Queen Máxima spoke with entrepreneurs in Breda on Tuesday about the consequences of the corona crisis for their company. At the headquarters of clothing brand By-Bar, business people told her how they are struggling to save their company. “It is very difficult for many entrepreneurs. After two years, the rack will run out,” said the queen afterwards.
The number of assignments and orders decreased enormously, the entrepreneurs said. Many of them are in money trouble.
Anja Nuijten, for example, has a beauty salon in the Haagse Beemden in Breda. Due to the crisis, she had to let employees go, which also cost her a lot of money. “I had to cut and cut to keep a healthy company. Despite the corona support, I really felt let down as an entrepreneur. Anyway, we pick ourselves up and move forward again.”
Anja is happy with the royal attention for her problems and those of the other entrepreneurs in Breda. “This actually proves that we are also listened to at a high government level. And that really gives me a lot of courage.”
Queen Maxima is aware of the problems that Breda entrepreneurs are facing, just like in the rest of the country: “Lack of capital after two years of difficulties, difficulty with financing, tax debts and staff shortages.”
But there were also bright spots in the conversations with the Breda entrepreneurs. “It is also very nice how the municipality of Breda tries to facilitate entrepreneurs and shows flexibility to help these entrepreneurs,” said the queen.
Anja also experiences this: “I have monthly contact with the municipality and then people really listen. It actually feels more like coaching. Like: this is what it is and we hear you. And that you feel heard, that already makes a lot of difference.”
Even after the Queen’s visit, Anja has that feeling. “She really listens very seriously and wants to help people. She does a really good job. More just shine, which she also does excellently.”
Queen Máxima is a member of the Dutch Entrepreneurship Committee. That Committee is working on advice for the government to improve aid to entrepreneurs nationwide.