Business sector contributes to social objectives through Brainport Partnerfonds
A first group of twelve companies from the Brainport region is launching the Brainport Partnerfonds today. Through this private fund, regional companies will collectively contribute €219 million over the next twelve years to four social objectives: accessibility, affordable housing, additional talent for the labor market, and equal opportunities for all residents.
The private contributions from the Brainport Partnerfonds are not standalone efforts. They partly provide the necessary co-financing for investments that the Dutch national government, the Province of North Brabant, and the 21 municipalities in the Brainport region will undertake in the coming years.
“In the coming years, billions of euros will be invested in the Brainport region,” tells Paul van Nunen, director of Brainport Development. “Governments have put together a comprehensive package of investments in infrastructure, such as fast cycling routes, mobility hubs, and dedicated bus lanes. Programs are in place for building 100,000 affordable homes in the social housing segment, mid-range rental, and mid-range purchase markets. In addition, companies will contribute through the Partnerfonds to training, retaining, and recruiting 50,000 extra workers in the coming years and to the social agenda ‘Brainport voor Elkaar’. This includes initiatives like reskilling and upskilling to promote workforce participation and mobilizing thousands of corporate volunteers for community organizations.”
Group of participating companies keeps growing
The group of companies initiating the Partnerfonds includes Philips, VDL Group, NXP, Wilvo Group, VHE Industrial Automation, AAE, Rabobank, Prodrive Technologies, Van der Hoorn Buigtechniek, VB Group, ASML, and the Strijp-T campus. Conversations regarding expanding the group in the coming years have started already. “We designed the fund so that everyone can participate, from large corporations to small businesses, and from service providers to high-tech manufacturing companies.”
The fund is structured so that all companies can participate according to their financial capacity. “The Brainport region, with its innovative manufacturing industry, is of national and international importance. For us in the region, success depends not only on technology and exports but also on ensuring that everyone can benefit. It’s amazing that these companies share the same vision and are willing to contribute financially.”
Mayor and regional chairman Jeroen Dijsselbloem is happy with this significant step from the business community: “It’s truly unique that the collective business sector in a region is willing to co-finance solutions for societal challenges on this scale. With this typical Brainport initiative, our business sector is taking joint responsibility for the society they are part of. This ensures that we remain a pleasant, accessible, and affordable region with opportunities for everyone in the future.”
We feel a responsibility towards our employees, their families, and our surroundings. Investing in the future of the region also means investing in the future of our business. Future talent is a key focus for us within this fund. Talent is vital for our future and that of the region. We are facing a tight labor market and urgently need technical professionals at all levels. Our company already employs individuals from 25 nationalities, many of whom do not come from a technical background. We’ve been highly successful in welcoming career switchers and expect this fund to help us make that pathway even more successful.
For more information about the Brainport Partnerfonds, to get in touch with the companies, or to obtain visual materials: Daniella van Laarhoven, m: +31 (0)6 21 27 29 46, e: d.vanlaarhoven@brainportdevelopment.nl
