Netherlands Reopens Stimulus Fund for Regional Innovation
Rivierenland, Wednesday, 26 February 2025.
The Netherlands reopens its regional stimulus fund from March 3 to May 7, 2025, supporting innovative projects in Rivierenland to boost economic development through collaboration and entrepreneurship.
Fund Details and Regional Impact
The Regional Stimulus Fund (RSF) represents a collaborative economic initiative by eight municipalities within the Rivierenland region, with each municipality contributing €2 per resident annually [1]. The fund specifically targets projects in three key sectors: Agribusiness, Logistics & Business Climate, and Recreation & Tourism [1]. An independent Economic Board evaluates applications based on criteria including innovation potential, regional cooperation, and economic impact for the area [1].
Application Support and Guidance
To facilitate the application process, FruitDelta Rivierenland has organized three evening consultation sessions across the region. These sessions, scheduled for March 31, April 2, and April 8, 2025, will be held in Ochten, Culemborg, and Tiel respectively [1]. During these sessions, which run from 19:30 to 21:30, entrepreneurs can discuss their project ideas confidentially with Economic Board members [1]. Program manager Perry Ceelen emphasizes the fund’s role, stating that ‘Sometimes that financial support is just what’s needed to bring projects to fruition’ [1].
Regional Development Strategy
The initiative operates under the broader framework of FruitDelta Rivierenland, where government, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and local residents collaborate to strengthen regional development [2]. Interested parties can utilize an online quick scan tool to assess their eligibility before submitting formal applications [1]. The consultation sessions are structured in 30-minute time slots, allowing for focused discussions on individual projects [1].