VIVES Onderneemt is the driving force behind entrepreneurial innovation at VIVES University of Applied Sciences. Over the past eight years, our dedicated, small team has transformed the entrepreneurial landscape with a focus on hands-on, real-world learning. By championing programs like the International Startup School, 'Z-ondernemen,' and the Honours Degree, they empower students to tackle both commercial and societal challenges. The impact of VIVES Onderneemt is reflected in the impressive statistics: approximately 1,300 participants in extracurricular entrepreneurial events have led to a 100% increase in official student entrepreneurs and a 150% rise in certificates issued in the past two years. Notably, students are increasingly starting businesses during their first year, demonstrating a significant shift towards an entrepreneurial mindset. The influence of VIVES Onderneemt extends beyond individual achievements, fostering a vibrant and interconnected entrepreneurial community. Through robust local and international partnerships, students engage with real startups and global networks, amplifying their exposure and opportunities. Initiatives like EIT Intrepid-HEI and Erasmus+ are central to expanding this global impact. Looking ahead, VIVES Onderneemt will deepen its international collaborations and enhance its support for interdisciplinary programs. With Julie Misplon joining the team to bolster communication and Karolien Plancke empowering international efforts, expectations are high for increased student engagement and higher participation in entrepreneurial events. The success of VIVES Onderneemt is supported by the unwavering dedication of the VIVES community, the invaluable backing from VLAIO and the Flemish government, and the crucial contributions of external partners such as Unizo, VOKA, and the cities of Bruges and Kortrijk. Their collective efforts ensure the continued inspiration and empowerment of future entrepreneurs.
3rd PLACE
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Activators of the Year Award
VIVES Onderneemt: The beating heart of entrepreneurship in VIVES University
3rd PLACE Innovation and Entrepreneurship Activators of the Year Award
VIVES University of Applied Sciences - Belgium
"“VIVES Onderneemt”, The beating heart of Entrepreneurship in VIVES University "
Engage on social media
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vives-onderneemt(Through the VIVES Onderneemt LinkedIn page, we connect digitally with the working field, entrepreneurs, startups, and partners. We encourage entrepreneurial students to create a personal LinkedIn page during their studies.)
https://www.instagram.com/vives_onderneemt/(Our entrepreneurial students are most present on Instagram. Entrepreneurial lecturers are more active on Facebook. From next academic year, our social media approach will be re-evaluated thanks to a new colleague Julie Misplon joining the VIVES Onderneemt)
https://www.facebook.com/VivesOnderneemt(Our entrepreneurial students are most active on Instagram, while lecturers prefer Facebook. Next academic year, our social media strategy will be re-evaluated with the help of our new colleague, Julie Misplon, joining VIVES Onderneemt. )
(Our entrepreneurial students are most active on Instagram, while lecturers prefer Facebook. Next academic year, our social media strategy will be re-evaluated with the help of our new colleague, Julie Misplon, joining VIVES Onderneemt. )
Summary
Key People
Evy Declercq
Coördinator VIVES Onderneemt
VIVES University of applied sciences
Natalie Voet
Business coach
VIVES University of applied sciences
Wim Vandenbogaerde
Business coach
VIVES University of applied sciences
Karolien Plancke
Business coach
VIVES University of applied sciences
Ellen Vandevyvere
Business coach
VIVES University of applied sciences
Acknowledgements
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire VIVES community, whose unwavering support and dedication make our work possible. A special thank you goes to our coaches Natalie, Wim, Karolien, Ellen, Julie and Evy as Coördinator. An even bigger thanks goes to our students, whose passion and drive inspire us every day. Without their enthusiasm and commitment, our efforts would not achieve the same impact.
We would like to acknowledge Matthias Malfrère, our current Director of VIVES Research, who coordinated VIVES Onderneemt until December 2023 and continues to be our greatest supporter in his new role. We also deeply value the belief and support of Isabel Vanslembroek, the former Director of Research, whose contributions were invaluable in shaping our initiatives.
We are profoundly grateful for the financial support from VLAIO and the Flemish government, which has been instrumental in our participation in the entrepreneurial ecosystems of Turbo and Start@K. This support has enabled us to foster a thriving environment for young entrepreneurs.
Our sincere appreciation also extends to our external partners, including Unizo, VOKA, the cities of Bruges and Kortrijk, whose collaboration and resources are vital to our success. Their involvement enriches our programs and expands our reach.
Finally, we acknowledge our international partners, whose global perspectives and expertise enhance our initiatives and broaden our students' horizons. Together, with these valuable contributions, we continue to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Images
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IMPACT STORY
Impacting lifes
VIVES Onderneemt has sparked the entrepreneurial spirit at VIVES University of Applied Sciences, driving remarkable growth and innovation over the past eight years. Our small yet highly motivated team focuses on hands-on learning and real-world application, transforming the entrepreneurial landscape within our institution. Through our support of the International Startup School, 'Z-ondernemen,' and the Honours Degree program, we equip students with the tools and mindset to tackle both commercial and societal challenges.
With about 1300 participants in our extra-curricular entrepreneurial events, we've seen a significant increase in interested students in entrepreneurship. As a result we reached a 100% increase in official student entrepreneurs and a 150% rise in certificates issued over the past two years. Students now engage with us earlier in their academic journey, often starting businesses in their first year.
Our impact extends beyond individual achievements and fosters a vibrant community of entrepreneurs inside and outside the university. More and more faculties and programmes ask us for advice on entrepreneurial approaches, and we actively participate in numerous classes to spread the entrepreneurial mindset. We bring students together in the real entrepreneurial world outside university walls by being part of both local and international ecosystems. Students thus connect with our partners, real startups, and fellow student entrepreneurs from other universities. Our commitment to international partnerships, such as EIT Intrepid-HEI and Erasmus+, further extends our reach and impact.
VIVES Onderneemt stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial growth, where innovative ideas flourish, and the entrepreneurial spirit thrives. We are embedding entrepreneurship into the very fabric of academic life, transforming dreams into reality and amplifying our impact across all levels.
LEARNINGS
Lessons learned
Our journey with VIVES Onderneemt has taught us valuable lessons in leadership and innovation. A key learning is the power of collaboration beyond university walls. Entrepreneurship thrives on partnerships, and by connecting students locally and internationally, we expand our impact. We've learned that creating a supportive and inclusive ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurial talent across diverse disciplines is crucial. This holistic approach ensures that all students, regardless of their field of study, develop entrepreneurial skills.
We believe every student can be entrepreneurial, regardless of their major. That's why our extracurricular activities, are available to all students, not just those in business or technology programs. Our support in programs like 'Z-ondernemen' in Applied Social Studies beautifully illustrates this inclusive approach.
Fostering entrepreneurship requires more than academic programs; it demands extracurricular initiatives, real-world applications, and robust collaborations. Engaging students early and providing continuous support through mentorship and coaching are vital for sustaining their entrepreneurial journey. Our partnerships in programs like the International Startup School, 'Z-ondernemen,' and the Honours Degree program highlight this approach, emphasizing practical experience and societal impact.
Leadership in entrepreneurship education involves being adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of students and the market. Our initiatives have evolved to meet these demands, reflecting the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship.
Our advice to fellow leaders is to build strong networks and partnerships that extend beyond institutional boundaries. Collaborate with local business communities, international organizations, and other educational institutions to create a robust support system for young entrepreneurs. We believe in shared incubators rather than exclusive physical spaces, fostering a collaborative environment.
Embrace a culture of continuous improvement, where feedback from students and stakeholders shapes the development of programs and initiatives, ensuring they remain relevant and impactful.
FUTURE PLANS
What's coming?
Looking ahead, VIVES Onderneemt is committed to further strengthening and expanding its entrepreneurial ecosystem. A key focus will be deepening our international collaborations, particularly through projects like EIT Intrepid-HEI and Erasmus+ initiatives. We strongly believe in strengthening our international partnerships thanks to the new top position of our business coach Karolien Plancke. From next academic year, she will also coordinate Internationalisation for our Business Department.Her international role will offer our students broader perspectives and opportunities, fostering a truly global entrepreneurial community.
While we support several interdisciplinary programs, such as the Honours Degree, the International Startup School and 'Z-ondernemen,' we aim to enhance our role as a partner in these initiatives. Our goal is to actively contribute to and inspire more programs within VIVES University, bridging these programs with external entrepreneurs and examples of successful businesses.
We also plan to strengthen our communication efforts and empower our current student entrepreneurs as role models. With the addition of Julie Misplon to our team, we will focus on elevating our communication strategies and increasing student engagement. We anticipate that these efforts will lead to a rise in event participation, coaching sessions, and officially registered student entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, we will work to engage first-year students more effectively, aiming to double their participation in our programs over the next two years. By expanding our mentorship network and hosting more entrepreneurial events, both on campus and in local ecosystems, we strive to foster a vibrant and active entrepreneurial community.
