Drenthe Invests €120,000 to Accelerate Regional Circular Economy Projects
Assen, Monday, 20 April 2026.
Province commits significant funding to support 40-50 businesses in developing concrete circular solutions across construction, manufacturing, and textile sectors through partnership with regional association.
Strategic Investment Targets Northern Netherlands Growth
The province of Drenthe has committed €120,000 to strengthen circular economy initiatives in northern Netherlands through a subsidy awarded to the Association for Circular Groningen-Drenthe (VCGD) [1]. This investment forms part of a broader collaboration between businesses, knowledge institutions, and government bodies across the northern Netherlands region [1]. The funding comes as the VCGD has rapidly expanded to become a network of more than 150 companies, government entities, and knowledge partners from Drenthe and Groningen provinces [1].
From Awareness to Action in Circular Business Models
The subsidy addresses a significant shift in the circular economy landscape, as entrepreneurs increasingly seek support for concrete next steps in circular business practices [1]. While previous efforts focused on awareness-building and knowledge sharing, the current demand centers on experimentation, investment, and scaling up circular initiatives [1]. Provincial deputy Willemien Meeuwissen emphasized that Drenthe entrepreneurs demonstrate circularity as a source of innovation and new opportunities rather than an abstract concept [1]. The funding will support entrepreneurship in the region while helping businesses achieve their circular ambitions, strengthening Drenthe’s economy and building toward a future where sustainable business practices become standard [1].
Comprehensive Support Across Multiple Sectors
The VCGD subsidy will assist entrepreneurs with promising circular initiatives across construction, manufacturing, textiles, plastics, waste streams, and the leisure economy [1]. Through this funding, the association expects to support 40 to 50 Drenthe businesses in taking concrete circular steps [1]. The support system includes circular assessments that provide entrepreneurs with insights into their current position and potential opportunities, followed by coaching, action plans, and participation in supply chain collaborations to achieve targeted circular solutions [1].
Broader Regional Context and Innovation Momentum
This Drenthe initiative operates within the larger ‘Noord-Nederland verdient Circulair’ program, where the three northern provinces collaborate on circular economy development [1]. The Investment and Development Company for Northern Netherlands (NOM) reported investing nearly €100 million in economic development and innovation across northern Netherlands in 2025, including €34 million in new and growing businesses and involvement in innovation projects worth approximately €60 million [2]. NOM director Dina Boonstra noted that these investments ensure complex projects in areas such as the circular economy and digitalization actually come to fruition [2]. The organization’s efforts in 2025 resulted in seven companies bringing new knowledge and innovation to the northern economy, leading to approximately 170 new or retained jobs [2].