EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Neighbourhood Economy I and II, Heerlen, The Netherlands

Neighbourhood Economy I and II, Heerlen, The Netherlands

Introduction

The Municipality of Heerlen is actively working to promote an entrepreneurial climate within the framework of the project entitled Buurteconomie Heerlen.

Problem

How can the municipality encourage potential entrepreneurs to take serious action with regard to their plans and support existing entrepreneurs with advice and assistance?

Description

So far, of the 44 start-up companies, 18 were established by people who were previously on social security benefits. A number of them make use of the Health Care (Personal Contribution) Decree (BBZ) options. This results in direct annual savings to the Municipality of Heerlen’s Benefits Office of 18 times 10,000 = 180,000 euros (not including savings to municipal overhead costs). In addition, some of the entrepreneurs who took their chances to start their own company previously collected unemployment or disability benefits.

Approach

Two entrepreneurial advisors offer intensive support and guidance to potential entrepreneurs as well as existing entrepreneurs who have up to 10 employees working for them. In doing so, they make no distinction between specific target groups.

Results

During the first period, the results were:

An increase of 11% in the number of new businesses in Heerlen in 2003 compared to 2002.
So far, of the 44 start-up companies, 18 were established by individuals who were previously on social security benefits.

The municipality’s targets for the second period are:

To provide guidance to 400 potential entrepreneurs within four years’ time, that 100 of these actually start their businesses and that 100 existing entrepreneurs receive support.
To increase in the endurance of companies begun under the municipality’s watchful eye by means of intensive coaching and guidance.
To incorporate the project’s services more firmly within the existing socio-economic activities in the districts.
To institutionalise the intensive guidance and coaching of entrepreneurs within the services offered by the Municipality of Heerlen and the Starterscentrum (‘Entrepreneurs’ Centre’).
To examine the Municipality of Heerlen’s performance in comparison to the region and what can be learned from these conclusions.
To encourage young people and, in particular, well-educated potential entrepreneurs.
In view of the neighbourhoods where the project is now primarily being conducted: to encourage ethnic entrepreneurship.

Resources used

With contributions from the Municipality of Heerlen and a European subsidy from the Urban-II programme, dozens of potential and existing entrepreneurs have receive guidance in starting and operating their own company.

EU involvement

European subsidy from the Urban-II programme.

Contact info

Municipality of Heerlen
A. Jacobs

Project start date

01/01/2003

Links

The municipality of Heerlen More information on the project (in Dutch)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Keywords

Business support