Le Palais de Balkis
Karim Bazah
List three factors that make Brussels’ entrepreneurship landscape unique.
- Brussels is a cosmopolitan city with a large and rich diversity of inhabitants and consumers.
- Brussels is divided between rich and poor districts, allowing for a wide variety of economic situations for businesses.
- Brussels is a bilingual region, which is a positive value but also creates another dimension for the entrepreneur to face.
What are the three biggest challenges you faced when starting up your business?
- Firstly, I had to find a commercial place for rent. I wanted to start the business in my district of Molenbeek, even if it is a precarious one. Finally, I was able to find a space which belonged to the municipality.
- Secondly, I had to convince the inhabitants of Molenbeek and its Muslim community of our new concept: an artisanal, bio and halal butchery.
- Thirdly, I had to deal with all the expenses (taxes, rent, energy, wages, …). Until now, this has been my biggest challenge: how to offer a qualitative and healthy meal for a moderate price in light of my neighbourhood’s economic reality?
Have an innovative and sustainable concept.
How did you benefit from hub.brussels’ expertise in the conception of your business?
I received help and advice from their Retail Team to find a location, and received subsidies via their OpenSoon grant to finance a part of the restaurant’s installation.
List three pieces of advice you would give to the budding entrepreneur.
- Have an innovative and sustainable concept.
- Have faith in your project.
- Find the right place to do it.