The year of Arnhem SME City 2026 has officially started. Yesterday, Nermina Kundić (Alderman for Economy in Arnhem) handed over the Manifest Arnhem SME City 2026 to Jacco Vonhoff (Chairman of MKB-Nederland) during the kick-off at Cleantech Park Arnhem. This not only means that the Entrepreneurs Festival of MKB-Nederland will be held in Arnhem in 2026, but also that many activities for and by SME entrepreneurs will take place throughout the year.
Entrepreneurs Make Arnhem Economically Strong
Kundić: “I am proud that we may carry this title for a year. It is a nice recognition for entrepreneurship, innovation and cooperation in our city. It gives us a national stage to show what local SMEs mean for the Netherlands. Entrepreneurs provide jobs, new ideas and a lively city. From small shops to innovative companies and creative studios. Together they make Arnhem economically strong, socially involved and attractive to live and work in.
Special inventions that travel the world
Chairman Jacco Vonhof of MKB-Nederland is happy with Arnhem as SME city and in that capacity host city for the big Entrepreneurs Festival, which the entrepreneurs organization is organizing for the second time this year. “Innovation, creativity, sports, Arnhem and its entrepreneurs really excel in this. There are SME companies here with the most special inventions that travel the world. According to Vonhof, the goal of SME City of the Year is to make the importance of local entrepreneurship visible, strengthen it and celebrate it. “The title offers a city a stage to show how it gives entrepreneurs space, stimulates cooperation and enables innovation.
Manifest Arnhem SME City
In the Manifest Arnhem SME City 2026, Arnhem entrepreneurs and the municipality agree that they will jointly show what entrepreneurship means. For the city, the region and beyond. The Arnhem core values green, creative and free are central. But also pride, connection, innovation and inclusion. In short: a year in which SMEs are in the spotlight.
Entrepreneurs Festival 2026
Arnhem can now be the host city of the Entrepreneurs Festival 2026 on June 18. The festival starts at Papendal, then moves through the city along various locations and entrepreneurs. MKB-Nederland organizes this annual event with the title SME City of the Year to give entrepreneurs a stage. They can show there what solutions they have for the challenges and changes in the Netherlands. The entrepreneurs festival is about doing, sharing and discovering. Entrepreneurs meet each other and get new inspiration. They learn from fellow entrepreneurs who are leading in circularity, digital working, careers and the local economy. Of course, there is plenty of room to make new contacts and strengthen existing relationships.
Throughout the year there are more activities for entrepreneurs. Think of Arnhem Entrepreneurs Day, the Arnhem Compliment and the Arnhem Entrepreneurs event. During that event, the prize for the best Arnhem company of the year is also awarded. More information about all activities appears on SME City Arnhem.
No Passing the Buck
Kundić: “For the municipality, this mainly means that we are there for our entrepreneurs. Not only this year, but always. We do this among other things with the new Entrepreneurs Point, which we officially started at this kick-off. This Entrepreneurs Point is one clear point of contact for all entrepreneur questions. Whether it concerns permits, subsidies, circular plans or contact with the municipality. No passing the buck, but one counter and a clear and timely answer. No referrals, but accessible and reliable service.”