ACTIVITY

Short description of the business or initiative

Employment agency BG JOBS is created on the 1 June 2017 by me and my husband Geert-Jan Schroot.

BG JOBS is a recruitment office. We have as our goal to help as many foreigners in The Netherlands as we can to find a good realisation и appropriate work, no matter their profession.

Give a good example of your entrepreneurship

In the beginning I offered internships in my accounting office to several young Bulgarians who had come to the Netherlands. It turned out that this was a springboard for them and helped them a lot when they started looking for a job on the Dutch labor market. Everyone, after a month or two, found a well-paid job in international foundations. This is energy-filling.

Every day we try to expand our network of contacts, fortunately we have a large circle of companies and people who help us. We strive for our clients to be our ambassadors. We rely on word-of-mouth advertising. We make contacts with other labor bureaus to try to create a co-operation.

How old were you when you started as entrepreneur?

I was 35 years old when I started

What support did you have when you became an entrepreneur?

I did not need much help, but if I had to name someone, it must be my husband. He has always helped me and with him I can discuss all the plans and uncertainties about entrepreneurship. He studied public administration, so that helped me get involved in the situation.From my job I am aware of the activities of different companies, so I knew exactly how everything works and what awaits me. The most important thing when you start is to not be afraid, but to do what feels right.

SOCIAL IMPACT

What problem are you trying to solve and why?

The people we work with often have never written a CV or a job application letter. They need a lot of skills to be successful in the labor market. We introduce them to their labor rights and obligations so they do not become victims of exploitation. We plan to organize resume writing courses as well as courses aimed at applying for a job.

What is your target group? Level of impact (concentrated to the specific group, local, regional, wider…)

Overall, our target group is European migrants. Our target group consists of people who are a bit out of society and need to be included and feel part of it. Women, men, students who are making their first steps in the labor market. An inclusive society.

Is social enterprise the best way they can help?

Because I feel socially engaged. Seeing all the problems, which foreigners encounter every day, seeing the exploitation of human labor and the disregarding of workers’ rights, I decided to suggest and alternative for those, who seek a job. In The Netherlands if you don’t speak Dutch, they even refuse to register you in the employment office. There definitely is language discrimination. It is a challenge for everyone to figure out where and how to find their place below the sun.

Why this industry/area/topic, and why now?

The idea was born from the need of the people, who I meet every day, who were always saying, that are searching for a job but don’t know how and where to find it. My regular answer was, I’m sorry, but I’m not a bureau of labor, I’m an accountant. Then I realized that I had to listen to the voices of these people and to get acquainted with this branch.

KEY CHALLENGES AND SUCCESS FACTORS

What drives your motivation?

We do what we have chosen because we want to help migrants from Europe with their adaptation and integration into living in the Netherlands. We believe that each person can cope and succeed on his own, but sometimes he needs some help and support.

Does your job make you compromise with something or make sacrifices?

Yes, sometimes we have to work day and night as well as during the weekend, but this is a matter of personal choice. We do it because we like it and it makes us happy, not because we have to. Fortunately, my husband is an entrepreneur and knows what it is like, in that sense he understands and does not condemn me.

What does it take to be successful?

Persistance and desire for success. Constant learning, conducting courses, reading books and getting to know the best practices of others. But most importantly, one must be authentic and do things in their own way without copying someone else or another company. This is pointless. For me, work is a hobby.

What are the benefits, both personal and social?

We are pleased to help people and to be their compass and navigator in the Netherlands on their way to success. Personal benefits are the satisfaction of being important in a person’s life and contributing to his professional growth. Regarding social benefits, I believe that by helping the community, one also helps himself, there is always interaction.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCES

The most relevant skills and competence to perform your initiative/business successfully

Knowledge and skills related to the business as a whole, taking initiative, searching for information, acting on trial and error, ie learning as you go. The decision to take a bit of risk, otherwise there is no thrill. Enthusiasm and faith in the success that follows.

Specific skills

Knowledge of labor law and everything about collective labor agreements, social and tax systems, and so on. They are useful to me. Matter is not unfamiliar and unknown to me.

Soft skills

The art of being liked by people naturally, by being yourself to persuade them that working together is the best thing that could ever have happened to them. Trust, without which it would be impossible. Modesty. Responsibility. Patience. Flexibility. Curiosity. Tranquility and independence. A small dose of idealism.

Relevant experience

Knowledge in labor, social and tax law.