On November 10, 2025, the Opportunities for the West III (ERDF) program will open for new openings. Entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, and governments in the region can submit projects that contribute to an innovative, sustainable, and strong economy in South Holland and the Randstad.

This year, new opportunities will be added. For example, the province of South Holland introduces program vouchers for education, intended for companies that want to invest in circular knowledge and skills, and vouchers for the sustainability of social real estate. Existing regulations, including those in the areas of innovation, circular economy, and social enterprises, will also be reopened or expanded.

About Opportunities for the West

Opportunities for the West is a European stimulation program of the four Randstad provinces (North and South Holland, Utrecht, and Flevoland) and the major cities of Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. The program strengthens the regional economy by granting subsidies to projects that respond to three priorities:

  • Innovation: increasing the share of innovative products, processes, and services.
  • Climate: promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, and circular economy.
  • Sustainable urban development: promoting transitions and reducing the mismatch in the labor market in urban areas.

Webinar on October 15

Want to know more about the new openings and how to submit an application?
Opportunities for the West will organize an online webinar via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, October 15, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. During this webinar, the regulations will be explained, and there will be room for questions.

Date: October 15, 2025
Time: 1:00–2:00 PM
Location: Microsoft Teams Register for the webinar (opens in a new window)

Role of the Province of South Holland

The province of South Holland has authority over a part of the budget within Opportunities for the West and determines how these resources are used in South Holland. The Provincial Executive has established an opening strategy for this purpose. This describes how European and national funds will be distributed across different themes and openings during the program period 2021–2027.

More information

An up-to-date overview of all South Holland openings within Opportunities for the West III can be found at kvw3.kansenvoorwest.nl (opens in a new window)