3 years of GROW: a growth program that really benefits entrepreneurs

The program was created based on the Twente Board's desire to help more Twente-based companies grow. In the Netherlands, only 4% of companies reach a turnover of one million euros, and a mere 0.007% reach a turnover of 10 million euros. Novel-T's challenge: build a program that solves this problem.

Where do you begin when setting up such a program?

Rens: "For me, it was important that entrepreneurs would actually benefit. We then looked for parties whose expertise could contribute to shaping the program and who align with our mission. Ultimately, we found a combination of two parties that work in a structured and data-driven way: Gritd and Scaleup Impact."

Pieter: "When Novel-T asked, it made sense for us to respond. We do this in two areas that are crucial, but often overlooked: ensuring the right people are in the right place at the right time, and increasing cash flow so entrepreneurs can make better decisions."

Gijs: “We found it strange to see that there's an entire industry of growth programs, but only a small percentage of companies actually manage to grow. We use internal data from these companies to gain insight into the barriers to growth. We address these barriers in the GROW program.”

What does that look like in the program?

Rens: “The program starts with a comprehensive analysis at the management level, financially, and a product-market fit scan. This analysis is quite unique because it quickly identifies the challenges and provides direction. During the kickoff, the entrepreneur uses this analysis to create a development plan, outlining measurable goals. The coaches supplement this plan and act as a driving force. This ensures it's always customized.

Pieter: “Customized, but it's also always done in cohorts. The entrepreneurs learn from each other and thus create the content themselves. The funny thing is that they can be two completely different companies that still share challenges.”

Gijs: "It's important that the customized plan aligns with the company's annual plan. This way, the entrepreneurs don't feel like they're running a program alongside their daily work, but rather that they're working on their company's most important growth priorities during the program."

You've been implementing and experiencing this for three years. How do you look back on it?

Pieter: "I think it's fantastic. The entrepreneurs from the eastern part of the country have a great mentality because they're always available and prepare well. Yet, many of these SME entrepreneurs think the problems they face are unique, when in fact, they're often very recognizable problems related to their growth phase. When one person says, 'I have this problem,' another says, 'Oh, we had that too, and we solved it like this.' And the fact that it's local entrepreneurs working together makes it even more powerful."

Gijs: "I found it special to see the companies truly grow. A good example is Toelevering Online, which is the market leader in the Netherlands and wanted to expand internationally. Yet, during the program, they discovered they could extract much more value from their current client. This was something they addressed first, before they could expand internationally. You hold up a mirror to the entrepreneurs, which can be confronting at times, but is always helpful.

So far, the program has helped many entrepreneurs. How do you see the future of the program?

Rens: “It will definitely continue. It's very energizing to work with ambitious entrepreneurs. I regularly see things click, and two weeks later, things suddenly run more smoothly for the entrepreneur. The entrepreneurs also refer other entrepreneurs to the program, which is a measurable success. We've also been asked to offer follow-up coaching after the program.”

Pieter: “If you can continue to help entrepreneurs after the program by connecting them with the right people and parties in the innovation ecosystem, that's a fantastic addition to the program. For example, some former participants have started a follow-up program with us. So you can see that it's working and that they want more.” An entrepreneur once sighed: ‘Now I know why I work way too hard.’ Those insights are so valuable.”

Gijs: “Just like the entrepreneurs, we learn a lot from the program ourselves. We measure the impact of the various program components on the growth of the participating companies using various data points. This way, we continue to learn where we can improve the program to offer the participating companies the best possible support. As long as companies can overcome their growth barriers through the program, I expect that many more companies will derive value and benefit from it in the future.”

ABOUT SCALEUP IMPACT

Scaleup Impact guides ambitious entrepreneurs and their teams in building a future-proof business through practical educational programs. They do this using the proven Scaling Up for Impact methodology as a framework. They support and guide entrepreneurs and their teams in the transition to the new standard for successful entrepreneurship for their company, where profit, purpose, and people are in dynamic balance. Always with a personalized approach.

ABOUT GRITD

Gritd aims to increase the success of startups. They do this by professionalizing the startup ecosystem by collecting crucial data, which they analyze using the StartupFramework©. This gives them a clear picture of the barriers that hinder business growth. They share this knowledge and insights through training with entrepreneurs and professionals in the innovation ecosystem. This contributes to the success of a learning and entrepreneurial ecosystem.