Twente Joins Forces to Improve SME Services
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of our economy. But it often takes entrepreneurs a lot of time to find the right programs, support, or service centers. This fragmentation makes it hard to take action quickly and effectively. That’s why Twente is joining the national SME service action plan: a movement that makes support simpler, clearer, and easier to find for entrepreneurs throughout the Netherlands - and now in our region as well.
Date of Publication: 26 March 2026
Read time +/- 4.1 minutes
What is the SME Services Action Agenda?
The Action Agenda is a multi-year government program aimed at creating a single, cohesive system of SME support. The goal is clear: to help entrepreneurs more quickly and effectively address the challenges of today and tomorrow. This includes topics such as digitalization, sustainability, labor market issues, and growth.
Why this initiative is needed
Entrepreneurs are facing major transitions that demand significant time, resources, and strategic decisions. At the same time, the current range of public support does not always align well with daily practice. Many entrepreneurs lack an overview or are shuffled from one agency to another. The challenge lies not so much in reaching SMEs, but in organizing support effectively and efficiently.
Twente is already on the right track. Strong partnerships exist, including between municipal account managers and organizations such as Novel-T, Oost NL, and Ondernemend Twente, along with the various network organizations in the region. Collaboration also takes place at the administrative level through the Twente Board. The Action Agenda builds on this existing strength and focuses on greater coherence, clarity, and structure. Not by starting over, but by connecting existing initiatives more intelligently and collaborating in a more structured way.
Starting Point: Regional Kickoff for the SME Services Action Agenda
On March 19, the regional kickoff for the Twente SME Services Action Agenda took place. During the knowledge sessions and substantive discussions, it became clear that Twente has a wealth of offerings, knowledge, and commitment, but that this is still insufficiently visible and accessible to entrepreneurs. Fragmentation, complexity, and lack of time are major barriers in this regard.
The shared challenge is therefore clear: shifting from a supply-driven to a demand-driven approach. It was emphasized that SME services involve more than simply matching supply and demand. As Floortje van Aken put it: “SME services are more than just matching supply and demand; they also involve connecting entrepreneurs with one another to inspire each other and engage in dialogue about major transitions. This needs to take on a more structured nature, rather than relying heavily on chance, as is still often the case in the Netherlands.”
Who is involved in Twente?
The regional initiative is supported by the Municipality of Enschede, Ondernemend Twente, and Twente Board.
Together with partners such as the 14 municipalities in Twente, Saxion, ROC van Twente, the University of Twente, and national organizations like the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK), the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), and the Chamber of Commerce (KvK), we are working to present a unified vision and a shared direction:
Stronger together for the future of SMEs.
Would you like to stay informed about developments or learn what this approach could mean for your business? Keep an eye on our channels or contact Sjoerd Jansen.
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