Grants, funding, loans and other programmes can make a big difference to ambitious entrepreneurs. They provide scope to invest, innovate and take the next step in growth. At the same time, the range of options is vast and can sometimes be difficult to navigate. That is why, every quarter, we highlight five interesting opportunities for entrepreneurs in the Lifeport region who wish to capitalise on their growth potential.
Defence Growth Accelerator
The Ministry of Defence’s growing budget presents opportunities for businesses. Entrepreneurs wishing to supply the Ministry of Defence or join a defence-related supply chain will need to meet specific requirements relating to certification, cyber security, compliance, security and procurement processes.
With the new Defence Voucher from De Groeiversneller, funded by the province of Gelderland, SMEs in Gelderland can engage external expertise to prepare for this. The voucher can, for example, be used for advice and guidance on ABRO programmes, support with other necessary certifications, or advice on security, cybersecurity and compliance. The reimbursement ranges from a minimum of 1,000 to a maximum of 10,000 euros and covers half of the consultancy costs. Further information is available on this Oost NL website.
More defence support
Another interesting programme for businesses with ambitions in the defence sector. The Interreg project SAFE (Supplier Awareness for Future Engagement in Defence Contracts), which launched on 1 July, helps SME entrepreneurs make the transition into the defence market and the dual-use sector (technologies applicable to both civilian and military purposes). This sector is subject to specific regulations, tendering procedures and quality requirements. SAFE offers support in the form of expertise, networking opportunities and practical assistance.
As part of the project, the partners are developing a toolbox to assess companies’ Defence Readiness Levels, as well as a roadmap setting out the steps required to become a supplier to the Ministry of Defence. Oost NL organises workshops, meetings and individual guidance, and helps companies find suitable partners. The project, led by NMWP.NRW, runs until 30 June 2029. You can read more about the programme here.
Strengthening biodiversity
Local authorities will soon be able to apply for grants to strengthen and restore biodiversity in rural areas. The scheme supports a wide range of initiatives: from drawing up a biodiversity plan to creating or restoring green and blue landscape features. Physical measures that increase biodiversity are also eligible, as are projects that increase green spaces and water features in urban areas. Resident involvement is actively encouraged in this regard.
Projects in rural areas can apply for grants from 2 November 2026. For urban projects, the application window opens on 4 January 2027. A total of 8.5 million euros will be available in 2026 and 2027 to make the Netherlands greener and more biodiverse. Further information can be found on this website.
Hydrogen enquiries
Is hydrogen a suitable solution for your energy challenges? The Interreg project Hydrogen to Business (H2B) is helping 100 energy-intensive SMEs in the Netherlands and Germany to investigate this. Due to grid congestion, high energy costs and stricter climate regulations, entrepreneurs face difficult choices, whilst electrification is not always feasible. At H2B, experts and universities work alongside businesses to analyse which hydrogen solution is the best fit.
If hydrogen proves to be a promising option, H2B will support the next steps. This begins with practical trials, with funding of up to 20,000 euros. Promising solutions can progress to a pilot project with a grant of up to 150,000 euros. To this end, Oost NL is collaborating with German and Dutch research institutions and innovation partners. In total, support is being provided for one hundred feasibility studies, thirty practical validations and six pilot projects. Further information can be found here.
Nature-inclusive agriculture
Would you like to contribute to the future of agriculture in Gelderland through a project? From 2 November 2026, you will be able to apply for a grant to roll out nature-inclusive agriculture in the province. The aim is to accelerate the transition to sustainable, future-proof agriculture.
The scheme is versatile and can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as collaborative projects, knowledge exchange and awareness-raising, advice to SMEs in the agricultural sector, or research and development projects. The activities must align with one of the four programme strands: implementation-oriented upscaling, creating a supportive environment, informing and inspiring, or knowledge development and sharing. A recommendation from the advisory committee of the Nature-Inclusive Agriculture Platform is mandatory. A minimum of 50,000 and a maximum of 300,000 euros in funding is available per application. For further information, please click here.
