How to start
a business
Have you always dreamed of starting your own business? Now is the time to make that dream come true. Groningen is the ideal place for your entrepreneurial adventure. The city breathes innovation and creativity and is known for its supportive entrepreneurial climate. With leading universities and research institutions nearby, you have direct access to a source of knowledge and talent, ready to propel your business to new heights. Here are some helpful tips:
Chamber of Commerce (KVK)
Starting a business in The Netherlands is relatively easy. Registration is done through the KVK. On their website you will find excellent information on when to register a company, different business forms, legal requirements and more general information and business culture in The Netherlands.
Tax Administration
Once you have successfully registered your company with the Chamber of Commerce, they will inform the Dutch Tax Administration about your new company. There are different types of taxes that your business has to pay. You can read more about taxes for businesses on the website of the Belastingdienst.
Freelancers or independent professionals
Many people who start their own businesses work as freelancers or independent professionals. Freelancers are usually called "self-employed without staff" (zzp'ers). Note that this is not a legal form for a business; you are not registered as a zzp'er but as a sole proprietorship. More information about freelancing can be found on the (KVK) website and on the Dutch government's Business.gov.nl website.
Webinars and seminars
In addition to the formal side of starting a business, it is valuable to have a support network and access to training and expertise during the process. The Chamber of Commerce also offers online webinars and offline seminars at its Groningen branch to support you in starting your business.
International Welcome Center North
The website of the International Welcome Center North (IWCN) also contains several pages of information on starting a business.
Staff
If your business is growing and you would like to hire staff, there are several things you need to watch out for. Business.gov.nl from the Dutch government has made a handy overview of what you need to do when hiring staff. Among other things, there are differences between temporary and permanent staff.
Financing programmes at the national level:
Here is the Dutch government information on financing and overview of national subsidies for businesses.
The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency also provides an overview of incentives and information about the fiscal climate for international businesses.
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency stimulates entrepreneurs in sustainable, agricultural, innovative and international business. It runs a number of programmes and has different grant schemes available to support various business initiatives. Find out more about on Netherlands Enterprise Agency website.
Regional level subsidies, financing and development support
The regional investment and development Agency NOM runs a number of programmes and subsidies for companies in the SME sector, as well as investing in mergers and acquisitions. Find out all about the financing possibilities through NOM (in Dutch only); contact them for more English language information.
The province of Groningen has a development programme for the local economy and labour market which includes projects, subsidies and revolving funds. Find out about financing possibilities through the Groningen at Work programme (website in Dutch only); contact them for more English language information.
The Northern Netherlands Partnership SNN grants (European) subsidies, facilitates collaboration and fulfills a lobby function for the three northern provinces. Website in Dutch only; enquiries and support possibile in English.
The Economic Board Groningen has a number of advisory support projects as well as financing projects for new and existing companies in the province of Groningen. Website in Dutch only; enquiries and support possible in English.
Venture Lab North offers support and training for both starting and established businesses, with special rates for those affiliated with the University of Groningen.
