Whether you are a start-up, or an ambitious company with a few more miles on the clock: a push is always useful. That nudge is regularly offered in the form of a grant, a loan, a support programme or some other scheme. As we do every quarter, we list five interesting opportunities in no particular order.
International cooperation
Are you an SME working on an innovative project and looking to collaborate with entrepreneurs in Europe? Then take a look at the VInnovate call 2026. This subsidy scheme stimulates cross-border cooperation between entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions in selected European regions.
SMEs from the eastern Netherlands that collaborate with at least one partner from another participating region are eligible for the grant. The partner may be another SME, or a knowledge institution, research or technology centre, university or a larger company. Further information is available here.
Smart or green project
Especially for starting and (fast) growing innovative SMEs is the ION+3 fund. It offers financing and guidance with the aim of accelerating the step to the market and possible follow-up financing.
ION+3 is designed for innovative companies with a smart or green project in sectors such as healthcare, food, high-tech systems and materials, as well as for smart solutions within the energy transition. Oost NL is the fund manager responsible for providing the funding. Investments start at a minimum of 150 thousand euros. More information about the scheme can be found on this website.
Technical and economic feasibility
From 7 April, SMEs from Gelderland and Overijssel can again apply for the MIT Feasibility Projects. Under this scheme, entrepreneurs receive a fixed contribution of 20 thousand euro to investigate the technical and economic feasibility of an innovative idea. It is intended for SMEs at the beginning of an innovation process that should ultimately contribute to a healthy, safe, clean and prosperous Gelderland. The grant supports answering questions around technology, the market and the business model.
As the scheme is very popular, entrepreneurs would be well advised to submit their full application by 7 April. You can find detailed instructions on how to do this on the province’s website and on the Oost NL website.
Renewable energy
The Province of Gelderland makes a subsidy available for renewable energy projects. This includes energy from wind, hydropower, solar, soil or biomass. The grant is awarded to renewable energy communities such as energy or citizens' cooperatives, non-profit legal entities and (cooperating) VvEs.
A total of 500 thousand euros is available for this grant. You can apply for up to 20 per cent of the eligible costs, with a minimum of 3,500 and a maximum of 100 thousand euros. At least fifty individuals must participate in the project. There are also further conditions. These can be found here.
Grid congestion innovations
Who says 'no' to a total prize pool of 200 thousand euros, a stage presentation during the Grid Congestion Day, visibility among grid operators and guidance on follow-up projects by Connectr, among others? The Grid Congestion Innovation Competition SME Prize 2026 offers a great opportunity for entrepreneurs working on smart solutions that help SMEs make better use of the electricity grid.
The aim of the competition is to accelerate the implementation of practical solutions, particularly ‘behind the meter’, and to support entrepreneurs in further scaling up their projects.Innovations can be submitted until 9 April using the form available on this website .
