We travelled to Saxion’s campus in Deventer where another incubator is located. Deventer is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. The campus site is situated in a vast space that was formerly a factory for the production of hydrogen power – this is now an incubator (an entrepreneurial start-up idea in itself!) along with workshops, training facilities and spaces for rent. Previously, Deventer was very well known for its flourishing international trade via the harbour of the Ijssel River. What makes this site particularly special, apart from the green landscape and sheer space for business and minds, is that it is one of 10 SDG Houses in the world charged with making the world a better place by 2030. Director, Alfred Liefers, offers his take on this where these goals offer businesses a great opportunity by helping companies become future-proof.
On site, we learned much from our colleague hosts, Maarten Bas-Backer, (Lecturer and Researcher at the Saxion University Centre of Entrepreneurship) and Martijn Derkzen (Team Coordinator: Entrepreneurial Education Project Leader Minor programmes for Start-up Entrepreneur and Employer of the Future) about how they deliver a short module called YOSHI (Your Online Side Hustle International). Offered in English (hence the ‘international’ element) and available to anyone from any discipline to join – inclusive, diverse and fast-paced through online delivery. It is about putting plans to action and trying things out.