DHI subsidy 2021

The DHI subsidy scheme is interesting for SMEs with international ambitions and an interest in foreign markets.

The aim of the scheme is to increase and strengthen the internationalization of numerous Dutch companies. It concerns three different types of projects: Demonstration projects, Feasibility studies and Investment preparation studies (DHI). DHI is primarily for projects in emerging markets and developing countries.

1. Demonstration projects:

A demonstration project allows you to demonstrate a form of technology. The goal is to demonstrate that the technology is effective and cost effective. The conditions are:

The technology, capital good or service is new to the target market.
The technology, capital good or service is demonstrated on a small scale in a workable situation.
You demonstrate that there is added value and that the project can be applied under local conditions.
The activities within a demonstration project have a clear demonstration character.
Within 3 years, the expected export value is at least 10 times higher than the subsidy.
You may not provide products or services during the demonstration project.

The DHI subsidy is intended for entrepreneurial SMEs located in the Netherlands and the Dutch Caribbean.

2. Feasibility studies:

This is for research into the technical or commercial feasibility of a foreign investment in your product. This research increases the chance that a potential customer wants to invest in your technology, capital good or service. The conditions are:

There must be sufficient clarity about the size of the market, the intended design of the project, the location, the operation, the financing and the local impact.
A feasibility study yields a business plan or project plan.
The maximum duration of a feasibility study is 2 years.
Within three years, the expected export must be at least 10 times higher than the subsidy amount.

3. Investment preparation studies:

This is for research into the technical and commercial feasibility of your investment in a company. The investment preparation study yields a business plan. The conditions are:

The intended investment is in line with the activities of your current company and aims at strengthening it.
You do not have to enter into a sustainable partnership with a local investing party (such as a joint venture). Making a business plan for a 100% subsidiary is also sufficient to qualify for this scheme.
If there is an intended joint venture, the investment partner must already be known.
It is plausible that you and any other applicant parties bear the costs of the investment preparation study.
It is plausible that the intended investment can be financed.
Expected exports to emerging markets are at least 10 times the value of the subsidy.

Difference feasibility study and investment preparation project

If you want to investigate the feasibility of a project, you can do this by means of a feasibility study and an investment preparation project. We are happy to explain the differences. With a feasibility project, the initiative lies with the foreign partner. He or she is interested in your product or service and the study will show whether the purchase is feasible. With an investment preparation project, the initiative lies with the Dutch entrepreneur.

For whom?

The DHI subsidy is intended for SME entrepreneurs in the Netherlands and the Dutch Caribbean. The sector in which you operate has no influence on this.

How much is the subsidy?

Feasibility and investment preparation study: 50% of the costs with a maximum of €100,000. For projects aimed at fragile states or focus countries, a higher subsidy percentage of 60% of the eligible costs applies. Our focus is on countries such as: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda, Palestinian Territories, Senegal, Sudan, Somalia, Chad, Tunisia and South Sudan.

When is the deadline?

Applications for the DHI scheme can be submitted from January 15 to December 31, 2021. Applications are processed on the basis of order of receipt. The available budget for 2021 is €4 million for activities in developing countries. There will no longer be a budget available in 2021 for activities in emerging and developed countries.

Do you have international ambitions?

Are you curious about the financing opportunities open to your company? Please feel free to contact consultant, Frank André Becker, an expert in the field of international subsidy schemes.

Application process at the RVO

Quick scan

Do you have a concrete plan? Then we submit a quick scan to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency.

Advice

Following the quick scan, you will receive advice from the RVO showing whether the project is sufficiently in line with the scheme.

To request

Is the advice positive? If so, you will then receive a code. This allows us to officially submit your application to the RVO