Schemes and subsidies in international business

Write a business plan

You first create a clear plan before you start looking for funding. For this, use a business plan. Banks and other institutions often ask for this. You can also use your business plan when applying for a subsidy. In your plan, you describe, among other things, exactly what you want to do and how. And how much money you will need.

Ask RVO for help and advice

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland, RVO) helps you find the right funding. RVO runs various programmes and schemes for the government. Can RVO not help you find the right subsidy? Then they refer you to international investment agencies for help with financing your plans. For example, with international investment companies.

Increase your funding chances with a quick scan

To check if your plans meet the intent of the scheme, you can first use a quick scan. Completing the quick scan takes about 1 hour. Based on the result, an RVO adviser will estimate your chances of a successful application. Completing the quick scan takes about 1 hour. Usually, you will have a talk about it with an adviser within a week. You can find examples of quick scans at the Dutch Trade & Investment Fund and the Dutch Good Growth Fund.

Tool for financing and insurance for international business

Do you have plans to export, invest, or expand abroad? If so, it can be difficult to get financing. The export guide tool (exportwijzer, in Dutch) will give you a good idea of whether you qualify for international financing or export insurance from the government.

International corporate social responsibility (ICSR)

Are you going to undertake corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities abroad? For example, in emerging markets or developing countries? If so, there are additional opportunities for financing. To qualify for financial government support you must comply with the OECD guidelines (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development).

To solve international CSR (ICSR) problems in a sector, there are agreements to promote Responsible Business Conduct. Through those agreements companies, civil society organisations, and the Dutch government work together to tackle problems. For example, human rights violations or damage to the environment.