microStart

Would you like to join up as a volunteer with microStart Support NPO and put your knowledge into practice at the service of starting-up entrepreneurs ?

Do you have a few hours per month to dedicate specifically within a dynamic, motivated team ?

Individual coaching, training sessions, meetings at our branches on different and varied types of themes: we can build things together with you in accordance with your availability.

Do not hesitate to contact us for a meeting and join our teams
Here are a few impressions that shall undoubtedly give you an idea.

Erwin, coach at Brussels-South branch

As a retired engineer, I had the opportunity to devote more time to social activities in recent years , like schooling children from Nepal, creating and supporting young businesses via a "Business Angel" network and a judge for the Commercial Court.

Reading of a book by Muhammad Yunus on microcredit and almost at the same time announcing the creation of microStart in Brussels prompted me to meet its team in December 2010 and offer my help.

I was immediately attracted by the prospect of team-working, having direct contact with the project leaders and being able to work on the establishment and extension of a support model.

The role of volunteers with microStart Support is to manage the current or future customer of microStart not just in his or her administrative procedures but also designing and managing his or her project.
We can not only provide the benefits of our experience but also our professional network.

Since May 2011, I have taken care of the service at the Brussels-South branch every Wednesday afternoon in an enthusiastic microStart team : I meet the project leaders, we discuss their problems together, identify the steps to take and arrange follow-up.
Our steps are therefore part of the long term and all the more motivating.

For the time being I am only active at microStart Support. We quickly created a genuine support team with volunteers from different horizons since the need for skills is very varied (accounting, tax, sales, legislation, etc.). After only a few months of activity, I am convinced we can make a significant contribution to the well-being of willing, motivated people: it would be of immense satisfaction for me to contribute to the growth of a community with the same aim.

Colette, coach

"What interests me it is working with people who want to get out of the fragile situation they are in".

Trained as economist, Colette has vast experience in the financial sector and starting companies. Currently retired, she provides an administrative service at the Brussels-North branch, where she helps company founders specify their projects. Colette often meets customers who are beginning as entrepreneurs. She believes what is most important is helping them to consider the various stages that setting up a company involves and arriving together at a business plan, to help them set out with as much security as possible. Colette also sees her coaching role as helping people to regain dignity regarding their social status. After obtaining credit, some customers want to continue with the coaching to develop certain specific aspects of their business.