Find funding for your international business plans

Funding for importing

Do you want to import products from abroad? Then, you face higher costs than when you buy them in the Netherlands. For example, additional transport costs, the translation of manuals, and packaging. You will also have to find out whether you are allowed to sell the products in the Netherlands. Or whether you might have to adjust them. Do you import products from countries outside the EU? Then you often have to pay import duties, making your product more expensive.

First, draw up an import plan that sets out your plans and costs. Then, update your financial plan so that you can see how much money you need and what it is for. Discuss with your bookkeeper or accountant what is the best and least costly way to finance this investment: using your own funds or taking out a loan.

No subsidies for import

There are no government subsidies or schemes for you when you are importing. However, the EU does have trade agreements with several countries. As a result, you pay lower or no import duties and your product becomes cheaper.

Funding for exporting

Exporting is a way to grow your business. Your success will depend on good preparation. Describe your plans in an export plan (in Dutch). Include in this plan the amount of financing you need. You can use this plan when talking to a financier, such as your bank or an investor. First, see if you can free up financial resources in your business. This can save you costs, because external financing always costs money.

Export subsidies

Unlike for importing, there are government subsidies and schemes for your export plans. Before applying, read the conditions carefully. Below are 3 examples of export schemes. These are administered by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

1. Support International Business (SIB)

Are you starting as an exporter? And could you use some help? Then take a look at the Support International Business (SIB) scheme. It allows you to finance various export activities, such as participating in an international trade fair.

2. Subsidy scheme for demonstration projects, feasibility studies, and investment preparation projects (DHI)

With the DHI subsidy scheme you can finance a demonstration project, feasibility study, or investment preparation project abroad.

3. Partners for International Business (PIB)

PIB is a scheme that allows you to realise your international plans in a public-private partnership.

Check this subsidies and schemes overview and find out which other schemes may be available to you.

Finding funding

There are several ways to find external funding. Go to the Financing Finder and answer questions about your business and how much money you need. You will get free, independent advice about the types of financing you might find interesting and who provides them. 

In addition to the options in the Financing Finder, there are other types of financing, funds, and organisations that may be of interest for your import and export plans.

1. Letter of Credit

A Letter of Credit (L/C) offers security when doing business abroad. With this document, both seller and buyer know, for example, that payment will be made, and that the product will be delivered as agreed.

2. Bank guarantee

A bank guarantee is a promise by the bank to pay if a buyer fails to pay. To this end, the bank provides security or sets aside funds belonging to the buyer. In import and export deals, a bank guarantee ensures that the seller receives payment, even if the buyer fails to pay.

3. Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF)

The DGGF is a fund run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Various organisations implement this scheme:

• RVO for investment.
• Invest International for imports.
• Atradius Dutch State Business for exports.

This fund assists you with loans, equity investments, export credit insurance, and export financing in emerging markets and developing countries.

4. Dutch Trade and Investment Fund (DTIF)

Through the DTIF, Invest International provides loans, guarantees, and export financing to entrepreneurs wanting to do business with countries that are not on the list of DGGF countries (in Dutch).

5. Export financing

Invest International also supports smaller export transactions for SMEs. These amounts are often of less interest to banks.

6. Export credit insurance

If you export goods, you run the risk that your customer will not pay. For many countries and supplies, you can insure this risk with a private insurer. If this is not possible, the Atradius Dutch State Business (ADSB) offers insurance on behalf of the Dutch government.

Applying for international subsidies and schemes can be complicated. If you are unable to do it yourself, you can hire a subsidy adviser to help you. 

Investing abroad

Are you going to invest in another country? For example, to set up or take over a business abroad. Sometimes financing is possible from the Netherlands, or your Dutch financier can put you in touch with a foreign financier. Also investigate the financing possibilities in that country yourself. You can insure the risks of investments abroad with the investment insurance that Atradius offers on behalf of the government.

Help with business financing

The Financing Guide will help you find your way around financing options. Do you still have questions? Call the helpline on 088 585 11 11 or ask an expert for advice.

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