Noori advises newcomers on owning a business: "The Netherlands is a land of papers"

"Have the outside door open less quickly," Noori advises Nardos, pointing to the sensor. "Otherwise it gets too cold for guests and you pay too much for heating. I do know someone who can adjust this." And later he says, "Put your products in a more conspicuous spot, and you'll probably sell more."

As a business coach with Stichting Pangea, business owner Noori shares his experience starting a business with Nardos. And he gives her access to his network. This foundation is the same one that helped him 2 years ago when he started his own date business in the Netherlands. "Because of them I now have all the necessary certificates and big companies as clients."

Nardos from Eritrea: "I appreciate Noori's advice. The foundation helped me a lot in setting up my restaurant. Not only with the administrative part, but also with painting and decorating. Thanks to them I can do what I wanted most. Not only do I love letting people taste good food, it's also a great way to introduce Dutch people to Eritrean culture."

Noori, born in Yemen, began planning for a business as early as in the asylum seekers' centre. His family trades dates in Yemen and Noori wanted to do the same in the Netherlands.

After seeking asylum in the Netherlands, he took lessons on entrepreneurship while still in the reception centre. He also wrote his business plan there. As soon as he received his residence permit, he registered with the

"In Yemen I knew how to start my own business, but in the Netherlands it was very different." For example, Noori was asked if he had a warehouse for his products and if he had the right certificates. "In Yemen, business is a lot about feeling and emotion. Here, on the contrary, you have to have everything on paper. Otherwise, you won't get very far."

"When I think back to how I started, I had little knowledge about business in the Netherlands. I did everything on my own, including things I didn't really have time for. I was an amateur and made a lot of rookie mistakes. But I also learned a lot because of that and didn't give up," he says proudly.

Nardos' contact immediately supported her in her plan to start a business. And they linked her to Stichting Pangea. However, a contact from the municipality is not always so helpful, Noori says. "If you really want your own business, you have to not only tell them, but also show them."

"The Netherlands is a land of papers. Make a business plan. Make a budget. Show what you need and how you want to achieve it. If a contact sees perseverance, they will definitely think more with you. Show: I want this!"

Noori has some important tips for others who want to start their own business: