Types of subsidies and schemes
The government supports entrepreneurs in various ways. Sometimes you can get money or a loan. But the government also helps in other ways. For example, by introducing you to people who can help you with your plans. Read what schemes and subsidies there are and how you can make use of them.
Subsidies
With a subsidy, you receive financial support from, for example, the national government, the province, or a municipality. Usually you receive money. But it is also possible, for example, that you receive vouchers, with which you can hire an advisor or visit a trade fair.
Credits, loans, and guarantees
The government also offers other forms of financial support:
A credit facility is a sum of money from which you can withdraw funds up to a fixed maximum (credit limit) whenever you need to. You decide for yourself when and how much to withdraw.
With a loan, you receive a lump sum paid directly into your bank account. You can use a loan for a one-off investment.
With a credit guarantee scheme, you borrow money from a bank or other financier. The government acts as guarantor and repays (part of) the loan if you are unable to do so yourself. The financier is certain that the loan will be repaid and therefore runs less risk. This makes it easier for you to obtain a loan from a financier.
Repayment
You always have to repay a credit or loan, but under favourable conditions. For example, you pay less or even no interest. Sometimes you can get a tax benefit.
> See the credits, loans and guarantees
Tax schemes and benefits
Tax schemes and benefits allow you to pay less tax if you meet certain conditions. For example, because you have just started your business, or because you invest in sustainable business assets.
> See the tax schemes and benefits
Cooperation programmes
With cooperation programmes, the government supports several businesses or organisations working together on a project, such as innovation projects. Or the government may help a group of businesses from a particular sector to establish a presence in a foreign market.
Benefits
A benefit (uitkering) is a sum of money you receive from the government. As a self-employed person, for example, you will receive it if you go on maternity leave. You can use this money to pay your fixed expenses.
Are you an employer? In some cases, you can offer an unemployed person or an employee who is partially fit for work a job for a specific period. The employee will then work for you whilst continuing to receive their benefits.
Competitions
In a competition, you can submit an idea, a product, or a project. A jury then determines which entry has won. The prize can be a sum of money, but sometimes the winner gets help, or is allowed to actually implement their idea or project.
Government support for important issues
The government stimulates and helps entrepreneurs on several issues it considers important. There may be a suitable scheme for you if you are active in the following areas:
When you engage in research and innovation, the government may be able to help you by contributing towards the wage costs during research. There are also (regional) subsidies with which you can investigate whether your innovation is feasible.
There are various schemes that help if you invest in energy or environmentally friendly products, the circular economy, and the generation of renewable energy.
Do you conduct business in developing countries and emerging markets? Or is international business new to you? Various international subsidies and schemes are available.
Sometimes support is available if you want to train or hire staff. For example, if you hire someone with a disability and you need to modify a workplace. Or to hire someone for a trial placement.
European subsidies
Are you working on projects related to the European Union (EU)? There are various European subsidy programmes. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) can advise you on writing a project proposal and help you find cooperation partners. Read more about European grants and funding opportunities on the European Commission website. You will also find information there on how the application process works and what you need to do before submitting an application.