Entrepreneurship is about constantly pushing your boundaries

30 January 2026 Reading time Minutes

Entrepreneurship

Can you tell us more about YOSHI?

We started YOSHI (Your Online Side Hustle International) in 2023 as an international counterpart to the successful programme “Entrepreneurship as a side job”, says Maarten Bas Backer, lecturer and coach at Saxion Centre for Entrepreneurship. In addition to the English language, YOSHI has a broader focus on all kinds of side-businesses. This includes for example a clothing brand, marketing agency, coaching, home decor, or a software startup.

This diversity brings together an interesting mix of entrepreneurs with diverse studies, talents and interests. What connects the students is that they are all start a business alongside their studies, often in a completely different field.

BIP YOSHI.jpg — YOSHI students work on their own businesses.

What kind of programme do the students take at YOSHI?

YOSHI is a 20-week programme to help you set up your own (online) ‘side hustle’ and generate income. We help students put their business idea into practice. Participants go through a step-by-step startup blueprint and also receive coaching from experts who support them every step of the way. From branding to effective online marketing.

The Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) combines online and in-person learning. The students follow weekly online knowledge and coaching group sessions. There are 25 to 30 students taking part this semester, but there is also a larger group that follows the online knowledge sessions and uses the material to work on their own startup. During the international exchange week at Saxion, all YOSHI students from across Europe came together to meet each other in person for the first time.

What motivates students to participate?

The motivation for students to participate is a form of self-development. Turning your own idea into reality. We talk about very practical things such as websites, sales and marketing, however, personal development is always at the fore. Questions like "Why can’t I do it? Why am I putting it off? am I too scared to try..?" can be confrontational. Often the solution lies in working together or seeking help. We hope that the creation of the YOSHI community is a key added value. A group of young entrepreneurs who help and support each other.

YOSHI bij SCVO.jpg — The YOSHI community.

What impact does YOSHI have on students?

YOSHI often has a deep impact on students. The choice to participate is usually linked with a deep-seated desire and specific individual interest. Things that there is often no room for in the standard curriculum and daily 'grind', Maarten explains. If you can work on this step by step, it will give you a lot of energy and strengthen self-confidence. You can see that in the enthusiastic reactions of students. YOSHI is at its best when the community aspect is active.

How was the international exchange week at Saxion?

During YOSHI week, the 35 participating students met each other in person for the first time. The aim of the week was to become familiar with other cultures, gain knowledge of international business and build an international network. The group consisted of a diverse mix of bachelor’s students from Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Latvia, Austria and Romania.

The community aspect was clearly present during YOSHI Week, according to Maarten. There were several students who said this was ‘life changing’ and that they saw more happen in one week than in the whole year beforehand. However, sometimes things don't work either. Setting up your own business can also be very confrontational and takes up much more time than most think will be the case. Sometimes students will drop out or postpone starting until the following year.

YOSHI week.jpg — The YOSHI exchange week at Saxion.

What is your collaboration with the E³UDRES² alliance?

We were looking for ways to work more closely with our E³UDRES² partners in the field of entrepreneurship education. Since YOSHI is mostly taught online, it was relatively easy to open up the programme.

Entrepreneurship is about constantly pushing your boundaries. Also why an international exchange seemed so appropriate. This is why the YOSHI week theme was “Entrepreneurship is not going it alone, it is a team effort”. We are building a pan-European community of entrepreneurs who can help and support each other across borders and on many levels. Where the lecturers and coaches also form a community. The different talents, expertise, and context of the regions help each other to grow and so become more effective locally.

How do you look back on the YOSHI and will there be sequel?

Maarten: “I’m very satisfied and grateful that something like this has been made possible. Especially the community aspect was a great experience. Doing business together for your own business. It's really possible!” We will be doing YOSHI for the sixth time and for the third time with E³UDRES². Next year, JAMK will be taking the lead and the exchange week will be in Finland.