Support International Business - SIB

You can use the Support International Business (SIB) subsidy to finance activities to improve your business chances in a specific country. You can apply the subsidy to the following activities:

SIB Collective activity

Along with other companies, you can take part in a trade mission or trade fair in a specific country to promote your product or service to potential customers. The collective activity also allows you to connect with possible trading partners and investors.

SIB Individual trade fair participation

You can take part in a trade exhibition in a country of your choice to promote your product or service to potential customers. Trade fair participation also allows you to connect with possible trading partners and investors.

SIB Market entry

With the help of a local expert, you will start new trade activities in your target country. These activities are aimed at positioning your product or service. The expert introduces you to local stakeholders.

SIB Coaching

With the support of a coach, you will learn how to organise exports to your target country. You can discuss the questions that might arise with your coach. After the coaching, you will have enough knowledge to write an export plan and deal with other export-related subjects.

SIB Knowledge and skills

With an expert, you will learn about your target country's judicial and fiscal situation. You can also have an expert conduct market research about a specific sector in the target country.

SIB Alternative markets

Is your business affected by the war in Ukraine and the resulting trade sanctions against Russia or other trade restrictions? You can use this subsidy to look for a replacement export market.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Netherlands and the Dutch Caribbean territories can apply for the SIB subsidy. You must already 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.

The total budget is €1,985,000:

• SIB Coaching: €600,000
• Other SIB activities: €1,385,000

Budget SIB Coaching

The total budget for SIB Coaching is €600,000 spread over three quarters:

• 1 April 2022 - 30 June 2022: €200,000
• 1 July 2022 - 30 September 2022: €200,000
• 1 October 2022 - 31 December 2022: €200,000

Budget for other SIB activities

A total of €1,385,000 is available for the other SIB activities:

• SIB Collective activity
• SIB Individual trade fair participation
• SIB Market entry
• SIB Knowledge and skills
• SIB Alternative markets

The subsidy covers 50% of expenses up to a maximum of:

• €1,000 for SIB Coaching
• €1,500 for SIB Collective activity (for trade missions)
• €2,500 for SIB Collective activity (for trade fairs)
• €2,500 for other SIB activities

Before applying for a SIB subsidy, please check which activity best suits your business needs. You can then:

1. Look for an external consultant who can help you with your activity.
2. After finding a suitable consultant, submit your subsidy application.
3. Include a quotation and the consultant's CV with your application.

Once you have submitted a subsidy application, we will decide whether you are eligible for a subsidy within 13 weeks.

From 1 April 2022, SIB changed from a voucher system to a subsidy. If you applied after 1 April 2022, you can get a subsidy if you meet the conditions.

Were you using SIB before 1 April 2022, and do you have a SIB voucher? You can still transfer and redeem the voucher within the applicable period.

• Decision and policy subsidy scheme Support International Business (Staatscourant, 31 March 2022, in Dutch)

Visit the Dutch SIB website for more information about SIB and how you can apply. Or contact one of our advisors; they will be happy to assist you.