The Belgian region of Wallonia and Tuscany in Italy are officially designated as the EU’s two ‘==creative districts== ‘ – areas with specific policies to help create a supportive ecosystem in which entrepreneurs can innovate, develop and internationalise their ideas. .
Taking advantage of the support the scheme offers interior architect Thibaut Gilgquin and graphic designer Hélène Hoyois created a business making verrines, little edible food baskets.
They were given a launch fund of 40,000 euros and access to the expertise of an agency that helps innovative start-ups get going in Wallonia.
“We came with just an idea. For three months, from 8am to 8pm, we worked with two coaches who sped things up,” said Gilgquin. “And that enabled us to build up our company, to have a business model, a business plan, to study the market and really build the firm.”
Self-belief was a key element in getting their project, ‘Do Eat’, off the ground.
