International Business starters: SIB subsidy

With the Starters International Business (SIB), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs helps companies that want to make the transition to foreign markets.

1. Coaching voucher

These vouchers are also referred to as “individual coaching vouchers”. Together with an external advisor you investigate the possibilities and risks abroad. You work towards a concrete action plan with an internationalization strategy. The coaching process takes places over an average of 4 months and the external costs are covered up to €2,400. This is exclusive of VAT.

• From 2021, a maximum of 15 applications per contractor per quarter applies for this voucher.
• There is no more budget available for the 1st quarter (January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021). Budget will be available again from 1 April 2021.

2. Mission voucher

With this ‘collective activity voucher’ you can participate in a multi-day trade mission or a collective exhibition entry. You will receive a contribution of 50% of the participation price with a maximum benefit of €1,500. Travel and accommodation incurred costs are at your charge. 

3. Knowledge voucher

With a “knowledge acquisition voucher” you can get financial compensation for hiring an international lawyer, tax specialist or tax adviser. For this you will receive a 50% discount with a maximum of €2,500. You can request a voucher for things such as: 

• Assessing existing and drafting new contracts;
• The use of general terms and conditions for export transactions;
• Trademark registration;
• Advice on tax rates, double taxation;
• Setting up a foreign entity;
• Other legal or tax knowledge aimed at sustainable internationalization.

Who is the SIB subsidy for?

This scheme is intended for SMEs in the Netherlands and the Dutch Caribbean who want to move to foreign markets. Separate conditions apply to each theme. We are happy to advise you on the possibilities for your company.

How much is the budget?

The coaching vouchers 2021 budget is € 1,250,000. This budget applies for the period 1 January to 30 September 2021 and is divided as follows:

January 1 to March 31, 2021: € 416,667
April 1 to June 30, 2021: € 416,667
July 1 to September 30, 2021: € 416,666

The budget for the other vouchers is € 1.6 million.

How do I apply for a SIB voucher?

You can choose to request a voucher from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency yourself. You can also choose to have your application submitted by De Breed & Partners. This is because a different application procedure applies per voucher. We are happy to guide you in this process and we are happy to submit the application for you. Thanks to 35+ years of experience in financing innovation, we are perfectly capable of translating your innovation plans into the language of the government.