Tips and advice

You cannot submit subsidy applications to Answers for Business. Instead you must contact the organisation that administers the scheme. Every subsidy description contains a link to the relevant organisation.

Tips

• Before you submit your application, always call or write to the organisation that administers the scheme. Many subsidy providers employ consultants who can help you with your application. This increases your chances of obtaining the subsidy.
• Allow sufficient time for the application procedure. The procedure varies from completing a simple form to submitting a detailed project proposal with Dutch or foreign partners.
• Submit your application in good time. Many subsidies have a limited time period (tender period) in which applications can be made. This time period is specified in the description of the subsidy.
• Apply for the subsidy before you start the activities. Projects that have already begun are normally no longer eligible.

Assistance when applying

These organisations can assist you when applying for subsidies and funding:

Subsidy applications

• The Chamber of Commerce holds a subsidy surgery that is free of charge.
• NL Agency will assist when applying for European subsidies in most cases.

Corporate finance: starting and developing

• The account manager SME Finance (NL Agency) will help you find opportunities for funding.
• The CCQ Entrepreneur Desk (CCQ Ondernemersdesk) will assist those active in SMEs when applying for loans.
• The Entrepreneur Loan Desk of VNO-NCW/MKB and the Dutch Banking Association can supply information and provide advice about loans. You can also submit a complaint here about loan granting by your bank.
• The Kapitaalplaza.nl platform is a meeting point for entrepreneurs with a funding need and investors who are looking for investment opportunities.
• Business Angels (Dutch) make knowledge, competences and capital available to new innovative businesses.
• The Ideal Compass (IdealenKompas) is an online reference to financiers, social organisations, (semi)public bodies, companies and persons who support a social initiative with paid or unpaid advice. Het Ideal Compass makes new forms of funding accessible.
   

General provisions

• Syntens provides advice about innovation and will assist when setting up a network.
• The Entrepreneur Sounding Board Association (Ondernemersklankbord) will help (starting) entrepreneurs through consultation with experienced former entrepreneurs.