Achterhoek Verbindt helps SME entrepreneurs with AI assistant Tessa Verbindt

March 5, 2026, 4:52 p.m.

Achterhoek Verbindt helps SME entrepreneurs with AI assistant Tessa Verbindt
On March 3, Achterhoek Verbindt was launched at Bommelwereld in Groenlo, including the AI assistant Tessa Verbindt. This initiative helps SME entrepreneurs with their business questions more quickly and effectively by connecting them with relevant knowledge and contacts in the region. During the knowledge event in collaboration with VNO NCW, Rabobank, and the province of Gelderland, more than 250 entrepreneurs came together to celebrate this moment.

Resilience and entrepreneurship

One of the speakers was former special operations commando Dai Carter, who discussed resilience and entrepreneurship: "Dare to take responsibility for helping others grow. If we do that, we will all become stronger." In addition, panel members Carolien Nijhuis, owner of Nijhuis Group and chair of VNO-NCW Achterhoek, Bas Hommelink, director of WAM&VanDurenBouw, Frits Mulder, director of Rabobank Noord- en Oost-Achterhoek, and SME services coordinator Rob Schouten discussed how cooperation and services can strengthen regional resilience.

Neighborliness for SMEs

The entrepreneurs present were able to ask pressing business questions to AI assistant Tessa Verbindt, together with their sector liaison. The result? Above all, the right people from the network immediately came into focus. That's exactly what matters in the Achterhoek region. Project leader Ivar van Asten: "From today, AI stands for Achterhoek Intelligence!"

Want to know more?

More information, including the contact details of AI assistant Tessa Verbindt, can be found at www.8rhkverbindt.nl. You can also listen to the podcast about Achterhoek Verbindt via: 8rhk.nl/achtercast or on Spotify, Achtercast.