EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Amsterdam: business scheme for SMEs

Amsterdam: business scheme for SMEs

Introduction

Small and medium-sized enterprises provide life and employment in the old neighbourhoods. Without their activities, these neighbourhoods could get locked into a downward spiral. Entrepreneurs are therefore being actively encouraged in the De Baarsjes and Bos & Lommer districts with the aid of a business scheme.

Problem

The business scheme is aimed at improving the economic climate in the De Baarsjes district, so that:

business is strengthened;
more entrepreneurs set up businesses;
more employment is created.

Entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to participate in the scheme if they update and/or improve their business practices.

Description

A new approach is being adopted in order to reach as many businesses as possible. The entrepreneurs are approached personally and informed about developments in the area and the potential subsidies aimed at strengthening the business climate and their own businesses.

Approach

The spearheads within the Amsterdam programme document are:

Improving the physical business environment.
Stimulating entrepreneurship.
Improving the job market.
Socio-economic activation.
Quality of life and social cohesion.

Results

The support which entrepreneurs get in updating their business practices has a positive effect on the district as a location for entrepreneurs to set up a business. If an entrepreneur updates, invests and professionalises, this offers a positive benefit for the environment (neighbourhood and sector).

EU involvement

URBAN II is an initiative of the European Commission. The aim is to support innovative projects in the field of urban regeneration in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The URBAN II projects will set an example for national urban policy. In the Netherlands, areas in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Heerlen have been allocated for the period 2000-2006. In Amsterdam the URBAN II programme is being carried out in eight neighbourhoods from four city districts (West binnen de Ring), with a total of 63,000 inhabitants.

Financing

European subsidy: € 100.000
Total cost: € 719.500

Contact info

The local programme management, tel. +31 20 5812860

Project start date

01/11/2003

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Keywords

Business support