Tilburg launches €160,000 fund to boost local startups with grants and mentoring
Tilburg residents and aspiring entrepreneurs can now apply for up to €9,000 in funding, plus mentoring and workspace support, through the new Startup Kickstart Scheme. The initiative aims to help innovative ideas overcome early financial hurdles and foster economic growth in the city.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funding per application | Up to €9,000 |
| Total budget | €160,000 |
| Eligible applicants | Tilburg residents, local startups, students from Tilburg educational institutions |
| Support services | Mentoring, workshops, financing advice, workspace (e.g., Gebouw 90, Startup Hub) |
| Application deadline | Until budget exhausted or December 31, 2027 |
| Partners involved | Midpoint Brabant, Tilburg University, Avans, Fontys, Interpolis, Startup for Society |
| Contact for applications | Bas Snels (business coach), 06 - 10 39 89 37 |
The municipality of Tilburg plays a key role in fostering local entrepreneurship by providing financial support and resources to startups. This initiative aligns with its broader goal of driving innovation and economic sustainability within the city.
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Startup Kickstart Fund to Support New Businesses
The municipality of Tilburg is launching the Startup Kickstart Scheme. This initiative assists residents and budding entrepreneurs with innovative ideas.
Each application can receive up to €9,000 in funding. Participants may also access additional mentoring and support services.
Many people with promising ideas face practical or financial challenges in the early stages. The Kickstart Scheme helps overcome these initial hurdles, giving startups the freedom to experiment with their concepts.
Taking Steps Forward
“The Startup Kickstart Scheme in Tilburg provides local entrepreneurs with the opportunity to test their ideas and grow with confidence. Together, we are taking steps toward an innovative and sustainable economy with strong prospects for new businesses,” says Bas van der Pol, Alderman for Urban Development, Economy, and Environmental Quality.
What Does the Kickstart Fund Offer?
The Startup Kickstart Scheme in Tilburg provides financial support to startups in their earliest stages. With a so-called ticket, entrepreneurs can test their product or service and assess whether the idea works in practice. This testing phase helps determine market demand and lays a solid foundation for further growth.
In addition to financial support, participants gain access to various forms of mentoring and assistance. These services are provided by the municipality of Tilburg and partners such as Midpoint Brabant, Tilburg University, Avans, Fontys, Interpolis, and the Startup for Society collaboration. They support entrepreneurs with knowledge and networking opportunities, giving them more room to learn and experiment. The support includes:
- guidance from experienced business coaches
- training sessions and workshops
- advice on additional financing options
- support with housing or workspace ( gebouw 90 or startup hub Interpolis )
- access to other facilities and networks that help startups grow
The total budget for the Startup Kickstart Scheme in Tilburg is €160,000, fully funded by the municipality. Applications will be processed in the order they are received. The scheme will run until the budget is exhausted or until December 31, 2027, at the latest.
Who Is the Scheme For?
The Startup Kickstart Scheme is intended for:
- residents of Tilburg with an innovative idea
- startups already based in Tilburg
- students from Tilburg educational institutions who wish to start a business in the city
With this initiative, the municipality aims to support as many new and innovative ideas as possible in the city.
How Are Applications Assessed?
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a serious commitment to their venture. A business developer from Midpoint Brabant, Tilburg University, Fontys, or Avans will evaluate the idea, assessing its feasibility and alignment with the startup’s current phase.
Applicants must submit a brief explanation covering:
- the goal of the idea
- planned activities
- a simple budget
- key milestones
- the expected impact of the startup
Each person or idea may submit only one application. Startups that grow successfully may later qualify for other schemes offered by the municipality and its partners.
The Startup Kickstart Scheme in Tilburg aims to help entrepreneurs with promising ideas get off to a strong start. The initiative provides a significant boost to innovative entrepreneurship in the city, ensuring Tilburg remains a place where new ideas can flourish and startups and scale-ups contribute to broad-based prosperity for all residents.
For More Information and to Apply
Want to learn more about the Startup Kickstart Scheme in Tilburg or submit an application? Fill out the application form on the Midpoint Brabant website or contact business coach Bas Snels by email or phone at 06 - 10 39 89 37.