Ik Ben Drents Ondernemer has been renewed. A new team of twelve advisors - all entrepreneurs and specialists from Drenthe - is ready to answer questions and challenges of entrepreneurs. And there are new services, such as multi-day master classes and pressure cooker sessions. Program manager Kai Engelmann and director Rob Drees look back at 2025, the year in which Ik Ben Drents Ondernemer reinvented itself.
In Friesland we know Ynbusiness, in Groningen GroBusiness and in Drenthe Ik Ben Drents Ondernemer, all first-line entrepreneurial services. 'Compare it to the general practitioner,' says program manager Kai Engelmann. 'We see how we can help you and whether it might be better to refer you. Either way, you are helped further quickly and free of charge so that your business can grow and develop.' The typical entrepreneur who knocks on the door of Ik Ben Drents Ondernemer? 'Someone who sees opportunities but doesn't know exactly how to seize them,' says Engelmann. 'In terms of business size, anything is possible. From sole traders with growth ambitions to small and medium-sized businesses up to about 70 FTEs.'
New team of advisors
Since its founding in 2012, the goal of Ik Ben Drents Ondernemer has been to help entrepreneurs move forward, aiming for healthy businesses and a robust entrepreneurial climate. 'In 2025, we 'started over' with that same goal in mind. What was good, we kept. What could be better, we improved,' says Drees. 'The advisors who used to work at Ik Ben Drents Ondernemer came from all over the country and primarily had a job with an organization affiliated with Ik Ben Drents Ondernemer and in addition they did the advisory work for Drenthe entrepreneurs. Now almost all of them are Drents who only work for us. Moreover, they are all (have been) entrepreneurs or have worked in an entrepreneurial function. They share their knowledge, insights and experience, as well as bumps and pitfalls.'
The service immediately scores an 8.5 since the renewals. 'What works particularly well for the entrepreneurs is that our advisors speak the same language. Sometimes literally Drenthe, but especially the language of the entrepreneur. Seeing opportunities, seizing opportunities and just doing it,' says Engelmann.
Themes and focus areas
Each advisor has his or her own expertise, which ties in with the themes for which entrepreneurs can apply. For example, sustainability or international business. There are also three focus areas: family businesses, recreation & tourism and defense. Whereas until now entrepreneurs have come to ask for advice themselves, in 2026 Ik Ben Drents Ondernemer wants to approach entrepreneurs proactively. 'That can be related to all kinds of themes,' says Engelmann. Drenthe has many family businesses and this is pre-eminently the type of business where many questions arise. Think about business succession and corporate culture, for example. Recreation & tourism is the industry in Drenthe; we must continue to invest in it. And defense is a new area. Products that were initially designed for daily use are increasingly being used for military purposes; defense is a new market. Also very important are the manufacturing industry and healthcare technology. And of course we are open to topics that entrepreneurs bring up themselves; we are flexible and also respond to current circumstances and concerns.'
Getting started with your business
Entrepreneurs can be helped at Ik Ben Drents Ondernemer in roughly five ways: 'With one-on-one advisory processes, for example in the area of sustainability. The advisor visits the company and looks together with the entrepreneur at where the opportunities lie. The advisor makes a plan, puts the entrepreneur in contact with possible suppliers and helps assess tenders. The advisor is a sparring partner and a big stick," Engelmann explains. 'The second option is a pressure cooker session, the 'boost session,' with several advisors for one company. And then there are master classes, the "LABs. Topics are themes such as: e-commerce or innovation. In a series of sessions participants gain inspiration, learn from each other and make a plan that makes changes practically feasible.
A popular service of Ik Ben Drents Ondernemer is also the Funding Table. 'Entrepreneurs pitch their plan to several financiers. This way they make their needs clear to several financiers at once and stackable funding is possible.' The fifth option is referral. 'We are independent. We refer to banks and funds such as MKB Fonds Drenthe, to investment and development companies such as the NOM, programs such as the Investment Readiness Program (IRP) and Market Readiness Program (MRP) or startup and scale-up programs such as Founded,' says Drees.
Engelmann and Drees encourage entrepreneurs to contact Ik Ben Drents Ondernemer. "Our advisors are listed on our website. Do you have multiple questions? Then email info@ikbendrentsondernemer.nl.
Ik Ben Drents Ondernemer, whose is it?
Ik Ben Drents Ondernemer is an initiative of the province of Drenthe and works with an advisory committee including representatives from educational institutions, entrepreneurs and municipalities, among others. Previously, Ik Ben Drents Ondernemer was a "program"; the contract for its implementation was tendered every four years. As of January 1, 2025, Ik Ben Drents Ondernemer will be a BV. The advantages of the change are continuity and flexibility. The BV is part of the Drenthe Holding, which also includes MKB Fonds Drenthe.
Sign up for a LAB March 16:
- LAB Space for your business (Recreation & Tourism) April 2, 16 and 23:
- LAB E-commerce (web shops) April:
- LAB Greening (energy) May/June:
- LAB Oh dear I have an idea (innovation) August:
- LAB Germany (doing business in Germany) September:
- LAB Factory Digitization September:
- XL LAB family businesses
You can sign up by sending an email to: info@ikbendrentsondernemer.nl