The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the regional development agencies (ROMs) are going to collaborate more closely. They aim to better support start-ups, scale-ups, and innovative SMEs in their growth. These entrepreneurs play an important role in solving major challenges of our time, such as safety and climate change.
By bundling forces, a clear package of subsidies, financing, and advice is created. The goal is to enable entrepreneurs to use this more quickly and easily, according to the no wrong door principle. According to this principle, it does not matter where an entrepreneur applies: RVO and the ROMs pass information and applications to each other. This means that entrepreneurs will receive help regardless of where they knock. RVO and the ROMs also better align their approach to the needs of specific sectors and technologies and exchange this information with each other. The overarching result: more targeted assistance to entrepreneurs, faster identification of problems, and even better advice from policymakers.
More Accessible, Focused, and Effective
Ellen Jacobs, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at RVO: Every day we help innovative entrepreneurs move forward. By strengthening our collaboration with the ROMs, we ensure that this service to entrepreneurs becomes more accessible, focused, and effective. Together, we reach even more entrepreneurs, and every entrepreneur gets the support needed to grow.
New Opportunities in a Complex World
Entrepreneurs face challenges regarding the scarcity of personnel, space, and energy. The technological developments around digitalization and AI are also accelerating rapidly. This creates new opportunities, but it also means that innovating and growing is becoming increasingly complex for entrepreneurs. By working more intensively together, RVO and the ROMs want to help these entrepreneurs better cope with the challenges they face.
Connecting Regional Knowledge, Instruments, and Networks
Wendy de Jong, General Director of Oost NL and Chair of ROM-Nederland: Regional development agencies are literally and figuratively close to entrepreneurs: we are embedded in the very fabric of the regions. By connecting our regional knowledge, instruments, and networks with those of RVO, we can make even more impact together for innovative SMEs, start-ups, and scale-ups.
About the ROMs
The 9 regional development agencies (ROMs) in the Netherlands focus on strengthening the regional economy of tomorrow. By accelerating the growth of innovative entrepreneurs, the ROMs strengthen the innovative ecosystems of the Netherlands from the regions.
Formalizing Further Cooperation
For the support of international entrepreneurs, the organizations are already collaborating intensively. Inspired by this successful cooperation, the new step in collaboration will also enhance the service for entrepreneurs focusing on innovation. By the end of this year, the organizations will formally establish further cooperation in a covenant.
Want to Know More?
- Read more about RVO support for start-ups.
- Read more about the 9 ROMs.