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 by making certain things easier, or by introducing you to people who can help you with your plans.
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 provides funding and loans. A loan is a one-off financing meant for an investment. A credit is an amount of money from which you may withdraw money up to a fixed limit whenever you need it.You will, of course, 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.
With a credit guarantee scheme such as the BMKB, you borrow money from a bank or other financier. You will need to pay this back. Because the government stands as a guarantor for (part of) your loan, the financier knows that they will get their money back. The government will repay the loan, or part of it, if you are no longer able to do so. So, the financier runs less risk and this makes it easier for you to get the loan.
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 environmentally friendly assets.
Collaborative Programmes
The government also grants subsidies in collaborative programmes, where companies or (social) organisations work together on a project. For example, the government can grant you a permit more easily, provide good information, or resolve bottlenecks in legislation and regulations.
Benefits
A benefit is money that you receive from the government, for example because you are unemployed or incapacitated for work. This money is usually paid every month, so that you can pay your fixed costs. Sometimes you can hire an unemployed or partially disabled employee for a certain period of time while they keep their benefits.
Contests
In a contest, 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 making a contribution 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 and the generation of renewable energy.
Do you conduct business in developing countries and emerging markets? And 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)? Then you may be eligible for a European subsidy. 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.
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Questions relating to this article?
Please contact the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, RVO