SIB Knowledge and Skills

SIB Knowledge and skills 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.

Which subjects can you choose?

You can use the SIB Knowledge and skills subsidy for these topics:

1. Gathering knowledge about international legal or tax matters in your target country;
2. Conducting market research report to promote your company in a new target country;
3. Following training courses to improve your knowledge of doing international business in a specific country.

1. Gathering knowledge about international legal or tax matters in your target country

What does this cover?

• Guidance with drawing up new contracts and using general arrangements in export transactions;
• Guidance with trade mark registration;
• Advice about tax laws abroad and dual taxation;
• Advice about how to set up foreign branches;
• Advice about legal or tax matters regarding international business.

External expert requirements

• Has at least a higher professional education (HBO) level of working and thinking;
• Works for a legal/tax consultancy;
• Has at least 3 years of experience in advising on legal or tax issues about international business;
• Is not the applicant;
• Does not work at, work for or have a connection with the applicant.

2. Conducting a market research report to promote your company in a new target country

External expert requirements

• Has at least a higher professional education (HBO) level of working and thinking;
• Has proven experience in advising on the target country and sector of the application;
• Has a verifiable network in the target country to carry out the research;
• Is not the applicant;
• Does not work at, work for or have a connection with the applicant.

3. Following training courses to improve your knowledge of doing international business in a specific country

Training purpose

• Expand your knowledge of international business, such as business intelligence, facts about legal and tax issues, and internal export organisation;
• Master certain export skills to enhance your knowledge of international business.

External expert requirements

• Has at least a higher professional education (HBO) work and academic level;
• Has proven experience in training others on export skills;
• Conducts the training sessions on behalf of an organisation that:
  • offers demonstratable services in the export field; or
  • offers training via a platform aimed at Dutch SMEs with an international strategy; or
  • has a quality label to give training courses.
• 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 expert that suits your needs;
2. Request a quotation and a resume from the expert. 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 or an intermediary must apply for the subsidy. The intermediary cannot be linked with the organiser of the activity. Also, the SIB subsidy cannot be applied for by the same party paid with this grant.

Apply for a subsidy from the Netherlands

If you apply for a subsidy from the Netherlands, you will need eHerkenning level 2+. If you do not have this, please first request eHerkenning. It may take up to a few weeks to get eHerkenning level 2+.

Apply for a 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 for this subsidy

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 the subsidy to you 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, 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.

For subsidy applications from the Netherlands

1. Visit mijn.rvo.nl/sib-kennis-en-vaardigheden (in Dutch);
2. Choose the Beheren button and log in;
3. Go to your case and choose what you want to change.

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.