Economic independence is one of the most powerful forms of empowerment. For newcomers and refugees in the Netherlands, accessing the formal job market is often fraught with bureaucratic hurdles, language barriers, and discrimination. E-commerce offers an alternative route — one where talent, effort, and entrepreneurial spirit can open doors regardless of background.
Why Bol.com?
Bol.com is the Netherlands' largest online marketplace, with over 13 million active customers. For entrepreneurs, it offers a ready-made audience, established logistics infrastructure, and a relatively accessible barrier to entry. For newcomers, it represents an opportunity to build a sustainable income stream without needing a traditional employment contract.
What the Workshop Covers
The programme is structured as a hands-on, multilingual training experience delivered in Dutch, Arabic, and English. Participants learn how to set up a seller account and manage product listings, conduct product research and identify profitable niches, understand pricing strategies and margin calculations, navigate bol.com's logistics and fulfilment options, and handle customer service professionally.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Among our participants have been a Syrian engineer who now runs a successful electronics accessories store, a Moroccan mother who turned her passion for handmade home décor into a viable income, and an Afghan graduate student supplementing his income while completing his studies.
Scaling the Model
The success of the bol.com workshop has informed the development of other digital economy programmes within the NetImpact Academy, including training on AI tools, digital marketing, and broader e-commerce platforms.