It’s no surprise that The Hague nestles a diverse group of entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners. What you may not see is the number of students and young professionals with an idea worth pursuing. Some build quietly, while others find spaces that hold them accountable, offer a like-minded community and help advance their idea forward.
One of those spaces is the Ready to Impact program – an intense 5-week long journey that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, resources and inspiration they need to turn ideas into successful businesses.
The program is run by PLNT in collaboration with Yes Delft, ImpactCity, The Hague University of Applied Sciences and Leiden University. This year, they’re filling seats with a wide range of impactful ideas – from personal safety, through supporting students all the way to sustainable energy solutions.
I could go on and on about the program’s vision, but I can show you better than I can tell you. Or what’s more, I can bring the program to you, through the eyes of someone who’s completed it. When asked, Elaine Herkul, the founder of StudyPuff and participant of the program, shared what she’s building, and how Ready to Impact has helped accelerate her progress.
“I am working on StudyPuff. A community for students who want to learn how to learn more efficiently. At StudyPuff we aim to guide students in finding the study routine that works best for them, using scientific research, with our StudyPuff workshops and StudyPuff Learning Algorithm. The Ready to Impact program has helped a lot when it comes to connecting with people, as well as surrounding myself with a group of entrepreneurs who are ready to take action. This has been incredibly motivating. It also helped me think more critically about StudyPuff and how we can best serve students. Without Ready to Impact I would not have been able to move as quickly as I have done because it has pushed me to think more creatively and actually get things done.”
On December 2nd, everyone’s hard work culminated in a grand pitch session. Each founder, changemaker and entrepreneur took to the stage for what can only be described as a turning point. For many, this event was their first ever chance to share their ideas with a wide audience and meet a pool of valuable connections. As the program arrives at an end, one thing is certain – seeing these people grow together has been an incredible experience to witness.
And while Ready to Impact is over, PLNT’s mission is far from done.
At some point while reading this article, you may have asked yourself: “Who’s actually writing this?” And it’s my pleasure to reveal the answer. I’m Ema, a member of PLNT Students – a group within PLNT that targets students and young professionals that want to go beyond what’s expected of them. We look for those with passion projects, side hustles, and business ideas who are looking for ‘their people’.
Each week we reunite our community for productive Get Things Done Days, organise workshops and help form connections that matter. Elaine has been a part of this diverse group of people for some time now, and isn’t planning on leaving anytime soon.
“The PLNT community has been incredibly helpful. Having people around you to ask questions to or spar with has allowed me to be way more creative and solve problems way faster. One bonus is that every other week there is the Get Things Done Day in Leiden, which definitely helps me get things done. Sharing your daily goals with people who are working on their own, helps so much with accountability which is something we all need from time to time. It got me connected with different people who I chat with on a regular basis, just to see what they are up to and to support each other.
I think that has been the most valuable thing. Being surrounded by people who technically have no reason to support you, but they just do.
They want you to succeed and they want to help you wherever they can. Something I’m definitely super grateful for.”
A story like this is one of many. Each person that finds their way to PLNT brings something new. A unique background, one-of-a-kind perspective, and generous dose of dedication. Yet, there’s one thing they all share – the courage to take a chance on their idea and keep coming back.
While our community steadily grows, we make space for more ideas to take root and bloom. If yours is the one we plant next, you know where to find us – start here 🌱
Article by Ema Donkova
For more info: https://linktr.ee/PLNTstudents