Empowers talent
Itzinya Amersfoort is entirely focused on strengthening the talent of migrants (statushouders) in the field of entrepreneurship and work. We believe that everyone can participate in the development of a good and sustainable society. By working in a job that suits you and by starting companies that add something to the Netherlands.
We believe that people who come to the Netherlands as refugees or migrants, for various reasons, should be given the opportunity to use their time, talent, energy and creativity in the field of work.
There are millions of people in Europe who work for companies started by migrants. Creativity knows no bounds. Anyone in the world can have the perseverance to discover if an idea catches on and grows into a mature company. Many people who have had to leave their own country are extra motivated to start their lives again in the Netherlands. We want to strengthen these people to increase the chance of success. Through their own business or through a job.
Provides training and guidance
Itzinya trains and guides newcomers through various programs.
Seed – orientation and training for work and entrepreneurship
Most newcomers are not familiar with the labor market in The Netherlands. They experience pressure to find work. In the meantime they try to learn the Dutch language. As a result, they often accept jobs which are below their level and in which it is hard for them to grow. Or they start a business out of necessity, while they don’t necessarily have entrepreneurial skills. The Seed program helps participants to get to know the labor market in the Netherlands better. To get to know their own talent even better and make the step towards a job that suits them, possibly through job placement by Itzinya. Or by enrolling in the Startup Academy.
Startup – learning how to start a business in the Netherlands
In this training program, migrant entrepreneurs find proof that the business idea they have will work in the Netherlands. Through practical training, the entrepreneurs talk to their potential customers, conduct market research, explore the competition and assess the financial feasibility.
Incubator – guidance during the startup
The Incubator consists of a tailor-made offer for business advisory and services for the start-up phase. Such as writing a formal business plan including a financial plan, starting book keeping, filing VAT (BTW) declarations, support in the field of marketing and ICT and practical contacts with, for example, a bank, the municipality or first customers.
Expand your network
Events
Connection is central to the Itzinya Community. The community builds bridges between entrepreneurial Dutch people and migrants through networking events.
For an event we always invite an engaging speaker who will update you on a relevant topic. Migrant entrepreneurs tell their story and take you on their journey to a meaningful future. There is live international music, and of course plenty of time to chat with each other during drinks.
Don’t want to wait for the next Community Event? In the Itzinya Podcast we tell honest stories of migrant entrepreneurs in the Netherlands.
Based on an internationally proven program
Itzinya is a franchise concept which has been used in more than 10 countries since 2012. Itzinya wants to be part of the solution to the global migration crisis. By offering young people hope for a better future through entrepreneurship in countries where there is little economic prospect. And by enabling and encouraging migrants in countries where migrants arrive to use their potential through work and entrepreneurship.
What drives us?
Itzinya is a Social Enterprise that is faith based but not faith biased. The Itzinya team strives to serve people and society by following the example of Jesus, believing that every person is created unique and have equal value, regardless of faith, gender, ethnicity or any other factor that can lead to discrimination. These values are shared by all in out global team.
We are not bound by any political or religious affiliation. We believe in the strength of ecosystems and seek collaboration with private sector, academia, public institutions, investors, civil society including local faith based actors as well as other capacity building organizations.
We believe in the capacity of people everywhere and that talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. Therefore we have made it our goal to create more opportunity by focusing on the capacity that is in the entrepreneurs we aim to assist. That is the cornerstone belief we live by and that gave name to our organisation: Itzinya – it’s-in-you.