Startups, meet Claudia Zuiderwijk
Amsterdam Capital Week 2018 is right around the corner!
Thanks to the help of our partners, the city of Amsterdam will be filled with events for the tech ecosystem. One of our trusted partners is KVK, and we were happy to interview CEO Claudia Zuiderwijk.
ACW: Hey Claudia, thanks for taking the time to interview with us! Can you tell us about your background?
CLAUDIA: I’m the CEO at the Chamber of Commerce and also a member of the Supervisory Board at KPN and APG Group and member of the Smart Industry Forum. In my former jobs I’ve worked for more than 10 years in the IT sector and was the Chair of a large hospital in changing it to a more market oriented company. I’ve also worked two years in my career as an independent contractor. Although most of the time I have been working for large companies, I think that my typical signature is that I do this in a very entrepreneurial way.
ACW: Now that you are leading the KVK, what is your main mission?
CLAUDIA: It is our mission to make life easier for entrepreneurs, by giving them information and advice. We want to make it easier and safer for entrepreneurs to run their business. We do this by providing accessible information services, that are available anytime, anywhere, and tailored to the type of entrepreneur and the growth phase of the company. Our digital strategy is leading in this.
It is my personal mission that the KVK is experienced by entrepreneurs as a valued advisor. Where you always get consult or have contact with specialists for all the questions you have as an entrepreneur. Simply because you know and trust that this helps you tremendously.
ACW: What should the entrepreneurs in our audience know about KVK?
CLAUDIA: We believe that startups and innovative SME’s are the key for a flourishing Dutch economy. That’s why the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce supports startups.
We support startups in many ways, for example by providing business information at the portal business.gov.nl. We also run the Startup Information Desk [088- 5852222], where startups can contact our specialists.
The Startup Box is a prime example of how the Startup Information Desk can assist you. It will help you find government funding for your innovative startup. See what the Startup Box has to offer: https://business.gov.nl/startupbox
ACW: We’re excited to have you and the KVK on board for this year’s Amsterdam Capital Week. Why did you decide to join our program?
CLAUDIA: Every year, we see that 20% of all businesses are in need of external funding. 96% of Dutch founders want a bank loan. It’s not always possible to get credit from the bank, because the risk is too high for banks. It’s not easy for businesses to find the capital they need. Diversification in financing makes it easier for entrepreneurs to find money for their plans.
The Chamber of Commerce finds access to finance important. That’s why during the Amsterdam Capital Week we focus on supporting founders by offering them access to financial knowledge and funding possibilities. We have specialists who provide insights and facilitate matchmaking.
Amsterdam Capital Week is a well-known yearly event where investors and founders meet each other. A good opportunity to join hands!
ACW: As you know, our theme this year is Giving Back. How do you relate to this? What does ‘giving back’ mean to you?
CLAUDIA: Besides stimulating contacts between investors and founders, I believe that mentoring by experienced entrepreneurs is very valuable for younger entrepreneurs. By linking experienced entrepreneurs to less experienced entrepreneurs, growth and success can accelerate. The project nlgroeit is a good example of this. For me, ‘giving back’ means the investment of mature entrepreneurs’ experiences to help younger entrepreneurs, to mentor them without getting paid for it. I do that also myself: I am mentor of three entrepreneurs in nlgroeit. That is not just ‘giving back’ for me, because I also learn beautiful things from them!
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MAIN TAKEAWAYS FOR ENTREPRENEURS?
The KVK (Netherlands Chamber of Commerce) has a lot of information available for entrepreneurs. In just a few clicks, you can access it all, right on their website. Everything from setting up a business to analysing finances and funding options!
We suggest you start with the StartupBox and see how KVK can help your business.
