Government supports SMEs with SLIM grants

Since Monday 7 April (and until Monday 4 May), SME employers can again apply for the SLIM grant. The scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment and aims to stimulate learning and development within companies.

The SLIM scheme (Incentive Scheme Learning and Development In SMEs) aims to create a stronger learning culture within companies. An employer can receive the grant for any initiative that contributes to employee development, making the company more future-proof. Examples include applying methods to structurally embed learning in the organisation, setting up training and development plans, and drawing up career and development advice for the company's employees.

Limited

The application must meet some conditions. The applicant must be an SME, the project to be subsidised must focus on structural learning and development, and the activity must start after the submission of the application.

The application must be in by 4 May, 5pm and can only be made online. The grant amount is 60% of the project costs, with a minimum of €5,000 and a maximum of €25,000 for individual SMEs. The grant pot contains 11 million euros.

Too late?

Those who apply too late this time, a second opportunity awaits. Between 10 August and 7 September, there is a second period in which a grant can be obtained under the same conditions.

Larger organisation?

Cooperative associations of SMEs (industry associations, R&O funds, employers' or employees' associations) are also eligible for government support. They can apply for a higher amount, with a maximum of €500,000 and a minimum of €125,000. The period for this will be later this year, between 8 June and 6 July.