ABN AMRO launches Doorpakken: a growth platform for SMEs ready to scale
- Products and services
Stefan Wilten
Senior PR Specialist
Dutch SMEs are keen to grow, but many struggle to move beyond the initial phase. Research by ABN AMRO shows that nearly half of medium-sized companies (45%) and more than a third of small businesses (34%) actively pursue growth. Yet 90 to 96 percent of all start-ups never make it past the first growth phase. In this early stage, the entrepreneur is closely involved in almost every aspect of the business. Time is scarce, oversight is limited and access to suitable financing often falls short. This makes many businesses vulnerable, increasing the risk of growth stalling or the company even stopping altogether. At the same time, new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) now offer opportunities to grow in terms of productivity and efficiency. ABN AMRO's Doorpakken platform addresses this growth gap by providing targeted support to entrepreneurs through insights, practical tools, mentorship and financing solutions.
International research shows that AI can boost productivity by 10 to 30 percent. In the Netherlands, however, only 20 to 25 percent of SMEs with more than 10 employees actively experiment with AI, and fewer than 10 percent apply AI structurally within their core processes. According to research by McKinsey, broader adoption of AI across SMEs could generate around € 35 billion in additional value for the Dutch economy by 2030.
Patrick Pfaff, Head of Business Clients & Ecosystems at ABN AMRO: “SMEs form the backbone of the Dutch economy, yet a large part of their growth potential remains untapped. Many entrepreneurs encounter similar questions along their growth journey: what should I focus on now, what investments are needed, and how do I finance them responsibly? Especially when moving from the pioneering phase to a more professional organisation, these questions often slow down progress. With Doorpakken, we support entrepreneurs not only with financing, but also with knowledge, networks and practical tools. That way, growth becomes both achievable and sustainable for the engine of our economy.”
All‑in-one platform for growth
The focuses on entrepreneurs in the pioneer phase and the subsequent organisational phase. In this stage, businesses rely heavily on the entrepreneur, which works initially but often becomes a barrier to further growth. As companies transition to the next phase, they frequently lack structure, oversight and access to suitable capital. ABN AMRO brings insight, inspiration and action together in one central place with Doorpakken, helping entrepreneurs take the next step towards professional and future-proof growth.
Through Doorpakken, entrepreneurs can access a range of support, including:
Growth tools, content and practical step-by-step plans covering the most important growth themes: growth financing, people, leadership and organisational development, and cybersecurity. Examples include tools such as a growth phase check and a personnel cost calculator.
Direct access to ABN AMRO financing solutions, ranging from fast, standardised online applications via New10 to tailored financing in collaboration with ABN AMRO sector experts.
Professional mentorship through nlgroeit, giving entrepreneurs access to experienced mentors and a broad entrepreneurial network that has already taken similar growth steps, including a dedicated route to ABN AMRO experts for financing expertise. Research by nlgroeit and Utrecht University shows that entrepreneurs supported through mentorship grow 3% faster on average.
Han Mesters, Sector Banker Business Services at ABN AMRO: “Entrepreneurs who stay stuck in the pioneer phase increasingly run up against their own limitations, while companies that invest in professionalisation, technology and access to capital are able to grow at an accelerated pace. Desk research shows that over a ten-year period, nearly half of self-employed professionals disappeared, along with 40% of microbusinesses and 31% of small businesses. Only 7% of small businesses actually move on to the next phase. Good access to financing is essential for scaling up, as seen in the United States, where capital is more readily available. AI can also be an important lever to reduce dependence on the entrepreneur and bring structure into a business. Our platform can act as an ideal flywheel in this.” In that context, our platform is ideally placed in supporting consistent growth momentum.”
Aligned with ABN AMRO strategy
The Doorpakken growth platform fits seamlessly with ABN AMRO’s strategy, which focuses on profitable growth and strengthening the SME segment in the Netherlands. The bank supports entrepreneurs with knowledge, networks and financing, bringing insight, inspiration and action together while investing in sustainable growth for clients and the Dutch economy.