The SIB, support SMEs across the border

MEntrepreneurs with success in the Netherlands often have the ambition to take their business across the border as well. Whether exporting goods or services, expanding the market is important for sales and results.

With becoming active abroad also come challenges. Questions about what the rules are in the other market, whether what you do in the Netherlands is allowed there and what is fiscally smart can form a barrier. A pity, because the potential is great.

To give entrepreneurial Holland that push to get over those first hurdles, there is the Support International Business (SIB) scheme. In this blog I explain this scheme, and also discuss how we at Fruytier can help you in taking the step across the border.

What is the SIB?

The SIB is a subsidy for Dutch SMEs. Moreover, the purpose of the grant is to enable SME entrepreneurs to obtain the necessary advice to become active in a specific target country.

The granting organization is the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (the RVO). This grant is subject to an overall maximum of €6,500 per company, per year. For most activities, half of the costs are eligible. For green activities, an additional € 2,500 is available, with an eligible percentage of 80%. There is also a separate maximum amount per type of activity, usually € 2,500.

Activities that are subsidized include going on a trade mission, attending a trade fair, coaching export advisors and advisors who put you in touch with potential trade partners and customers. What is also eligible for funding is obtaining legal and tax advice on the target country.

A total subsidy pot of 30 million euros is available for 2024. Therefore, it is important to apply in time, gone is gone. For more information on what activities you can apply for subsidies for and whether you are eligible, please visit the RFO website on the SIB by clicking on this link.

LAW, our global network

The lawyers of Fruytier are active members of the worldwide lawyer network LAW. For example, this year we will organize LAW’s annual conference in the Netherlands, attracting lawyers from all over the world. We regularly bring our clients into contact with offices abroad in our network.

Our warm ties with law firms outside the Netherlands ensure that advice on the various legal systems worldwide is also at your fingertips. In addition to formal advice, it is also simply a huge advantage to know someone who is already commercially active in your target country. Thus, your lawyer is not only a legal advisor but also your first local contact. Who knows, maybe the ideal business partner in your target country is already in the network of the LAW office there.

Are you considering expansion? Stop by

Are you considering international expansion of your business? Then don’t hesitate, stop by our office for a cup of coffee. You can have a good conversation with one of our experienced lawyers! Together we will think through the relevant questions and next steps, including involving our partner firms. After such a discussion, you will have all the relevant questions at hand in no time. This will enable you as an entrepreneur to forge a plan based on concrete budgets and you will know what risks you can take. And don’t forget to include the SIB subsidy in your calculations.

Contact

Do you have any questions? Then contact one of our lawyers by mail, telephone or fill in the contact form for a free initial consultation. We will be happy to think along with you.