Towards better service for entrepreneurs at municipal level 

In mid-2009, the Association for Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG) set up a guidance project of twenty municipalities that aspire to improve their services to entrepreneurs. VVSG cooperates with IDEA Consult in the organization of this support. The itinerary that is followed with the local administrations takes the specific local-economic situation of every municipality into account, as well as the possibilities and ambitions of the administration and the expectations of the local entrepreneurs.

The guidance of the municipalities is specifically aimed at establishing a service targeting the local economy and/or a single contact point for entrepreneurs.
The starting point is a screening of existing services in each municipality. The services that are in contact with entrepreneurs and the way they deal with enquiries are assessed, i.e. the screening determines who does what, and in what way. In a separate workshop, we look into the experiences and expectations of local entrepreneurs.
Subsequently, a goal is defined that determines the level of ambition for each local administration, whereby much depends on the means the municipality can and wants to commit. To simplify this thinking exercise IDEA - together with the client - developed a ‘tuner' in which each municipality can indicate the desired extent of its efforts for eight different service areas.
This is the basis for a plan of action, which is executed in consultation with the administration concerned. The VVSG and IDEA monitor the plan's implementation and guide the concerned municipalities in their adjustment itinerary.

Platforms of experience are also organized within the project where the municipalities can exchange their experiences and where common challenges are explored, either with external experts or not.

This VVSG project is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).