On the 26th of March, we hosted a knowledge café on small and medium-sized businesses in the gas extraction area. Entrepreneurs in the gas extraction area had long been a 'forgotten group'. They had to deal with all kinds of negative consequences, but had nowhere to turn when they were in trouble. This has changed in recent years. In a short time, numerous schemes have been set up and several organizations can now support small and medium-sized businesses. But how exactly does this approach work? How large is the group of entrepreneurs affected by the consequences of gas extraction? And what are entrepreneurs' experiences with damage and reinforcement? In recent months several research reports have been published that address these questions. You can find our report here. These reports map the entrepreneurial landscape in the gas extraction area from various perspectives.

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During the knowledge café, Judith van der Molen (Gronings Perspectief), Melle Conradie (Ipsos I&O Publiek) and Aziza Zijlstra (Kennisplatform) explained their findings and there was room to ask questions. Rients Faber (entrepreneur in Appingedam) shared his experience about the reinforcement of Het Gouden Pand. Due to the complicated and slow process, he was forced to adjust his business plan. Tom Postmes was moderator during this knowledge café.

 

To wrap up this afternoon, we presented the reports to Marieke Ferwerda (general director National Coordinator Groningen) and State Secretary Eddie van Marum. They reflected on the findings and told us what they will do with the reports.

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