Dutch Province Launches Six-Day Support Program to Help Small Businesses Attract Investment
Haarlem, Tuesday, 3 March 2026.
Noord-Holland’s new PIM program offers innovative small businesses up to six days of personalized coaching to become investment-ready, partnering with ROM InWest for implementation. In its 8.5-year history, the initiative has already helped 1,200 entrepreneurs raise €290 million in capital, focusing on sectors like energy transition, healthcare, and key technologies. The program bridges a critical gap between early-stage innovation and investor readiness in the Dutch business ecosystem.
Personalized Support Model Addresses Critical Investment Gap
The Programma Investeringsgereed Innovatief MKB (PIM) operates on a highly customized approach, providing innovative SMEs with up to six days of personalized support to improve their investment readiness and connect with financiers [1]. According to program officials, the initiative emphasizes tailored assistance based on individual entrepreneur needs, with one representative noting that “It is really custom work, based on the needs of the entrepreneur” [1]. The program specifically targets SMEs operating in strategic sectors including Energy Transition & Sustainability, Agriculture, Water & Food, Health & Care, Safety, and Key Technologies [1]. This targeted approach reflects Noord-Holland’s broader innovation strategy, which has allocated more than €8.5 million for 2026 through the MKB Innovatiestimulering Topsectoren (MIT) subsidy schemes to support entrepreneurs in the early stages of their innovation projects [2].
ROM InWest Partnership Expands Regional Access
The collaboration with ROM InWest represents a strategic move to enhance entrepreneurs’ access to the broader Noord-Holland innovation ecosystem [1]. ROM InWest, a regional development company, will contribute to PIM’s success by improving connectivity between entrepreneurs and the province’s extensive business network [1]. The partnership allows the program to bridge the gap between guidance and financing by more effectively connecting entrepreneurs with potential investors [1]. Entrepreneurs seeking support can schedule appointments with PIM advisors to discuss financing and growth opportunities, streamlining access to the program’s resources [1]. This partnership model reflects a growing trend in Dutch regional development, where provincial authorities collaborate with specialized agencies to deliver targeted business support services.
Strong Track Record Demonstrates Program Effectiveness
PIM’s 8.5-year operational history provides substantial evidence of its impact on the regional innovation economy [1]. The program has successfully supported 1,200 entrepreneurs throughout its existence, facilitating the raising of €290 million in capital [1]. This track record translates to an average of approximately 241666.667 euros raised per entrepreneur supported, demonstrating the program’s ability to connect businesses with substantial funding opportunities [1]. The program has earned recognition from both entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners for its effectiveness in preparing businesses for investment [1]. The sustained success over nearly a decade indicates that PIM has identified and addressed a genuine market need in the Dutch innovation landscape, particularly for businesses transitioning from early-stage development to investment-ready status.
Broader Provincial Innovation Support Framework
PIM operates within a comprehensive provincial support structure for innovative businesses in Noord-Holland. The MIT subsidy schemes, which opened for applications in 2026, offer two types of financial support: feasibility projects that assess risks associated with developing new products, processes, services, or technologies, and Research & Development collaboration projects [2]. The feasibility project application period opened on April 7, 2026, while R&D collaboration applications began on June 9, 2026, with both programs closing on September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM [2]. Provincial deputy Esther Rommel emphasized the importance of supporting entrepreneurs in the early experimental phase, stating that “The strength of innovation lies in experimentation. By supporting entrepreneurs precisely in that early phase, we help innovative ideas grow into solutions that make Noord-Holland stronger and more future-proof” [2]. Additionally, entrepreneurs can access complementary programs including the Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland and may later qualify for support from ROM InWest, creating a comprehensive pathway from early-stage innovation to market-ready businesses [2].