De Rotterdamse Zaak involves students of The Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences assisting (small) businesses in getting their financial administration in order, drawing up a business plan or setting up their marketing strategy.

700 entrepreneurs

In the meantime, these students, in turn supported by former entrepreneurs, have supported more than 700 entrepreneurs in the Rotterdam area. ‘De Rotterdamse Zaak’, is a collaborative partnership involving Regionaal Bureau Zelfstandigen, more than 20 municipalities in the area of Rijnmond, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and Stichting Ondernemersklankbord.

It was the cooperation between students, former entrepreneurs and enterprises ‘in need of help’ that proved to be the deciding factor for the jury of this European Price. City Counsel member Maarten Struijvenberg of employment and economics has stated to be very proud. ‘Paying attention to this group of entrepreneurs is important in every city, including Rotterdam. We work together with partners in the city and gladly share our knowledge with other cities. It’s absolutely a win-win situation.’

‘De Europese Zaak’, i.e. ‘the European business/cause’

This initiative doesn’t restrict itself to Rotterdam only. The Dutch provinces of Friesland and Gelderland have initiated their own version of the project this year, and a various other regions follow next year. There is a possibility that cities and regions elsewhere in Europe will follow as well.