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Business support - Netherlands

Updated 07/2009

Helping businesses

Private organisations

           Syntens   is a non-profit advisory body designed to help entrepreneurs in their innovation strategy, for instance by providing tailored recommendations, action plans for innovation, on-line advice, rapid diagnosis and workshops.

  • Syntens Nederlands

           TechnoPartner   offers help to people who are starting up a business based on a technical invention. In the process it calls on the services of knowledge centres, universities, large companies, banks and investors. It offers practical information, advice and support and helps businesses to obtain secure financing.

  • TechnoPartner Nederlands

Public-private organisations

           New Business   is a Dutch agency offering management support to innovative entrepreneurs. Innovative start-up companies, ICT companies, medical and biotechnological organisations and business services are among those who are eligible. In addition, the agency provides a national network for sharing knowledge and exchanging experiences. New Business is a public/private cooperation initiative.

The Chamber of Commerce (KvK) is an independent starting point for new entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. Information focuses on start-ups, international commerce, business transfers and rules and regulations.

As their first port of call, entrepreneurs can seek free advice from KvK's website or from a KvK regional office. KvK offers either general counselling or will direct you to in-house or external specialists for specific questions.

  • Chamber of Commerce main offices Nederlands

The Chamber of Commerce also oversees compliance with a number of legal procedures, including the Commercial Registers Act.

  • Laws and regulations Nederlands

Public organisations

           Marketing boards   and inter-branch organisations represent the interests of their member companies. They provide training for workers, quality control and joint export promotions. In most cases membership is compulsory. A marketing board represents the interests of all companies working on one product. An inter-branch organisation represents the interests of all associated companies active within the same branch of business.

  • Marketing boards and inter-branch organisations Nederlands

           SER   advises the Dutch government on socio-economic policy.

  • Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands Nederlands

The Agency for International Business and Cooperation (EVD) is the Dutch government's international business and cooperation agency. It promotes exports, imports and foreign investment by providing information, financial support programmes and targeted communication channels for Dutch entrepreneurs.

  • International business and cooperation Nederlands

EVD's Hollandtrade.com website offers information on the Dutch market.

The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), part of EVD, helps foreign companies that wish to invest in the Netherlands.

           SME Netherlands   represents SMEs in the Netherlands. It aims to create a favourable business climate by focusing its activities on making autonomous business attractive.

  • SME Netherlands Nederlands

The Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) defends the common interests of Dutch business at both national and international level through cooperation with assorted regional associations.

Information from the Dutch government can be found on the Antwoordvoorbedrijven.nl website, which lists at a glance all the various relevant dos and don'ts, e.g. licences and requirements, laws and regulations, taxes and subsidies.

It is also possible to consult an advisor or send in questions via e-mail. Antwoord voor bedrijven is a Dutch government initiative with close collaborative ties to Dutch government ministries and other national, provincial, regional and local authorities.

  • Antwoord voor Bedrijven Nederlands

The Higherlevel.nl forum is an online forum bringing together entrepreneurs and specialists from both the public and private sectors.

  • Higherlevel Nederlands

You can find information about foreign embassies and consulates in the Netherlands on the website of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

  • Embassies and consulates Nederlands

Access to finance is crucial for setting up and running a business.

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

Living and moving in Europe

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Enterprise Europe Network - Contact points

The Enterprise Europe Network provides businesses with information and advice through its local contact points. 

Choose your nearest contact point for personalized help and advice:

Further help

SOLVIT helps businesses deal with problems that arise when national authorities wrongly apply EU market rules.