ROTTERDAM, 27 January 2026 – A new study into Rotterdam’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) shows a productive, resilient sector, but one that feels increasing pressure. The research, commissioned by the City of Rotterdam and MKB Rotterdam Rijnmond, was presented yesterday at WTC Rotterdam.
The study was carried out by Erasmus Center for Entrepreneurship and Hogeschool Rotterdam, looking at the current state of Rotterdam’s SME community (MKB).
What the research says about Rotterdam SMEs
The headline is a mixed one. Rotterdam entrepreneurs come out as resilient and highly productive, with a higher-than-average share of fast-growing companies, including a relatively large group of “hypergrowers” that average 40% growth per year. At the same time, the day-to-day reality is getting tougher: staff shortages, rising costs, and the growing complexity of digitalisation and the sustainability transition.
“The research shows that Rotterdam SMEs are resilient and innovative, with relatively many fast-growing companies. At the same time, entrepreneurship is becoming more complex, which underlines the importance of targeted collaboration and suitable support.” Rob Uytdewilligen, chair of MKB Rotterdam Rijnmond.
A city built on microbusinesses
Rotterdam has a strong entrepreneurial profile, with more than 85% of businesses made up of self-employed people and micro-enterprises. That keeps the city dynamic and innovative, but it also means that an increase in the number of businesses does not automatically translate into more jobs.
The research also notes a decline in new starters, while more entrepreneurs are stopping, suggesting that starting a business is becoming less straightforward than it used to feel.
“Rotterdam entrepreneurs show a lot of resilience, but the pressure is increasing. That is exactly why we do this research periodically. It helps us stay sharp and keep adjusting our services to what entrepreneurs need, at a time when conditions keep changing.” Alderman Robert Simons
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High productivity, but growth is flattening
Rotterdam’s SME labour efficiency is described as high. Turnover per employee sits above the national average, partly linked to sectors such as trade, logistics and industry. Even with that strength, the report signals that growth is levelling off, and that high efficiency does not automatically make small teams less vulnerable. Employment growth has stabilised since 2022 and has dipped slightly.
The research points to a leading group of Rotterdam SMEs that are moving ahead with sustainability, digitalisation and innovation, translating that into new, scalable business models. But a wider group is struggling to invest. Lack of time, money, knowledge and staff makes it difficult to take meaningful steps, even when the need is clear.
What Rotterdam is putting in place
Rotterdam links the findings to the direction the city has taken in recent years with partners including MKB Rotterdam Rijnmond. That includes more accessible support through the entrepreneurs’ desk (Ondernemersbalie), business contact officers active in neighbourhoods, shopping streets and business parks, and an SME action programme (MKB-actieprogramma) designed to align services with what entrepreneurs actually need.
The city also highlights efforts around future-proof entrepreneurship, including maintaining business space, investing in stronger shopping areas, and supporting companies with digitalisation and sustainability measures. It also points to help with financing, investment in risk capital funds, trade missions, and the Rotterdam starter package (Rotterdams Starterspakket), which connects new entrepreneurs with experienced ones.
