Regular meetings between SMEs and local authority
About this good practice
Local governments play a key role in creating conditions for business development. They are responsible for physical infrastructure – roads, water supply, waste management, ICT, necessary prerequisites to economic activity. Business growth drives demand for space, electricity and personnel, which are also key directions for the activities of the municipal administration.
Because of these interconnections, starting in 2012 the Municipality Ivančna Gorica set up quarterly meetings between 22 SMEs and the mayor, to better understand and communicate their needs and potentials. At these meetings the Municipality updated entrepreneurs on current information and worked jointly for solutions for the further development of the economy.
Over time, this bilateral communication led to an increase in the town’s electricity capacity, so some industrial businesses could increase their production (and energy demand) without causing brownouts. Another output was the development of a new industrial zone.
SMEs told the mayor that they needed to meet trade partners. As a result, several events and trainings were organized. The biggest event was a fair for local businesses from SI and DE in 2012, offering a platform for growth, learning, and networking. 70 SMEs took part and so did the Slovene prime minister and the president of the Slovene-German Chamber of Commerce.
The city also organized a visit of SMEs to its sister municipality Hirschaid (DE) in 2012 to network and make new connections.
Resources needed
70,000 EUR per year, for lectures, consultations, trainings, networking and other types of events for SMEs.
Evidence of success
Direct, regular communication allowed the Municipality and SMEs to set and work toward shared priorities such as the need for greater electrical capacity, a significant challenge. Increased energy capacity eliminated a limit on industrial production and prevented the risk of brownouts to the town’s residents and businesses. Construction of a new industrial zone also promoted business growth. Events such as the fair and trade mission were organized to meet SME requests for new contacts.
Potential for learning or transfer
We consider this practice to be potentially interesting for other local authorities. The nature of the practice extends to its adaptability, as this approach can be easily transferred to other local authorities.
