One thousand communities
Female entrepreneurs
Women's network
28 Rabobank Group Annual Report 2003
improve their business by offering them a wide range of workshops,
seminars, studies and training courses. For the benefit of private
members, the banks organised informative evening meetings about
such subjects as Internet banking, investment and themes of regional
economic interest. In addition, talks were held on various topical themes,
often proposed by members, and members could provide feedback on
the Bank's policy in members' meetings or member councils.In 2004,the
Bank will continue to increase member engagement under the slogan:
'Rabobank members are privileged'. In order to help the local banks in
the structured organisation of member influence, Rabobank Nederland
held a workshop on that theme in 2003.This workshop will be held in
2004 as well.
In 2003, Rabobank presented the book 'New links',containing one
thousand examples of communities initiated by local Rabobanks. It
concerns the initiation of dialogues with and among members and
clients with similar interests. Examples are business clubs for young
entrepreneurs, young people's councils and platforms for elderly people.
In 2003, activities of Rabobank communities also included arts and
culture, diversity, sustainability and innovation, as well as quality of life.
The book was published at the request of the local banks with the aim
of using each other's ideas and experiences in the context of the
membership policy.
A number of local Rabobanks started a female entrepreneurs' community
in 2003.The importance of such a network is obvious. Female entrepre
neurs are active in one in every three businesses.The same proportion
applies to starting businesses.Together with five local trial banks,
Rabobank Nederland drew up the 'Communities for female entre
preneurs' handbook in the year under review. The handbook offers
practical advice for local banks wishing to establish a local network of
female entrepreneurs.
'The initiative for the women's network
came from Rabobank.The concept
appealed to me and several other business
women in Helmond. But I never expected
that the network would immediately
L
Irene van Middelaar, co-owner of hotel West-Ende in Helmond and chairperson of Isis, Women in Business.
