Opportunities for SMEs
Exchange on Investment and Growth Perspectives at Sympatec
On Monday 18 May 2026, Sympatec GmbH hosted the event series “Opportunities for SMEs” organised by the NBank. The event focused on how investments in small and medium-sized enterprises can be enabled despite economic uncertainty and changing market conditions, while creating long-term growth opportunities.
Prior to the official start of the event, guests had the opportunity to gain insights into Sympatec’s technologies and operational areas during a guided company tour.
Following the welcome address by Michael Kiesewetter, Chairman of the Board of NBank, Grant Hendrik Tonne, Lower Saxony’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Transport and Building, opened the event with an economic policy keynote highlighting the importance of investment for the future competitiveness of Lower Saxony.
Following the welcome address by Michael Kiesewetter, Chairman of the Board of “Lower Saxony’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Transport and Building, opened the event with an economic policy keynote on the importance of investment for the competitiveness of the state of Lower Saxony.
During the subsequent discussion, Franco Canosa, Head of Advisory & Credit Financing at NBank, and Dr. Sebastian Röthele addressed practical challenges faced by medium-sized companies when financing innovation and growth initiatives.
The following panel discussion brought together representatives from regional economic development, industry, skilled trades and financing institutions. Participants were Michael Kiesewetter (Chairman of the Board, NBank), Franco Canosa (Head of Advisory & Credit Financing, NBank), Heinke Traeger (Press Spokesperson, NBank, moderator), Frank Ahlborn (Head of Public Affairs and Economic Analysis, Handwerkskammer Braunschweig Lüneburg Stade), Dr. Jörg Aßmann (Managing Director WiReGo), Juliane Saupe (Member of the General Assembly of IHK Braunschweig & Commerce and Site Manager at H.C. Starck Tungsten GmbH) and Dr. Sebastian Röthele (Managing Director Sympatec GmbH).
Key topics included current barriers to investment, effective funding instruments and the question of how companies can continue to plan strategically despite uncertain economic conditions.
The event concluded with an open networking session, providing further opportunity for professional exchange and discussion.
Photos: DONNERKEIL fotoagentur
