Albert Duursma

Albert Duursma always knew he wanted to have his own business. At just 13 he was running his own webshop selling telephone cases. Now, Albert is in the fourth year of his Entrepreneurship & Retail Management degree and owns Albird, a business that develops smart software for supermarkets, butcher’s, restaurants and cafes and healthcare organisations. His trick is to keep both feet firmly on the ground. 
 

“I got the idea for Albird in 2022, in my parents’ restaurant in Burgum. My task was to keep track of the temperature in the cold room. It was a time-consuming task and I figured there had to be an easier way. That’s how it started. I worked with my sister to develop the first version of the software for Albird. I now employ a programmer and travel across the country to install our chill registration system.” 
 

From full-time to part-time 

“I’d already started studying at NHL Stenden when I got the idea for Albird. For the first two years of my studies, it was easy to combine my business with my degree, but that changed when I got more clients. I talked to my lecturers about it and in the third year switched from full-time to part-time. It gave me the time and opportunity to carry on with my business and finish my studies.” 
 

Addictive energy 

“In my first year at NHL Stenden, I noticed a huge sign for the Center for Entrepreneurship in the hall. It instantly got my attention, and right from the first meeting, I felt the addictive energy I was looking for.  Everyone was working towards the same goal as me: getting your own business to grow.” 
 

You ask, we do 

“Thanks to the CfE, I suddenly had a really useful network. I was in a WhatsApp group with over 350 entrepreneurs. Ask a question and you get an answer in no time, including from alumni. That source of knowledge is invaluable. The CfE also put me in direct contact with other entrepreneurs and the guest speakers we regularly have here are inspiring. One minute I go home with practical tips, the next minute my head’s full of new ideas.” 
 

Holding up a mirror 

“At the moment, my business is doing really well and my coach, Inge, at the CfE is helping me. Inge teaches me to step back from situations and look at them from a different perspective. It’s a huge help, both professionally and personally. At the same time, she makes sure I keep both feet firmly on the ground. I need that now and then: someone that holds a mirror up to what I’m doing so I can see I’m doing well, but that I shouldn’t forget my studies.” 
 

An invaluable plus 

“For a long time, I saw graduating from my studies as a formality, so that I had the necessary papers. But through the CfE I’ve realised I can get much more out of my studies and grow as an entrepreneur and a person. It’s an extra plus that’s really invaluable.” 
 

Find out more about studying and running your own business. Check out the Center for Entrepreneurship page.