Vlerick and ABN AMRO: partners for entrepreneurship

Marion: ‘The school’s first activities aimed at entrepreneurs date right back to 1953, when it was founded. This really is part of Vlerick’s DNA. Today, we support entrepreneurs through programmes such as the SME Excellence Programme, which has been running for thirty years. Such programmes offer knowledge, but also guidance, coaching and networking opportunities. Entrepreneurship can be lonely. Bringing entrepreneurs together creates a safe space for sharing experiences and learning from and inspiring each other.

‘There are countless success stories of entrepreneurs who have been able to take significant steps forward thanks to Vlerick. A prime example is Maarten Michielsen, the founder of Energy Vision and a Vlerick alumnus. He sent me a message before his company was floated on the stock exchange – the first IPO in Belgium in a long time. He said: “Without Vlerick, Energy Vision would never have existed.” Our new chair, Louis Jonckheere, and Bart Verhaege, who devotes a chapter in his book “Durf” (“Grit”) to the impact of Vlerick on his career, are also great examples.’

Marion: ‘Entrepreneurs today need to show resilience, both within their business and personally. Digitisation, such as AI, plays a vital role in this. It offers opportunities to improve processes, create added value and even transform entire business models. We’ve incorporated these themes into our programmes along with core subjects such as finance and leadership. By doing so, we remain relevant and support entrepreneurs in their growth.’

Marion: ‘One of the most significant contributions lies in strengthening companies’ financial resilience. But resilience means more than just a solid financial foundation. It’s also about good leadership, a robust strategy and attention to relevant factors. Banks like ABN AMRO are close to entrepreneurs and therefore uniquely positioned to look beyond financial considerations. This trust provides a firm foundation for collaboration and support.

‘Another shared focus is sustainability – not just being ecologically responsible, but ensuring a company’s continued existence, often for generations. I also see many entrepreneurs already thinking about their wider social contribution. Together, we can help them turn sustainability into real business opportunities and value creation.’

Marion:  ‘Vlerick has a strong research record. Our mission is “turning knowledge into action, and action into knowledge”. Together with ABN AMRO, we can develop relevant insights and convey them to clients and the entire entrepreneurial community. In the field of sustainability, for instance. How can we translate European directives in this area into something that’s feasible and valuable for entrepreneurs? There’s a great opportunity for our partnership in this area.’

Marion: ‘Vlerick Entrepreneurship Day combines the school’s academic expertise with entrepreneurs’ practical experience. What’s unique is that as well as inspiring we also offer practical knowledge. We extrapolate universal lessons that others can apply from entrepreneurs’ unique stories. The day is also a fantastic networking opportunity. It’s all about inspiration, know-how and practical tips: how can you actually use this?’

For more information about Vlerick Entrepreneurship Day, go to: https://www.vlerick.com/en/events/vlerick-entrepreneurship-day-2025/