Noord-Holland Strengthens Startup Support Through Enhanced Regional Partnership
Haarlem, Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
The province of Noord-Holland has revitalized its GO!-NH acceleration program with ROM InWest as a key implementation partner, targeting innovative companies across three specialized tracks: Market Readiness, Scaling Readiness, and Alumni support. The enhanced collaboration aims to create clearer pathways for entrepreneurs while expanding support beyond traditional startups to include established SMEs developing innovative products or services, strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem in one of the Netherlands’ most economically dynamic provinces.
Strategic Partnership Framework Takes Shape
ROM InWest’s involvement in the renewed GO!-NH program represents a strategic alignment between regional development expertise and provincial innovation goals [1]. The partnership centers on ROM InWest’s role in the program’s setup, recruitment, selection, and guidance processes, creating what Stef Mellema, business developer at ROM InWest, describes as “a logical extension of our venture development approach” [1]. The collaboration marks a significant strengthening of ties between the two organizations, with Mellema noting that “in the new setup, GO!-NH and ROM InWest are more firmly connected to each other. This makes it clearer and more effective for entrepreneurs” [1].
Three-Track Acceleration Program Structure
The GO!-NH program operates through three distinct program lines designed to support companies at different stages of their innovation journey [1]. The Market Readiness track focuses on companies preparing for market entry, while the Scaling Readiness program targets businesses ready to expand their operations [1]. The Alumni component provides ongoing support to program graduates, ensuring continuity in the regional innovation ecosystem [1]. This structured approach utilizes the StartupFramework© developed by Gritd and Tekkoo, providing a data-driven methodology for supporting entrepreneurial growth [1]. Recent participants in the Scaling Readiness Program, including Marc Geerlings and Rob Kuin from Blueox, have been working through intensive sessions focused on product-market fit and scalability requirements over a two-month period [2].
Expanding Beyond Traditional Startup Support
The renewed program significantly broadens its target audience beyond conventional startups and scale-ups to include established small and medium enterprises (SMEs) developing innovative products or services [1]. “We want GO!-NH to not only serve start- and scale-ups, but also help SMEs further. Even established companies with a new, innovative product or service can accelerate through GO!-NH. This broader target group is important for the strength of the Noord-Holland ecosystem,” Mellema explained [1]. This expansion reflects a more comprehensive approach to regional innovation support, recognizing that innovation can emerge from companies at various stages of maturity [GPT].
Regional Ecosystem Integration and Future Outlook
The GO!-NH program’s effectiveness stems from its deep integration within Noord-Holland’s regional ecosystem, involving municipalities, knowledge institutions, financiers, and network organizations including Ontwikkelingsbedrijf NHN and PIM [1]. ROM InWest plays a crucial role in strengthening and expanding this ecosystem to ensure entrepreneurs have access to knowledge, partners, and follow-up financing [1]. The program, commissioned by the province of Noord-Holland, operates on a free-of-charge basis with participation determined through application and selection processes [1]. This comprehensive support structure, combined with the enhanced partnership between ROM InWest and GO!-NH, positions the program to serve as a catalyst for sustained innovation and economic growth in the region throughout 2026 and beyond [1][GPT].