration?
In Brussels, young people are launching a variety of projects: a second-hand shop, a podcast, a sports charity, an eco-friendly app, a food truck, and more.
A few pointers to get you started:
- Services and local community: Homework assistance, DIY, urban gardening, repairs, food trucks, local crafts.
- Green economy: Upcycling, composting, waste reduction applications, sustainable mobility (bikes, scooters, car-sharing).
- Creation and technology: Content agencies, podcast studios, micro-influencer platforms, AI assistants or useful apps for students.
Taking action
Test out your idea
There's no need to write a 50-page business plan right at the start. Instead, start small:
- offer your service to people you know,
- create a simplified version (a flyer, an Insta page, word-of-mouth),
- get feedback and make any adjustments.
Make a gradual transition
You can start your own business alongside your studies or a job, test the market and take things one step at a time. There's no need to leave everything behind overnight.
Get help
Entrepreneurship is a learning process! The most important thing is to have a desire to get started. After that, you're not alone – there's plenty of help available in Brussels to support you every step of the way:
Programmes dedicated to young people
Training courses, events, coaching and incubators specially designed for under 30s. You'll find all these opportunities on yet.hub.brussels.
Services open to all
Whatever your age, you can also benefit from free advice, support and expertise to help you develop your project in Brussels. Find out about all the support available in Brussels on hub.info.
Whether you're still just floating ideas or already growing your business, there's a comprehensive network on hand to support you.
