Tongeren is looking for AmbioriX factor
Character (with a capital C) is in Tongeren's DNA. Just as the city hero Ambiorix was a strong, proud, ambitious and passionate personality, so is the inhabitant of Tongeren. Driven and enterprising and a bit rebellious and stubborn. The 'Entrepreneurship with Character' project aims to connect these typical characteristics and the wishes of the inhabitants of Tongeren with those of the traders. Existing traders are supported and traders with the AmbioriX factor are attracted: characterful, innovative and sustainable entrepreneurs.
Doing business with character
It goes without saying that entrepreneurship in cities and municipalities is in true transition. Online shopping replaces authenticity and personal contact, but the need for physical shopping remains. That is why Tongeren wants to give the city centre new oxygen by offering a good mix of different functions such as trade, catering, liberal professions, crafts, public services, events, tourism, housing and more.
Searched and found: Entrepreneurs with the AmbioriX factor
The foundation of Tongeren is its history. Over the years, Tongeren managed to make a difference with its unique shopping and cultural offering, international antique market, architecture, its wide gastronomic offer and even its accent. Tongeren is constantly innovating, but with a sustainable character. To give this innovation a boost, the 'Entrepreneurship with Character' project has been developed. In addition to the ambassadors and the support of the traders, a concept was also started to find new traders.
Ambassadors
The ambassadors of this project embody the authentic trade that the centre has to offer. They all are professional and customer-friendly entrepreneurs with a heart for Tongeren and a unique story.
These traders are very supportive of the project: Barbarius, Brasserij Bij Peter, Café Gerechtshof, IJssalon Mario, Lily Fée, Lingerie Silhouette, Patisserie Blanckaert, The 4 Seasons, Winnie Moresi, Witgoed Matton.
Support existing traders
In addition to the project ambassadors, Tongeren has numerous businesses that guarantee the character, quality and customer friendliness that is so typical of our city centre.
The passionate entrepreneurs that Tongeren already has, are supported with coaching projects, commercial campaigns and mystery shoppers. The city is also working on the image quality of its commercial centre. The antiques district will receive a subtle facelift and minor interventions will be carried out that will benefit the appearance of the established businesses and the street scene.
New entrepreneurs with the AmbioriX factor
“Do you have the AmbioriX factor?” That was the aim of the campaign by the City of Tongeren in collaboration with the Province of Limburg. From a dozen entries, four winners were judged as promising to start a business in Tongeren.
The announcement of the four finalists is part of the "Naar de Kern" (to the core) project, in which experts, the local economy and stakeholders approach the city centre in an innovative and future-oriented manner. In addition to the search for new traders, existing shop managers are also supported with commercial campaigns, coaching programmes and ambassadorship.
The submitted files were assessed by a professional jury based on quality and feasibility. The four finalists will receive a support package of 10,000 euros per business. The funding can be used for commercial rental costs, publicity, professional guidance or operating costs.
The Tongeren approach has a double impact: innovative starter ideas fill vacant buildings and existing trade and catering are made more resilient in the growing digital shopping market.
This project is part of our activities regarding strengthening the local economy . CityD guides governments and administrations to make municipalities attractive for entrepreneurs and companies.
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