The province, together with Brabant municipalities, the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), and the regional development agencies (ROMs), has started the Brabant Coaches. These successors of the successful Data Coaches provide support in a broader field: from digitization and AI to labor productivity, circular entrepreneurship, staff shortages, and cyber resilience. Brabant Coaches assist entrepreneurs in utilizing new tools and technologies to better respond to changes. In this way, they strengthen the position of Brabants SMEs, also internationally, and support them with current challenges.
Deputy Martijn van Gruijthuijsen (Economy, Talent Development, and Finance): “Our entrepreneurs face great challenges. By helping them effectively, we ensure that they can continue to innovate and grow. This is good for them, but also for jobs and prosperity in Brabant.”
Internationally Competitive
The support from the Brabant Coaches is intended for entrepreneurs in the so-called driving sectors. These are sectors that propel the Brabant economy forward through their high added value, innovative strength, and strong international orientation. Think of the high-tech (manufacturing) industry, agrifood, chemistry, biobased, and pharma. Within these sectors, the driving SMEs play a crucial role. These companies often form the foundation of complex value chains, provide specialized knowledge or products, and operate in networks with leading clients, even beyond national borders. To remain internationally competitive, continuous innovation and adaptation are necessary. The Brabant Coaches help these entrepreneurs to remain agile and resilient in a world that is changing rapidly – economically, technologically, and socially.
Future-Proof Business Operations
New laws and regulations, labor shortages, rising raw material prices, digital opportunities and threats, and technological developments require adaptability and vision. The Brabant Coaches support companies in this area free of charge with first-line practical and personal advice, tailored to their own situation. They help entrepreneurs to work towards structural improvements in small, achievable steps. Not only with an eye on the short term but also with a view to future-proof business operations.
The Brabant Coaches have emerged from the Data Coaches, who have helped more than a thousand companies with digitization since 2021. Due to signals from practice, the program has been broadened. The province and municipalities each pay half. The BOM coordinates the program, and the execution lies with regional development organizations such as REWIN, Brainport Development, Midpoint Brabant, and Agrifood Capital.
Interested parties can email: brabantcoach@brabant.nl