Do you have a business idea you'd like to explore? Or are you already taking your first steps as an entrepreneur in Denmark?
Build Your Business is a practical, English-language entrepreneurship programme designed for internationals living in Denmark.
Through two interactive evening workshops, you'll gain the knowledge, tools and confidence to develop your idea, understand the Danish business landscape and take the next steps towards starting your own business.
Whether you're an expat, an accompanying partner, an international student or simply considering self-employment, this programme will help you transform your ideas into concrete actions while connecting you with other aspiring entrepreneurs.
The programme is developed in collaboration between Business Kolding and StartUp Vejle.
Who's behind Build Your Business?
Build Your Business is an initiative created and hosted by Business Kolding and StartUp Vejle. Together, we help aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the Danish business landscape through free business advice, local networks and practical support.
To provide participants with both inspiration and hands-on expertise, we've brought together a team of experienced specialists who contribute throughout the programme.
Lead facilitator
The workshops are facilitated by Mariola Kajkowska, founder of First Friend in Denmark. Mariola specializes in helping internationals build their professional path in Denmark and will guide participants through both workshops with a combination of practical advice, coaching and hands-on exercises.
In First Friend in Denmark she combines practical knowledge of the Danish business environment with coaching, community building and business development, helping participants turn ideas into concrete next steps.
Guest specialists
During the programme you'll also meet specialists from Beierholm and ASENTO.
Beierholm will guide you through the practical aspects of starting a business in Denmark, including company registration, accounting, VAT and taxation.
ASENTO will introduce the fundamentals of marketing and customer acquisition, helping you build a marketing strategy for your new business.
Together, the programme combines local business support with specialist knowledge in entrepreneurship, business setup and marketing, giving you practical tools you can use from day one.
Is Build Your Business for You?
Build Your Business consists of two interactive workshops, taking place on 27 October and 3 November.
The programme is designed for internationals living in Denmark who:
• have a business idea they'd like to explore
• are considering freelancing or self-employment
• have recently started a business
• want to better understand entrepreneurship in Denmark
The programme is particularly relevant for expats, accompanying partners, international students and other internationals who want to build a business in Denmark.
Participation is free of charge for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs living in Kolding Municipality or Vejle Municipality. Participants from other municipalities are welcome to join for DKK 500. A payment link will be sent after registration.
No previous business experience is required.
Participation fee
The programme is free of charge for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs living in Kolding Municipality or Vejle Municipality.
Participants from other municipalities are welcome to join for DKK 500. After registering, you will receive a link to complete your payment and secure your place.
Places are limited, and registration is required.
Programme
Build Your Business consists of two practical evening workshops. Each workshop combines presentations, practical exercises, networking and opportunities to ask questions, ensuring you leave with concrete tools and actionable next steps.
Workshop 1: 27 October
Welcome and introduction
Tina Nikolajsen, Leendert Bjerg, Peter Lynggaard Petersen and Brian Poulsgaard
Business Kolding & StartUp Vejle
Welcome to Build Your Business, an introduction to the programme and an opportunity to meet your fellow participants.
Understanding Denmark as a Business Environment
Mariola Kajkowska
Founder of First Friend in Denmark
Get an introduction to entrepreneurship in Denmark, including Danish business culture, customer expectations and how to navigate the local market.
Break
From idea to direction
Mariola Kajkowska
First Friend in Denmark
Together, we'll refine your business idea, identify the problem you're solving and develop a strong value proposition that clearly communicates the value of your business.
Light meal & networking
Practical Steps to Starting a Business
Beierholm
Beierholm - Accounting and Advisory Specialists
As one of Denmark's leading accounting and advisory firms, Beierholm helps thousands of entrepreneurs establish and grow their businesses. Their specialists will provide practical guidance on company registration, accounting, VAT, taxation and the financial aspects of starting a business in Denmark.
Everything you need to know before launching your business:
• Choosing the right company type
• Registering your business (CVR)
• VAT and taxes
• Invoicing and bookkeeping
• Banking and insurance
• Licences, permits and import/export
Wrap-up
Mariola Kajkowska
Founder of First Friend in Denmark
You'll leave the workshop with a clearer business direction, valuable insights into the Danish business environment and a concrete action plan for your next steps.
Workshop 2: 3 November
Welcome and recap
Business Kolding & StartUp Vejle
Develop and Validate Your Business Idea
Mariola Kajkowska
Founder of First Friend in Denmark
Learn how to refine and validate your business idea, identify your first customers and use practical sales techniques to turn interest into your first sales.
Break
Pricing and Value Proposition
Mariola Kajkowska
Founder of First Friend in Denmark
Learn how to communicate the value of your business, set the right price and position your business in the Danish market.
Light meal & networking
Marketing Fundamentals
ASENTO
Marketing Specialists
Asento is a marketing agency specializing in strategic marketing, branding and digital marketing. ASENTO marketing experts will introduce the fundamentals of customer acquisition and show you how to build a strong marketing strategy that helps turn your business idea into paying customers.
Learn how to attract your first customers through practical marketing:
• Marketing Mix (Product, Price, Place & Promotion)
• Crafting your key message
• Choosing the right marketing channels
• Understanding the marketing funnel
• Organic vs. paid marketing
Wrap-up
Mariola Kajkowska
Founder of First Friend in Denmark
By the end of the programme, you'll have a clear business pitch, a practical plan for reaching your first customers and the confidence to take your next steps. You'll also leave with new connections to fellow entrepreneurs and business experts who can continue to inspire and support your journey.
