During the SME Entrepreneurs’ Festival, the Arnhem Entrepreneurs’ Fund played a key role as an enabler. Chairman Ilko Bosman – an entrepreneur in the mechanical engineering sector in his day job, chairman of VNO-NCW Arnhem-Nijmegen and a member of The Economic Board Regio Arnhem Nijmegen – looks back on the day with great enthusiasm.
Entrepreneurs flocked to the bus for a behind-the-scenes look at inspiring companies in their own region. Ilko explains: “The festival was actually a sort of collective open day. It’s a fantastic demonstration of just how diverse entrepreneurship is in our city.”
A strong message to The Hague
The festival was also the perfect opportunity to put the region on the map with the Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. “It sends a hugely powerful message to show people like that what we’re capable of,” says Ilko proudly.
This sense of community fits perfectly with the Arnhem Entrepreneurship Fund, which supports initiatives that contribute to the wider urban economy. The fund’s key rule? An application must always come from a collective and have a demonstrable economic impact.
Networking in a relaxed setting
A key lesson from the festival concerns the way in which entrepreneurs connect with one another today. Traditional associations sometimes struggle to retain members, yet the need for connection and networking remains as strong as ever. According to Ilko, the festival proved that the key lies in the atmosphere: “The real strength lay in the relaxed atmosphere. You have to make the programme so enjoyable that entrepreneurs, despite their packed diaries, immediately think: ‘I just have to be part of this!’”
A region with its own distinctive character
As well as fostering connections, Ilko sees great opportunities in raising the profile of the Arnhem-Nijmegen region. The proximity of Wageningen also plays an important role in this. “Arnhem excels in energy and electrification, Nijmegen is brimming with innovation in healthcare, and with Wageningen nearby, the link to the food transition is also strong,” he explains. With technology as its driving force, the region is tackling major societal transitions. As a result, the region not only attracts new businesses but is also better able to retain locally trained talent.
Do you have a brilliant idea?
Would you like to contribute to the success of entrepreneurial Arnhem after the festival? Ilko is calling on entrepreneurs to take action and get in touch with the Entrepreneurs’ Fund.
“If you and a group of people have a great idea that’s good for the economy and the city, you should simply submit an application.” The organisation is incredibly accessible and is always open to being persuaded. So seek out a partnership, develop your plan and work together to build a vibrant Arnhem!
