SIB market entry

SIB Market entry is part of Support International Business (SIB). With this subsidy, you can (partly) finance various activities that help you take the next step in international trade.

For whom?

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Netherlands and the Dutch Caribbean territories can apply for the SIB subsidy. You must know which foreign market you want to export your product or service to. Also, you must show that you have the capacity and ambition to take the next step in expanding your business internationally.

Companies registered with the Chamber of Commerce from all sectors can apply for the SIB subsidy. Unincorporated companies, such as sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships, and partnerships, are not eligible for SIB. You are also not eligible for SIB subsidy if your company carries out activities that are on the FMO Exclusion List.

Subsidy amount

The subsidy covers 50% of expenses up to €2,500.

Conditions

• You use the subsidy to promote your product or service in your target country.
• The local expert will only help introduce you to new local networks, maintain local contacts, and set up your business in your target country.
• The external local expert meets the following conditions:
  • has at least a higher professional education (HBO) level of working and thinking;
  • has sector-specific experience or knowledge related to the aim of the application;
  • has a proven relevant network in the target country;
  • works for an organisation that offers services in the target country;
  • is not the applicant;
  • does not work at, work for or have a connection with the applicant.

How to apply

Follow these steps to apply for this subsidy:

1. Find an external expert that fits your question;
2. Ask the external expert for a quotation and a CV. The quotation should state what services this person will provide and the expenses per component;
3. Received a quotation? Then apply for the subsidy within 3 months.

You must apply for the SIB subsidy yourself, or have it handled by a self-selected intermediary. This intermediary cannot be connected in any way to the executor or organiser of the activity. A SIB subsidy may not be applied for by the same party that is paid with this subsidy.

Apply for subsidy from the Netherlands

Are you applying for a subsidy from the Netherlands?

1. If so, you will need eHerkenning level 2+. Do you not have this yet? Apply for eHerkenning first. Please take a few days processing time into account. View more information about doing business with RVO. 
2. Do you have eHerkenning level 2+? Then you can apply on mijnrvo.nl. 

• Apply from the Netherlands

Apply for subsidy from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

If you are applying for a subsidy from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands:

1. Use the designated form to apply from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
2. Complete this form and send it to Netherlands Enterprise Agency with the quotation and the advisor's resume.

• Apply from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

After your application

We process complete applications only and in order of receipt. The date you sent the completed application is the date of receipt. You will receive a notification of our decision within 13 weeks.

We will pay the subsidy within 2 weeks if we approve your application. We will determine the subsidy 21 weeks after the subsidy date.

Random checks

We carry out random checks on subsidy applications. If we select your application for a check, we will ask you to provide extra information. If you do not respond to our in time, it will affect granting of the subsidy. You will risk having to pay back the subsidy plus a fine.

Report changes on time

Do you need to adjust your application after we have granted the subsidy? Please notify us before the end of the activity. In order to do so, please follow the steps below:

Changes for subsidy applications from the Netherlands

1. Visit the SIB Market Entry (in Dutch);
2. Choose the Beheren button and log in with eHerkenning level 2+;
3. Go to your case and choose what you want to change.

Changes for subsidy applications from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Report your changes to sib@rvo.nl.

Remember to notify us about any changes. Not notifying us may have implications on granting the subsidy. You will risk having to pay back the subsidy plus a fine.

Legislation and regulations

• Fourth opening subsidy scheme Support International Business (Staatscourant, 20 December 2024, in Dutch)
• Third opening subsidy scheme Support International Business (Staatscourant, 7 December 2023, in Dutch)
• Reopening subsidy scheme Support International Business (Staatscourant, 22 November 2022, in Dutch)
• Decision and policy subsidy scheme Support International Business (Staatscourant, 31 March 2022, in Dutch)