Who is SLIM for

The SLIM grant is intended for SMEs that want to invest in the development of their staff. Collaborations between multiple SMEs can also make use of the scheme. The grant is relevant if you want to support employees in growth or reskilling, or if your company is introducing new technologies that require additional training.

What you can use the grant for

‍With SLIM you can apply for funding for activities such as:

• Creating or updating a development or training plan
• Career and development advice for employees
• Setting up learning structures such as internal academies or digital learning platforms
• Mapping the training needs within your organisation
• Training and learning programmes focused on digital skills or technological innovation
  

Practical Example: An SME training its team in AI

‍Imagine a small manufacturing company with fifty employees. You notice that digitalisation and automation are becoming increasingly important, and you want your team to understand what AI is, how it works and how it can be used in processes such as planning, quality control or communication.

With SLIM you can fund activities such as:

• Developing an internal training plan focused on digital skills
• A series of AI workshops for employees with practical examples
• An advisory process to assess which roles need additional skills
• Implementing a learning platform where employees can follow AI training modules
  

The grant makes it possible to create a broad learning programme without significant financial pressure and prepares your workforce for the future.

How much funding can you receive‍

• For individual SMEs the maximum grant per application is €25,000.
• For collaborations between multiple SMEs you can receive up to €100,000 depending on the size and structure of the project.
• Since 2025 the scheme has been harmonised, meaning there are two application rounds per year for both individual SMEs and collaborations.
• Small applications up to approximately €25,000 are often automatically approved once awarded, with no separate final report or extensive documentation required.
  

What to consider when submitting an application‍

Your application must meet several conditions:

• Your company must meet the SME definition or be part of an eligible collaboration
• The project may only start after the grant has been approved
• The activity must be concrete, measurable and focused on learning or development; activities for owners or directors alone are not eligible
• You must submit a clear plan of approach and budget with your objectives and expected results

How Subsidies.io Can Help‍

With Subsidies.io you can quickly assess whether your project fits the SLIM grant and other relevant funding opportunities in the Netherlands or Europe. You answer a short set of questions about your project. Based on this, you receive an initial assessment of whether SLIM is a realistic option for you and which other subsidies you could combine or apply for in a later phase.

If the outcome is positive, we can connect you with a specialised advisor from our network who is experienced in preparing SLIM applications. You remain the owner of the content; the advisor helps you turn it into a strong and complete project plan.

Next Step

Do you want to know whether the SLIM grant is a serious opportunity for your organisation?

Start with a free subsidy scan. Within minutes you will see whether your project fits SLIM and which other subsidies may be relevant. After that you decide whether you want to continue with an advisory process and a full application.

For the most up to date information it is best to consult the official website of the Ministry.