Netherlands
According to research conducted by the Chamber of Commerce the economy ofThe Netherlands is improving. In 2004, 10,000 entrepreneurs established a company in The Netherlands. That is one thousand more than one year earlier. Pieter de Groot of the Chamber of Commerce said: "The economy is in good waters. That's why more and more start-ups have the courage to take this step."
Frits Oostland (30) is one of them. In March of this year, he opened the doors of a design company 'My Design'. Three years ago, he also tried to set up a company, but his plans failed because of the bad economy. "At that time, I worked freelance for two days a week next to a job, but I hardly got any orders. Therefore, I decided to work fulltime as an employee."
The young entrepreneur is sure that his plans will succeed now. "I started a few months ago, and the result is beyond expectations. Large, well-known companies engage in business with young start-up companies like mine, because they have money for it again."
For 2005, Oostland expects thousands of starters again. "They will work in many lines of business: from creative to commercial." The Chamber of Commerce will continue to monitor and encourage trend. "We will organize more courses for start-ups and more networking meetings this year."