Noord-Holland Launches Renewed Business Acceleration Program with Broader Target Market

2025-12-17 community

Haarlem, Wednesday, 17 December 2025.
The GO!-NH acceleration program has been revamped to serve not only startups and scale-ups but also established small and medium enterprises with innovative products or services. ROM InWest, a regional development company, plays a central partnership role in recruitment, selection, and guidance processes. The program offers three tracks - Market Readiness, Scaling Readiness, and Alumni - providing free participation through registration and selection, while connecting entrepreneurs to knowledge institutions, financiers, and network organizations across Noord-Holland’s innovation ecosystem.

Strategic Partnership Strengthens Program Implementation

The renewed GO!-NH program represents a strategic shift in how Noord-Holland province approaches business acceleration, with ROM InWest serving as a key implementation partner in the program’s organizational structure [1]. Stef Mellema, business developer at ROM InWest, emphasized the logical connection between the program and their venture development approach, stating that “For us, GO!-NH is a logical extension of our venture development approach” [1]. The partnership creates a more integrated system where ROM InWest’s individual entrepreneur guidance combines with GO!-NH’s programmatic approach, creating what Mellema describes as a “pressure cooker together with the entire Noord-Holland ecosystem” [2].

Expanded Target Audience Beyond Traditional Startups

Unlike traditional acceleration programs that focus exclusively on early-stage companies, the renewed GO!-NH program deliberately targets a broader business spectrum. The program now serves startups, scale-ups, and established small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with innovative products, processes, or services [2]. Mellema explained this strategic expansion: “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” [1]. This approach reflects a recognition that innovation occurs across all business lifecycle stages, not just in startup phases.

Program Structure and Implementation Timeline

The GO!-NH program operates through a structured three-track system designed to address different business development stages [1][2]. The Market Readiness Program targets early-phase companies, focusing on customer validation, value proposition development, revenue models, and networking opportunities [2]. The Scaling Readiness Program serves companies ready for growth, emphasizing market expansion, investment preparation, and organizational development [2]. Additionally, the Alumni track ensures continued network access and support for program graduates [1][2]. The program launched on November 25, 2025, with the province initially supporting 20 entrepreneurs working on sustainable innovations [4]. Participation remains free of charge, operating on a registration and selection basis [1].

Ecosystem Integration and Support Network

The program’s effectiveness stems from its integration with Noord-Holland’s broader innovation ecosystem, which includes municipalities, knowledge institutions, financiers, and network organizations such as Ontwikkelingsbedrijf NHN and PIM [1]. ROM InWest plays a crucial role in strengthening and expanding this ecosystem to ensure entrepreneurs maintain access to knowledge, partners, and follow-up financing beyond the program duration [1]. The renewed structure creates stronger connections between GO!-NH and ROM InWest, making the support system “clearer and more effective” for entrepreneurs according to Mellema [1]. The program utilizes the StartupFramework© from Gritd and Tekkoo, providing a standardized methodology for business acceleration [1]. More information about the program is available through ROM InWest’s website [1].

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innovation support acceleration program