Boosting SMEs and innovation

The budget released by the Dutch government will be help to expand SMEs, boost innovation and strengthen the growth of several sectors such as sustainable energy, agriculture and environment.

A ‘Special Envoy’ has been set up to help start-ups and growing businesses. This Envoy will strengthen the international position of Dutch start-ups and growing businesses and will encourage entrepreneurs from other countries to set up business in the Netherlands.
The financial scope for SMEs will also be widened by a range of measures that can generate additional financing of €2.5 billion. Campaigns focusing on alternative forms of financing will also be launched to increase the options available.

Innovation:
To boost innovation, the Dutch government will set up a Future Fund with a €200 million start-up capital. This fund will co-finance innovative SMEs and basic and applied research. In addition, the budget for involving innovative SMEs in top sector policy will be raised to €30 million, with a focus on finding answers to societal challenges.

New incentives for sustainable energy:
Next year the transition to a sustainable, efficient and independent energy management will be expedited. It will get easier for private businesses to jointly generate sustainable energy. In addition, €3.5 billion will become available in 2015 for the “SDE+ scheme”, which encourages businesses to operate in a cost-effective manner with sustainable energy sources that will ultimately result in lower energy bills.
Stronger focus on agricultural exports:
Trade missions and promotional activities for agricultural products, knowledge and technology will be carried out over the coming year to boost the Dutch agricultural sector. Efforts will also be focused on gaining broader access to existing markets and on more opportunities for funding export companies, with a special focus on China, India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Korea and the US.

Green initiatives:
Green initiatives will receive additional support in the coming year. The government will earmark €35 million to boost green entrepreneurship and innovation. In addition, “green volunteering” will be encouraged. In 2015 the Nature Conservation Act will also enter into force. By simplifying the rules, biodiversity will stay protected, while also creating greater support for nature and room for entrepreneurship.