Apply now for your SME Feasibility Voucher

Tuesday 23 January 2024

  • Life Cooperative

Do you have an innovative idea for the future of your company and for a more beautiful and stronger Northern Netherlands? Then it may be wise to first assess the feasibility of your idea. With the SME Feasibility Voucher subsidy (Mkb haalbaarheidsvoucher) from the ERDF program (European Regional Development Fund) for entrepreneurs in Groningen, Drenthe, and Friesland, this is possible. The Northern Netherlands Cooperation Partnership (SNN) administers this subsidy. You can still submit your application until November 30, 2024, through SNN. So, seize your opportunity!

The SME Feasibility Voucher, with a budget of €2 million, is launched under the ERDF program 2021-2027. Within the ERDF program, the provinces of Drenthe, Fryslân, Groningen, and the Economic Board Northern Netherlands collaborate to strengthen and further develop the regional economy in the North.

Feasibility research to innovate further

With a feasibility study, an entrepreneur assesses whether their innovative idea is economically and/or technically feasible. Determining the right research questions and approach is not so straightforward. IkBenDrentsOndernemer (Drenthe), GroBusiness (Groningen), and Ynbusiness (Fryslan) can assist with that. Subsequently, the research is conducted with the help of a testbed in the Northern Netherlands. Based on this, an entrepreneur receives answers (and knowledge) to make a decision to proceed (or not) with the development of their idea or innovation.

 

Support from testing grounds and first-line organizations

Testing grounds have valuable knowledge, skills, and facilities available to help Northern Dutch entrepreneurs with innovation. The SME Feasibility Voucher supports innovative entrepreneurs and their collaboration with a testbed. And if an entrepreneur continues with the development of their idea, IkBenDrentsOndernemer, GroBusiness, or Ynbusiness is happy to assist further in the next development phase.

Through the LIFE Cooperative and Campus Groningen, you have access to various testing grounds, such as the laboratories of Innolab AgriFood (in Engineering or Chemistry), the facilities of ZAP for the bio-based economy, or the projects of the LIFE Cooperative focused on the development of Medical devices (AccelMed North), diagnostics (Open Diagnostics), or pharmaceuticals. Take advantage of this and qualify for this voucher! If you would like assistance or information from Campus Groningen on this matter, please contact Daan van Oldeniel, business developer at the LIFE Cooperative (d.van.oldeniel@triade.umcg.nl), or Sven Stielstra, business developer at the LIFE Cooperative (s.stielstra@triade.umcg.nl)

Applying for the subsidy

Starting from December 1, SMEs can submit their applications to SNN. When determining the right research questions and approach, it is advisable to consult with IkBenDrentsOndernemer, GroBusiness, or Ynbusiness. More information about the application process, the implementation regulations, and the conditions can be found on the SNN website: www.snn.nl/mkbhaalbaarheidsvoucher

Who is eligible for this subsidy?

Entrepreneurs in small and medium-sized enterprises located and active in Drenthe, Friesland, or Groningen.

What can you get a subsidy for?

  • Labor costs of employees and own hours
  • Engaging an (independent) testbed facility
  • Material costs exclusively necessary for the feasibility project
  • Rental costs of equipment and machinery
  • Engaging an independent advisory organization

Source article and image: snn.nl

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