How do I sign up?

For the 1st stage no application documents or business idea is needed. We welcome anyone who is eager to learn about entrepreneurship. We can accommodate max. 60 participants.

To apply for the 2nd stage we require your business idea and a short motivation for launching your startup. We accept max. 40 participants.*

In both stages, you can participate either as a sole founder or in a team with multiple co-founders.

Agenda – SFP 2025

STAGE 1 – Inception

1. Disruptive Entrepreneurship is Thinking in Problems 11th March 2025 [16:00 – 18:30]

Join industry disruptors in a dynamic session designed to ignite your entrepreneurial passion. Discover the secrets of success, from finding your Ideal Customer Persona to mastering essential networking skills. Get inspired, connect with real founders, and kickstart your journey into the startup world. In this one-of-a kind kick-off session, you will be thinking about a whole lot of problems – in a good way! In today’s fast-paced world, creating meaningful opportunities is essential for startups to thrive. You’ll experience practical tools and techniques to create solutions that matter and deliver value for real-world challenges.

2. Team Formation and Idea Refinement 18th March 2025 [16:00 – 18:30]

“Every startup team needs a Hippie, a Hacker, a Houdini,…” Wait, what!? Building the right team is crucial, and we’re here to help. Whether you’re flying solo or forming a squad, we’ll refine your ideas and prep you for the next session, where your concept will face the ultimate test: validation.

3. Idea Validation & Prototyping 25th March 2025 [16:00 – 18:30]

“99% of startups fail” – why? They build things nobody wants! Don’t let that be you. In this session, learn rapid validation and prototyping techniques to co-create with your customers and building something they’ll love. With expert guidance, take your idea from a concept to a tangible product and get ready to move forward with confidence!

STAGE 2 – Evolution

4. Market Analysis 8th April 2025 [16:00 – 18:00]

Know thyself, know thy market, and you’ll crush thy competition (thanks, Sun Tzu). Learn how to size up your target audience, outsmart your rivals, and position your business for success. It’s basically the art of war, but with fewer swords and more spreadsheets.

5. Business Development Strategy 15th April 2025 [16:00 – 18:00]

No more flirting with concepts – it’s time to commit to your business idea. In this session, turn your idea into a solid business model that generates revenue. From pricing strategies to financial viability, we’ll help you prepare for the responsibility (and rewards) of launching a real business. Because let’s face it, love won’t pay the bills, but a solid strategy just might.

6. Go-to-Market Strategy & Branding 22th April 2025 [16:00 – 18:30]

Your idea’s amazing, but will anyone actually hear about it? In this session, you’ll craft a go-to-market strategy so airtight even your grandma will want to invest. Oh, and branding? We’ll make sure your business doesn’t just stand out – it shines brighter than a disco ball.

7. Legal, Tax, and Financial Modeling 29th April 2025 [16:00 – 18:45]

From taxes to trademarks, this session is all about keeping your business legit – and out of trouble. We’ll demystify Dutch law, show you how to avoid financial faceplants, and teach you to speak fluent “startup numbers.” Don’t worry, no legalese required.

8. Fundraising Strategy: Debt and Grants 6th May 2025 [16:00 – 18:30]

Got big dreams but an empty wallet? Fear not! From government programs to university grants, Rotterdam and the Netherlands are basically a goldmine – if you know where to dig. Learn how to pitch your idea as irresistible and rake in the funds without selling your soul (yet).

9. Fundraising Strategy: Equity 8th May 2025 [16:00 – 18:30]

Equity financing: the ultimate love-hate relationship. You got the cash, but what’s the cost? (Hint: it’s equity.) Discover the sources, avoid rookie mistakes, and charm your way through the local financing scene like a pro. Because the last thing you want is to sign a deal you’ll regret faster than your last haircut.

10. Pitching Preparation 13th May 2025 [16:00 – 18:30]

Ready to wow investors? Or at least avoid sending them to sleep? This session is your crash course in crafting a pitch deck so compelling it deserves its own Netflix special. Master the art of pitching, sprinkle in some charm, and leave everyone thinking, Why don’t I think of that?

11.  Risk Mitigation and Crisis Management 20th May 2025 [16:00 – 20:00]

Welcome to the high-stakes game of startup survival, where every step feels like walking a tightrope without a safety net. Think you’ve got it all figured out? Think again. In this session, we’ll arm you with risk assessment skills and prepare you for the curveballs the business world loves to throw. You’ll tackle future what-ifs, defend your idea from a firestorm of feedback, and team up to prove your resilience. Chaos might be inevitable, but with the right preparation, you can turn it into your secret weapon.

12. Pitch Deck Feedback 22th May 2025 [16:00 – 19:00]

Your pitch deck is almost there, but “almost” doesn’t cut it when the stakes are this high. This is your last chance to dazzle, refine, and delete that one slide nobody understands. With the feedback, you’ll transform your pitch into something investors can’t ignore. No pressure or anything.

13. The Grand Finale 27th May 2025 [12:00 -20:00]

Lights, camera, pitch! The grand finale is here, and it’s time to unleash your entrepreneurial brilliance. Pitch your idea to real investors, bask in the applause (or awkward silence), and celebrate your journey. Whether you win or just wow, this night is one for the startup history books – and your Instagram feed.