On the 11th of March, the SME Networking Event hosted by MKB Metropool Amsterdam took place at the Corendon hotel in Badhoevedorp—an inspiring gathering where female entrepreneurs had the opportunity to present their businesses and connect with like-minded professionals.
The event was opened by José Schmidt, SME advisor at Rabobank, who emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing within the region. MKB Metropool Amsterdam is committed to supporting and strengthening entrepreneurs, and this event provided the perfect platform to do so.
Several female entrepreneurs took the stage to share their businesses and visions. Some highlights included:
- Rosa Sahele (JAT-Technologies) – A Super App revolutionizing convenience.
JAT-Technologies B.V. is an Amsterdam-based tech startup revolutionizing daily convenience with its Super App. This all-in-one platform offers taxi booking, food delivery, grocery shopping, event updates, and ticketing—simplifying life for modern consumers.
For businesses, JAT-Technologies provides a cloud-based POS system, streamlining operations and boosting efficiency. By bridging the gap between B2C and B2B, JAT-Technologies is transforming how consumers and businesses connect.
- Kim Poldner – Eco-fashion expert and university professor.
Kim Poldner was a co-founder of YOI. A guerilla concept store, one of the first in the Netherlands where a store focused on hiphonest fashion.
She continued her career in eco fashion. Kim has travelled all over the world and was a professor at universities in Canada, Switzerland, France etc. Now she is a scientific director at the UvA and a Special Chair at the university of Groningen.
- Marian Spier (FEM-START) – Educating female founders through courses and training.
Marian Spier, Founder and CEO of FEM-START. FEM-START empowers female entrepreneurs by providing essential training, resources, and a strong network to grow and secure funding.
Through programs and courses, we educate women to navigate the funding landscape, refine their pitch, and connect with the right investors. Our mission is to support female-led businesses in scaling successfully.
- Viola Sarkodee (Teshura) – Beauty entrepreneur redefining self-expression
Viola is no stranger in the make-up world. She is a self-taught businesswoman and apart from her make-up skills she is also an expert in hairstyling, wig making and skin care.
Her individual approach in celebrating the inner beauty of her clients and expressing it through a multitude of make-up techniques
- Jo Sarah (Umaversity) – Breaking taboos on female+ sexuality.
Umaversity was founded by Jo Sarah to create awareness around the female+ body, enhancing sexual experiences and promoting greater sexual equality.
What makes Umaversity unique? It’s a safe space for women+ to learn, share, and explore their sexuality, bodies, and pleasure—breaking taboos through a blend of art, science, psychology, and spirituality. Through events, expert talks, panels, workshops, live music, and sensual poetry, Umaversity fosters open conversations and deeper connections.
- Milouda Boussatta (Sweet Flavour) – Bringing artisanal coffee experiences anywhere.
Misoudda Bousatta, a passionate entrepreneur with a love for coffee and hospitality and founded Sweet Flavour. With her stylish Piaggio Coffee TukTuk, she brings the ultimate coffee experience to any location, from weddings and corporate events to festivals and private gatherings.
The certified baristas carefully craft artisanal coffee, tea, and specialties with Monin syrups, making every cup a unique experience.
- Carolina Bongers (Jungle the Bungle) – Making language learning fun for kids.
With Jungle the Bungle, young children (ages 2-8) learn English, Spanish, or Dutch in a fun and easy way. In 2017, she launched the multilingual children’s book series Jungle the Bungle, which became a great success.
Together with co-founder Amber Stam, we expanded Jungle the Bungle into a digital platform. Developing an interactive language learning app in collaboration with EarlyBird.
In today’s food landscape, ultra-processed foods are everywhere, making it difficult for consumers to make healthy choices. FLTRD was founded by Anke Kuik, a passionate entrepreneur with a background in digital innovation and a mission to transform the way we eat.
Through the FLTRD app, users can filter out ultra-processed foods, empowering them to make informed and healthier food decisions effortlessly.
Each presentation offered valuable insights and inspiration, from innovative solutions to success stories and the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Following the presentations, attendees had the opportunity to network. Entrepreneurs shared experiences, exchanged contact details, and explored potential collaborations. There even was a lottery hosted by the Rabobank and the Corendon Hotel Village, with prizes such as a trip to Paris and multiple diners for two.
After the event, an iftar was organized, giving attendees the opportunity to gather and break their fast together. This event provided a chance not only to enjoy a delicious meal but also to continue networking and discussions from the event in a more informal setting.
We are so proud of these former participants of the FEM-START trainings. Do you want to grow your business? Sign up for the GROWTH Training, last available
Written by Roos van den Oosterkamp
