Bas Voors opens fit20 Epe while completing his degree

Bas Voors opened his own fit20 studio in Epe, the Netherlands, on 1 September while also working towards completing his degree. Through the franchise network’s Young Talents Program, he is combining both commitments. In an article published by Franchise+ on 12 November 2026, he discusses his first few months and the support that has made this step possible.

Running a studio while completing a degree

Voors was drawn to entrepreneurship from an early age. When setting up in Epe, he chose not to wait until he had finished his studies before starting his own business. At fit20, he found an opportunity to pursue both ambitions at the same time.

The Young Talents Program played an important role in this. It gives students and young professionals an early introduction to entrepreneurship and the opportunity to open their own fit20 studio with support from the franchisor. For Voors, it provided a link between his studies and his first business.

According to Voors, the guidance and discussions with fit20 ultimately made it easy to decide to combine the final stage of his degree with business ownership. He says the organisation also helps him think through the research required to complete his degree. In his case, the support therefore extends beyond launching the business to how it fits with his studies.

A positive first few months

Just over two months after opening, Voors is positive about the launch. Speaking to Franchise+, he says: “The past two months have been fantastic. We’ve got off to a flying start with fit20 Epe and have already built up a healthy membership.”

This describes his initial experience as a studio owner. According to the report, membership is growing, although no specific figure is given. His reflections therefore convey enthusiasm about the early months rather than evidence of the studio’s financial performance.

Alongside membership growth, the article highlights his personal development. Voors has grown as a business owner in a short space of time. For him, the opening means more than launching a new location: he is also gaining experience of running his own business while completing his degree.

For those interested in the Dutch franchise market, this combination is particularly relevant. His story illustrates a practical route through which a student can take responsibility for their own outlet with guidance, rather than waiting until after graduation.

Consistent support provides reassurance

Voors cites having people to turn to as an important reason for choosing franchising. When faced with difficult issues, he can exchange experiences and share knowledge. He describes the franchise model as a way of running a business that gives him a degree of peace of mind.

At fit20, that support includes a dedicated point of contact. According to the article, every franchisee has their own contact person for questions and challenges. For someone completing a degree while building a business, this makes it clear where to turn for help.

In Voors’ account, the support goes beyond assistance at launch. He places particular emphasis on discussing issues and sharing experiences. For him, this gives the franchise community a practical purpose: running his own business while being able to draw on other people’s knowledge and guidance.

His experience is personal and does not guarantee that the same combination will suit every student. It does, however, demonstrate the role support can play in an early move into business ownership.

What young prospective franchisees can learn

For students and young professionals considering a similar route, the Epe example is above all a prompt to ask specific questions. What guidance is available before and after opening? Who is the dedicated point of contact? And how can study commitments be coordinated with the responsibilities of running an outlet?

The scope for degree-related research also deserves a separate discussion. In Voors’ case, fit20 is helping him explore this. Prospective franchisees would be well advised to discuss the arrangements their own circumstances require with both their educational institution and the franchisor in advance.

The practical lesson: assess an early move into franchising not simply by how quickly you can open, but above all by the specific support available and whether running the business is feasible alongside your studies.