Southwest Friesland boosts local businesses with new support programs and partnerships
Entrepreneurs in Southwest Friesland will receive tailored support to tackle digitalisation, sustainability, and staffing challenges. New initiatives like knowledge tables and mini masters aim to future-proof businesses and attract talent to the region, directly impacting local economic growth and job opportunities.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Parties Involved | Southwest Friesland Region Deal, Economic Board Fryslân |
| Signatories | Aldermen Remboud van Iddekinge (De Fryske Marren), Bauke Dam (Súdwest-Fryslân), Hans Paul van der Snee (Economic Board Fryslân) |
| Programs | Ynbusiness, WRK.frl |
| Support Initiatives | Knowledge tables, mini masters, individual guidance, energy advice |
| Focus Areas | Digitalisation, innovation, sustainability, staff retention, circular economy |
| Target Groups | Entrepreneurs, retailers, students, businesses in Southwest Friesland |
| Goal | Strengthen regional entrepreneurship, attract and retain talent |
The Economic Board Fryslân plays a pivotal role in fostering regional economic development by initiating programs like Ynbusiness and WRK.frl. These efforts align with broader government strategies to support local businesses and address labor market challenges through collaboration with municipalities and educational institutions.
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Signing of cooperation agreement strengthens entrepreneurship in Southwest Friesland
The Southwest Friesland Region Deal and the Economic Board Fryslân have taken an important step in strengthening regional entrepreneurship. Aldermen Remboud van Iddekinge (Municipality of De Fryske Marren) and Bauke Dam (Municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân) signed a cooperation agreement together with Hans Paul van der Snee (Director – Board Member Economic Board Fryslân) aimed at supporting and future-proofing entrepreneurs in the region.
Entrepreneurs face major challenges. They are increasingly expected to excel in digitalisation, innovation, attracting and retaining staff, and sustainability. Ynbusiness and WRK.frl are programmes of the Economic Board Fryslân that address these challenges. With this collaboration, the parties involved aim to actively inform and support entrepreneurs during these transitions.
Strength in numbers
A key element of the approach is the organisation of knowledge tables and mini masters. The knowledge tables are practical meetings where entrepreneurs are updated on current topics and share experiences. The mini masters go a step further: these are in-depth programmes consisting of multiple sessions, each focusing on a specific theme such as leadership, strategy or innovation. “Strength in numbers” is the guiding principle here. As part of this, Ynbusiness will also support entrepreneurs who wish to form clusters, enabling them to strengthen and inspire each other.
In addition to this collective approach, Ynbusiness also offers individual guidance. For example, entrepreneurs in city centres, including retailers, receive targeted advice on digitalisation and sustainability of their properties. This contributes to future-proof and attractive shopping areas. Other entrepreneurs can also count on support for innovation and digitalisation issues through individual advisory sessions. This includes energy advice, circular business models and innovative solutions that help reduce costs and enhance competitiveness.
An attractive place to work and live
The collaboration also explicitly focuses on the labour market, where challenges are significant. In partnership with WRK.frl, efforts are being made to strengthen the region as an attractive place to work, live and reside. Due to population decline and ageing, the working-age population will continue to shrink in the coming years, making it essential to attract and retain talent.
To achieve this, extra emphasis is placed on connecting students and businesses in the region. Through (research) assignments and issues from the business community, as well as inspirational company tours, students are introduced to the many innovative and inspiring companies that Southwest Friesland has to offer. By involving students through internships, assignments and projects, not only is young talent retained, but the region’s visibility is also enhanced.
With this collaboration, the Southwest Friesland Region Deal and Economic Board Fryslân are taking a significant step towards a future-proof, innovative and attractive region for both entrepreneurs and employees.
