Going Dutch Programme

Summary:

Going Dutch is an early stage exporter programme for businesses that have the capability and motivation to break into international markets and specifically to explore new business opportunities in The Netherlands.

Eligibility criteria:

This programme is only available to existing Invest NI customers who meet the definition of an SME.

The criteria to become a customer with Invest NI is as follows: 

  • Reach a turnover of £250K per annum within 5 years; and 
  • Achieve at least 25 per cent of those sales outside of Northern Ireland.

You will also need to demonstrate growth potential, which is defined as:

  • Potential employment growth >= 20 per cent or >=20 jobs within 3 years; or 
  • Potential external sales growth >=20 per cent or >=£500k within 3 years; or 
  • Potential increase in GVA / employee >= 20 per cent within 3 years. 

Other criteria

Participating businesses must have:

  • less than 75 employees in the business
  • limited or no experience selling outside of Great Britain and Republic of Ireland
  • identified commercial reasons to explore export opportunities in the market
  • a suitable product or tradeable service that is adaptable for export
  • financial stability and resources to develop and maintain an export market
Additional information:

The programme provides companies with:

  • 1:1 consultancy support from a specialist trade advisor based in Amsterdam
  • individual tailored market research
  • group workshops to address common export issues
  • development of individual export sales presentation
  • an initial  three day Group market visit to the Netherlands involving qualified meetings with potential customers or partners
  • guidance on a follow-up action plan on how to develop the opportunities
  • a fully-funded follow-up visit and up to three further Invest NI supported individual follow-up visits to The Netherlands to develop sales/partnerships
Support organisation:
  • Invest Northern Ireland
Contact:
Sandra Kelly
Phone:
028 9069 8045
Find out more:
Going Dutch Programme
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