Feasibility Study for the Stadteland Development Fund in Geldrop-Mierlo: Investing in the Future Together
Since January, a steering committee has been working on an exploratory study of the Entrepreneurs’ Fund. This group includes entrepreneurs from various business parks, representatives from the sports, hospitality, and business sectors, officials from the Department of Economic Affairs, and the Alderman . Downtown management organizations will also be joining soon. The process is being facilitated by Buro Blaauwberg. The initiators are now primarily interested in engaging with entrepreneurs, associations, and other relevant organizations. To that end, an inspiration session is being organized.
We spoke with two members of the steering committee: entrepreneur Arno Saasen and Yvar de Weerd, chair of the Sports Council.
Investing in the Future Together
“Together, we can achieve more”
Entrepreneur Arno Saasen sees many opportunities in a collaborative approach.
According to him, entrepreneurs in Geldrop-Mierlo are already working well together, including with the municipality through the Economic Platform. But even greater challenges lie ahead. “Think of climate change, labor shortages, and grid congestion. These issues call for professional solutions and collaboration.”
He emphasizes that entrepreneurs and civil society organizations are increasingly dependent on one another. “Sports clubs and cultural organizations, for example, can contribute to employees’ health, personal development, and job satisfaction.”
As a first joint project, he sees improved security in industrial parks as a positive step. “This is already happening in neighboring municipalities. I want to prevent undesirable activities from shifting to our municipality.”
He also believes it’s important for entrepreneurs to get to know each other better. “What one person lacks, another may have in abundance. Together, we can achieve more. Sometimes the solution is right on your doorstep.”
Arno also expects some objections. “These days, businesses have to work incredibly hard just to stay afloat. With those daily struggles, it’s not always possible to look beyond your own immediate concerns. I hope the upcoming information session on the Entrepreneurs’ Fund will help dispel their skepticism. I see many possibilities and opportunities for effective collaboration. It’s important to clearly demonstrate the benefits of such a fund. Let me give just one example: staff shortages. Almost all of us are struggling with that. How can we make Geldrop-Mierlo “the place to be” when it comes to opportunities for personal growth—a place where you can work well and where life is good even outside of work? That’s how you can retain employees and attract new ones!”
Sports clubs see opportunities
Yvar de Weerd, chair of the sports council, also sees opportunities to strengthen the ties between sports clubs, businesses, and community organizations.
Clubs are increasingly finding common ground, but they also face challenges such as finding volunteers, declining membership, and maintaining their facilities. According to him, an Entrepreneurship Fund can help address these challenges collectively. By joining forces, we can also Map Geldrop-Mierlo even more firmly on the Map —in terms of business, sports, and culture.
Among other things, the chairperson cites corporate sports, joint events, and improved collaboration between sports, Health education as promising projects. The fund can also provide practical support to organizations, for example in the areas of administration and communication.
One interesting idea is an open house event where companies collaborate with sports and cultural organizations. During such an event, these organizations can host clinics, workshops, and demonstrations at local businesses.
Of course, we’ll be discussing this soon with business owners and representatives of sports and cultural organizations. “We’ll also be talking about the added value of this fund, and we’ll undoubtedly see examples of similar funds in other municipalities. And naturally, there will be questions about, among other things, the costs for participants and their say in how the money is spent.”