What We Do
The Department of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CELL) focuses on four key areas: professional development, lifelong learning, personal development and corporate training. We develop and present education and training opportunities designed to sharpen skills, steward a love of learning, grow personal interests and enhance companies' skill sets.
Entrepreneurship Launchpad — Microcredential Course
The Entrepreneurship Launchpad is a microcredential that develops practical entrepreneurial skills necessary to grow a mission-driven business. The course focuses on industry engagement and networking, development of leadership skills, peer interaction, local business connections, along with tools and skills for responsible creativity and innovation and real long-term impact.
Participants will complete an eight-module course on Entrepreneurship Launchpad for starters, covering topics such as business starter ideas and innovation, pathways to starting business in the Netherlands, entrepreneurial competencies and characteristics, market research and insights, small business marketing strategy, cash management and funding, legal issues, human resources and pitching your business.
Learners will engage in hands-on activities and discussions with experienced entrepreneurs and industry professional to gain the entrepreneurial competency skills required to do business in the Netherlands and Europe.
The modules include a combination of readings, strategic analysis, guest speakers, field trip to a small business, networking events, budget and cash flow information, presentations and reflections.
Skills Learned
- Innovation and Ideation
- Interpersonal Skills
- Intercultural Perspectives
- Marketing Communication
- Negotiation
- Dutch Market Insights
- Budget Planning
- Business Planning
Criteria
English Language skills and at least a high school diploma is required to be able to earn the 3 credits applied to this course, which are transferable to an entrepreneurship certificate or undergraduate degree.
A minimum score of 80% on all assessments is required to earn the microcredential.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, learners can:
- Confidently develop a comprehensive business plan with a resilient revenue stream of a sustainable venture based on their own business concept.
- The final assessment of this course will be a working business plan, ensuring that learners have applied their knowledge practically.
FAQs
The course is offered twice a year, with start dates in June (Summer term) and October (Fall term). Contact business@webster.nl to learn about upcoming start dates.
Upon completion of the two microcredential courses, you potentially earn a total of six (6) credits to transfer to an entrepreneurship certificate or a degree.
The duration of the Entrepreneurship Launchpad course is four weeks.
Classes take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (1600) on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The deadline is two weeks before the start date of the course.
Upon successful completion of the course, you earn a microcredential in Entrepreneurship for starters, which is worth three (3) U.S. degree credits.
Yes, the Entrepreneurship Launchpad microcredential course is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This ensures that the course meets high academic and industry standards and prepares learners for success in doing business and growing sustainable businesses in The Netherlands. The course also provides the optional opportunity for transferable credits to an accredited full certificate or degree.
The 3 credits can be applied toward an Entrepreneurship certificate or an undergraduate degree to further support your professional development goals. If you would like to apply as a non-degree seeking student or for an undergraduate program, you can start your application in our Application Portal.
Internationals, expats and aspiring entrepreneurs who complete the Entrepreneurship Launchpad course are well-equipped to pursue their entrepreneurial venture and doing business in the Netherlands.
Class size is typically small, with an average of 10-15 students per class. This allows for more personalized attention from the instructor and fosters close collaboration among peers and learners.
Whereas the primary modality of this course is in person, on campus due to the networking opportunities, the Live Virtual option allows students to participate simultaneously and in real time in classes from anywhere in the Netherlands and Europe. Live Virtual classes are conducted via an online platform with synchronous sessions that allow you to interact with instructors and collaborate with other learners, ensuring an engaging and interactive learning experience.
Upon completion of this course, learners will have a working business plan with a network of business experts to support your entrepreneurship journey.
The course offers a rich learning experience with strong industry engagement, including:
- Two exclusive networking events, including engagements with embassies, the Chambers of Commerce and the local entrepreneurial communities.
- A field trip to connect participants with real-world business environments.
- A live pitch session where participants present their venture concepts to entrepreneurs and business experts.
- A collaborative, peer-driven learning environment with a strong focus on responsible innovation and long-term impact.
The tuition fee for the Entrepreneurship Launchpad course in 2026 can be found on the application page. The tuition includes all learning materials.
Applicants may be eligible for sponsorship. This is reviewed on a case-by-case basis at the time of application.
Immigration status for internationals and expats:
Dutch and EU/EEA Citizens: No visa or residence permit is required to study in the Netherlands.
Non-EU and Expats: Must have a valid Dutch residence permit or visa that allows you to study in The Netherlands.
English Skills: Applicant should have strong English language proficiency.
Webster Leiden Campus is located at Boommarkt 1, 2311 EA Leiden. The city of Leiden is a historic and vibrant city in the Netherlands, known for its rich academic and cultural heritage. The campus is conveniently situated close to public transportation, making it easily accessible from nearby cities such as The Hague and Amsterdam. Leiden itself is a student-friendly city with a range of amenities, including cafes, shops and recreational activities. Explore the Webster Leiden campus on a virtual tour or schedule a visit.
The instructors have industry and professional experience in entrepreneurship and doing business in the Netherlands. They will be supported by entrepreneurs with successful businesses in the Netherlands, and experts and professionals in supporting functions such as human resources, legal and financial.
Entrepreneurship Launchpad has a Part Two course that supports growing and scaling up your business. Further information will be provided on your successful completion of Part One.
Upon completion of Part One and Part Two of the microcredential courses, you can potentially earn a total of 6 credits to transfer to an Entrepreneurship certificate or a degree.
Webster Leiden provides internationally recognized quality education designed to meet industry standards and your professional goals.
The Netherlands has a thriving and supportive ecosystem for internationals, women and expats to successfully set up and do business.
Contact Us!
For more information, send an email to business@webster.nl with the heading Corporate Partnerships, or call +31(0)71 516 8000.
