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SIB Export training and Coaching

Last checked on:
3 March 2025
Published on:
13 June 2022

Use the SIB Export training and Coaching subsidy to learn how to organise exports to your target country with the help of a coach or by attending an export training. Afterwards, you will have enough knowledge to write an export plan and manage other export-related tasks.

SIB Export training and Coaching 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 €1,000 for SIB Coaching and €2,500 for Export training.

Conditions

Export training

  • An external expert provides the export training. The purpose of the training is to increase your knowledge of international business. Topics include export skills, business knowledge, taxation, legal matters, and internal organisation.
  • The export training can be an external course lasting one or more days or an internal in-company training for several employees in your company.
  • The external expert meets the following conditions:
    • has at least a higher professional education (HBO) level of working and thinking;
    • works for an organisation whose core business is export advice or one that offers training to Dutch SMEs with an international focus (such as the International Business Acadamy or Cedeo);
    • has proven experience in providing export training and carrying out export activities;
    • is not the applicant;
    • does not work at, work for or have a connection with the applicant.

Coaching

  • The coaching consists of at least 3 sessions, each lasting 2 hours. You will write a conversation report after each session. The aim is that, by the end, you will have a detailed roadmap for entering your target country;
  • Write a report of each conversation with your coach;
  • The coach meets the following conditions:
    • has at least a higher professional education (HBO) level of working and thinking;
    • works for an organisation whose core business is export advice;
    • has proven experience of at least 3 years in carrying out export activities 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. Look for an export training or coach that suits your needs;
  2. Request a quotation and a resume from the trainer or coach. The quotation should contain which services the person will deliver and the expenses per component;
  3. Apply for the subsidy within 3 months of receiving the quotation.

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 the 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 for the 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.

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.

If we approve your application, we will pay you the subsidy within 2 weeks. 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 request in time, this will affect the 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 coaching period.

Changes for subsidy applications from the Netherlands

  1. Visit SIB Export training and Coaching (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 for granting the subsidy. You will risk having to pay back the subsidy plus a fine.

Legislation and regulations

See the Decision establishing policy rules and subsidy maximum for the full current version of the SIB subsidy (in Dutch).

Commissioned by:
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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