Now that we're in 2025, you might have decided to make your entrepreneurial dream a reality. Entrepreneurship is a captivating adventure, but one that's strewn with challenges. To maximise your chances of success, read on for our 7 top ‒ but often underestimated ‒ tips that could make all the difference.
Get help
Trying to do everything yourself is a trap. It is important to call on people who can be useful resources. This might be your family or friends, but don't just limit yourself to your closest acquaintances. In Brussels, there are several support mechanisms that offer valuable services to help you set up and grow your project, free of charge. Incubators, training, advice... Brussels' entrepreneurial ecosystem is overflowing with opportunities. Make the most of them. To know who to turn to depending on your project, your needs and your situation, ask the hub.info advisors who will be able to guide you best, or use our "Who can help me?" tool.
Tip
Find mentors who have already done what you are looking to do in a different sector or who have set up successful businesses in your sector. They can help you avoid mistakes and open doors for you.
Be brave and talk about your project
Share your idea with as many people as possible before starting out. No one is going to "steal" your idea. Every piece of feedback, comment, or observation will help enrich you, whether you take it on board or not.
Don't be scared to share and talk about your idea. Feedback from those around you, even criticism, is a gold mine. The more opinions you get, the better you'll understand the expectations of your future customer base.
Tip
When you talk about your idea, observe and note the reaction of the people around you. Are they enthusiastic or dubious? Encourage honest opinions, including those from people outside your circle of friends to avoid bias out of goodwill.
Focus on your target market
Always keep your target market and their needs in mind. The majority of start-ups fail "because they've created something that people don't want to buy". So, it's simple: "pay attention to people's needs and to what hasn't been done". Even if it takes some time before reaching your target market, don't spread yourself too thin. Stay focused on the needs of your target market and adjust your offering accordingly.
Don't underestimate your communications
Standing out is a challenge. Effective communications are therefore essential. Allocate a specific budget and explore the digital and traditional communication options.
If you want to get training on this, short modules are available in the Brussels Region on the basics of communications for (future) entrepreneurs, in particular through the Passeport Réussite programme.
If you don't feel ready to handle your communications yourself, don't hesitate to call on experts who will be able to advise you on how to get your name out to your target audience.
Tip
If you do get training or use experts, you can be refunded for part of these expenses by benefiting from Brussels Economy and Employment subsidies.
Master your accounting skills
Even if numbers aren't your strong point, they are essential. Understanding the basics of your accounting will help you to lead your business: how it's doing and where you want to take it. By getting a grip on the key concepts, you'll also be speaking the same language as your accountant and will be able to have effective discussions with them, for the good of your business.
Tip
Short training courses on accounting are available in Brussels to help you get a better understanding of these crucial aspects (Passeport Réussite, the ABCs of accounting, etc.)
Pay yourself and adjust your project if needed
When you launch a project that you're giving your all to, it can be tempting to delay your own pay, but this is a mistake. A viable financial plan should include your salary. Not paying yourself could be a sign that your business model isn't sustainable. You risk burning yourself out for a project that isn't economically viable in the long run.
Tip
Use coaches from support mechanisms such as the Local Economy Offices to assess the profitability of your project and adjust if necessary.
Turn failures into opportunities
Failure is almost a rite of passage for any entrepreneur. What counts is the lessons you learn from it. Each setback can become a springboard for future success. As they say: "Practice makes perfect". Learn from your mistakes and make progress.
By following these tips, you'll be better equipped to face the challenges of entrepreneurship in 2025. The hub.info team at hub.brussels is there to support you every step of the way. Good luck in this exciting adventure!