Being your own boss, setting your own schedule, and doing work you enjoy. It sounds like a dream, and more and more people are taking the leap to start their own business. It offers freedom, energy, and the chance to build something that’s truly yours. At the same time, a lot comes at you in a short period of time. Ideas need to become concrete, choices need to be made, and before you know it, you’re dealing with things you might not have even thought about beforehand. Starting your own business is more than just registering with the Chamber of Commerce.
To bring some structure to the process, it helps to look at entrepreneurship step by step. Not as a complicated process, but as a logical path from idea to business. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the 8 steps you need to take to lay the foundation for your own business. After all, a good start is half the battle.
Steps at a glance:
- Come up with an idea
- Fill out the Business Model Canvas
- Conduct a product-market fit test
- Choose a business structure
- Register with the Chamber of Commerce
- Open a business bank account
- Start your bookkeeping
- Make your business visible online
Step 1: Come up with an idea
Almost every business starts with an idea, but not every idea grows into a business. That difference often lies in the execution. A good idea isn’t just about what you find interesting, but mainly about the value you create for others. Maybe you’re solving a problem people face every day, or perhaps you’re making something that already exists better, faster, or more accessible. This first step is mainly about taking a close look at what your idea is about and why someone would ultimately become a customer. But don’t forget to stay creative!
Step 2: Fill out the Business Model Canvas
Once your idea becomes a bit more concrete, it’s a good idea to put it on paper. There’s no need to write a book-length business plan; these days, a single A4 page is enough. The Business Model Canvas is a clear-cut model that forces you to think about the foundation of your business. It focuses on the core value and lays the foundation for your business; you can work out the details later. This makes it clear who your target audience is, how you deliver value, and how you ultimately generate revenue. An example of a Business Model Canvas can be found here. Many startups realize during this step that there are still unanswered questions, and that is exactly why this is such a valuable exercise.
Step 3: Conduct a product-market fit test
An idea may look strong on paper, but ultimately the market determines whether there is a real need for it. That’s why it’s wise to test early on whether your product or service meets a concrete demand. It doesn’t have to be complicated. By talking to potential customers, gathering feedback, or showing a simple prototype of your product, you’ll quickly discover whether you’re on the right track. Product-market fit ultimately boils down to one thing: building something people are actually waiting for. However, don’t conduct this test with friends or family, as this can lead to a more optimistic picture than reality. Instead, go out into the field or reach out to your target audience via LinkedIn or email.
Step 4: Choose a business structure
Once you realize there is a product-market fit, it’s time to think about the legal structure of your business. For most startups, the choice comes down to a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) or a limited liability company (BV). Which structure fits best depends on your plans, your expected revenue, and how much risk you’re willing to take. Those who start small often opt for simplicity with a sole proprietorship. Those who think big from the start or expect investments are more likely to consider a limited liability company (BV) structure. This isn’t a choice you need to think over endlessly, and it’s also possible to switch business structures later on. However, the choice of your business structure does influence how you need to organize your business financially and legally. For more tips on making the right choice, visit the Chamber of Commerce website.
Step 5: Register with the Chamber of Commerce
This is often the moment when entrepreneurship suddenly feels real. By registering with the Chamber of Commerce, your idea officially becomes a business. You’ll receive a registration number, a VAT number, and your business will become visible. This is the first formal step toward entering the market. For many new entrepreneurs, this feels like a milestone, because it’s no longer just about plans. Now the real work begins! Fortunately, setting up your business is very easy: simply make an appointment at the Chamber of Commerce location near you, go through the necessary steps and documents with them, and pay the registration fee (approximately €85 in NL).
Step 6: Open a business bank account
Although it may be tempting to run everything through your personal account at first, this almost always leads to unnecessary confusion down the road. By separating business income and expenses right from the start, you create clarity from day one. This not only simplifies your bookkeeping but also helps you keep a better track of your company’s financial health. Especially in the early stages, this clarity is more important than many entrepreneurs realize. Several banks offer new business owners a free trial period, sometimes as long as a year! Don’t just consider traditional Dutch banks; also look into online banks. That way, you’ll find the bank that best suits your needs.
Step 7: Start your bookkeeping right away
Many entrepreneurs put off their bookkeeping, simply because there are so many other things that feel more urgent. Yet this is precisely something you want to get right early on. Not only to keep your tax affairs in order, but mainly because good record-keeping gives you insight into your business. Whereas entrepreneurs used to rely almost automatically on a traditional bookkeeper, startups are now increasingly opting for smart software. There are, in fact, a multitude of platforms available; some are very inexpensive and offer basic bookkeeping, while others provide a comprehensive information base. A cheap platform may seem attractive at first, but you’ll often still need an accountant once your revenue starts to grow. With a comprehensive platform like Thred, this isn’t the case. This is an accounting platform that automates your entire financial administration using AI agents and human experts. The advantage is that your books are always up-to-date, and you can even file your tax return. Take the time now to choose the right platform, so you don’t have to switch to another one within a few months.
Step 8: Make your business visible
Once the foundation is in place, it’s time to introduce the world to your business. No matter how good your product or service is, people ultimately need to know you exist. A strong brand name, a professional website, and visibility on channels like LinkedIn or Instagram help make that first impression. TikTok is also a channel that’s gaining more and more attention; while it often seems like a platform for the youngest generation, it’s definitely worth being active there as well. In the beginning, visibility isn’t directly about sales, but mainly about building trust and showing what your business stands for.
Ready to get started
Starting a business doesn’t have to be complicated, as long as you know what steps lie ahead. By making conscious choices from the start, you lay a foundation that you can build upon later. And the stronger that foundation is, the more room you have to do what entrepreneurship is ultimately about: building something you believe in. These 8 steps will help you build that foundation, good luck bringing your dream to life!
