To help more people cross that threshold, Flemish minister-president Kris Peeters last week launched the Entrepreneurship Plan Competition, aimed at creating a real culture of entrepreneurship in Flanders. There are three separate parts of the competition.

Plan(k)gas is aimed at students in the fifth to seventh years of secondary school. The goal is to have 100 groups of students draw up business plans with the help of a network of teachers and business people. They’ll take part in breakfast meetings and be able to pitch their business ideas to experts on the “Babbelbus tour”, which will descend on 10 Flemish cities. www.plankgas.be

Battle of Talents is an existing online game for students at universities and colleges, which has been integrated into the competition as an added stimulus to students. It is hoped that it will create 150 business plans. MBA students and working entrepreneurs act as venture capitalists to coach students in opening their own businesses. Prizes include €25,000 for the best team and €5,000 for the best investor. www.battleoftalents.be

Bizidee is open to everyone, but with special emphasis on immigrants, women, the over-50s and those without a higher education. Bizidee offers personal customised coaching, and the winner receives €25,000 in start-up capital. www.bizidee.be