Don't miss it! The SME event for family businesses in Limburg

On Thursday, February 13, Provincie Limburg is organizing a special event for family businesses for the first time: the SME Family Businesses Event. This gathering at Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof will focus on strategic renewal, innovation and sustainability. But why is this event so important? And what makes it special for Limburg family businesses?

Exclusive for family businesses

Province Limburg recognizes the important role family businesses play in Limburg's economy and society. Family businesses are often regionally rooted, socially engaged and contribute to market stability. This event is designed to engage in dialogue, exchange experiences and work together on future-proof business operations.

What makes this event unique?

Many events focus on the broader SME community, but this event is designed exclusively for family businesses. In addition to the regular business challenges, there are unique issues within family businesses around family culture, succession and long-term strategy. We offer a platform to discuss these very issues with like-minded people. The intimate, personal nature ensures that entrepreneurs can actually engage in conversation and make valuable connections.

Sustainability: tradition and innovation hand in hand

Strong tradition and innovation are not at odds. On the contrary, they are mutually reinforcing. Family businesses want to pass on a healthy and profitable business to future generations. This means that companies must deal strategically with future-oriented issues, such as more sustainable production, energy optimization and digitalization. Innovation is essential to remain competitive and optimize processes.

What to expect?

The program offers an inspiring mix of knowledge, practical experiences and networking opportunities.

• Keynote by Prof. Dr. Anita van Gils of Maastricht University, specialized in family businesses and strategic entrepreneurship.
• Practical entrepreneurial stories from Limburg family businesses such as AKAB Deuren, MH Roadstyling, Marcelissen Food Processing Machinery and Linssen Yachts. They share their experiences on digitalization and sustainability.
• Panel discussion with stimulating propositions and interactive discussion.
• Networking opportunity with drinks, where entrepreneurs can talk further in an informal setting.
• Intimate setting: The walk-in will take place with flan and coffee, where you can also view the impressive exhibition 'Between the Sea & the Sky' by world-renowned photographer Jimmy Nelson.

Why the Museum of Photography at the Vrijthof?

Jimmy Nelson's work revolves around connection, traditions and stories of people worldwide. This ties in perfectly with the event's theme: the power of family businesses, their traditions and the challenges of the future. In addition, the setting offers an inspiring and informal atmosphere where entrepreneurs can really engage with each other.

What will you take home?

We hope that visitors will go home with new insights, inspiration and motivation to continue working on sustainability and innovation within their family business. Hearing and sharing the experiences of other family businesses will create new ideas and collaborations. This event is an opportunity to learn, network and get your family business ready for the future.