Novel-T Grow programme
The Novel-T Grow Programme helps startups and scale-ups in Twente to grow and innovate. Find out how we support entrepreneurs to realise their ambitions and contribute to the economic development of the region.
Novel-T Grow Programme
Twente boasts many outstanding companies and young startups working on innovations and solutions for future challenges. However, research shows that while new businesses in our region do experience growth, this growth doesn’t advance as robustly as in other regions. Novel-T aims to support these companies by offering a growth programme combining in-depth content with network building.
Growing larger involves many aspects. How are priorities set and decisions made? How are HR, financing, and the international market managed? According to project leader Rens Dommerholt, managing an organisation with 100 employees involves far more than managing a company of 15 people. “To start with, communication lines are shorter in a small organisation,” he explains. “Every additional person makes things a bit more complex. Beyond internal communication, additional factors come into play. This requires a different mindset. Our GROW programme provides a helping hand.”
Inspiration, Networking, and Content-Driven Program
“What we are doing aligns with existing startup programmes,” Rens explains. “With GROW, we aim to inspire, facilitate networking, and offer a content-driven programme. We guide companies, enabling them to independently continue their growth.”
Each trajectory within the growth programme begins with an extensive assessment—a company scan to identify the current status and growth barriers. “Then there is a two-day kickoff to establish long-term goals and develop a 100-day plan,” Rens explains. “We work with groups of 10 companies from different sectors, such as medical technology, software companies, or IT solution providers with scalable offerings. Ultimately, these companies face similar challenges when aiming to grow. By connecting them, they can also learn from each other, which contributes to a well-functioning ecosystem.”
Monthly expert sessions are organised for in-depth exploration of content by the companies. “In addition, each company has its own process coach who checks in every two weeks to help the company stay on track. This way, we equip companies with the tools they need to stay in control of their growth.”
Fostering Pride and Making an Impact
“This programme delivers not only economic growth, job security, and a higher level of knowledge,” says Rens. “It also has the potential to foster pride in Twente’s companies. We could make these companies more visible and show what our region has to offer. This would encourage people to stay here and new companies to settle here. We could create a business powerhouse that attracts investors. This, in turn, helps companies grow, enabling us to make a greater impact.”
Recruitment of Companies
“Our goal is to support 40 companies in Twente over the next two years,” Rens explains. “We’re partnering with Ondernemend Twente for company recruitment. Interested companies with over 10 FTEs and an annual turnover of more than one million euros are welcome to contact us.”
Gross Twents Happiness
This programme contributes to the pillars of Gross Twents Happiness:
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"This programme contributes to the pillars of Gross Twents Happiness"
Job Security
“As companies grow, they need more people, including for ‘more complex’ positions. Increased company revenue leads to greater prosperity, making it likely they will remain active longer and provide job security.”
Personal Growth
“We train management teams to independently sustain growth, equipping people to elevate the company to a higher level.”
Work-Life Balance
“I imagine this topic will be part of the discussion during the networking segment of the programme.”
Social Contacts
“Being in the same phase, participants can discuss challenges and support each other. Exchanging stories is part of the programme.”
Community Engagement
“By proudly showcasing our regional impact, people become more connected to our region.”
Subjective Well-being
“It feels rewarding to achieve growth with your company, especially if it seemed impossible before.”
Environment
“We can’t predict this exactly, but we may help companies grow that are working on sound choices for our planet.”
Funding
Agenda of Twente
Want to Know More?
Contact Scale-Up Programme Project Leader Rens Dommerholt.
T: 06- 34137009
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