Navigate Your Next Step with the Business Support Overview

For startups and scale-ups, finding the right support at the right moment can be challenging. To make that journey easier, Health Holland and partners have developed the Business Support Overview, bringing together national and regional support programs across the Life Sciences & Health sector. The overview is designed not only for entrepreneurs, but also for ecosystem organizations and partners, helping them navigate the support landscape and refer entrepreneurs more effectively. For ecosystem partners, the overview provides a broader view of the support landscape, making it easier to refer entrepreneurs, identify gaps and overlaps, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

At a glance, users can see what support is available, where each program is offered and at which stage of development it may be most relevant. By presenting this information in a clear and consistent format, the overview makes the support landscape easier to navigate and helps entrepreneurs identify a suitable next step.

Support from idea to growth

As an idea or company develops, its needs change. The overview therefore includes programs that can help Life Sciences & Health startups and scale-ups move forward at different stages of their journey. Depending on the program, this may involve:

• exploring and validating an idea;
• developing a product, service or business model;
• conducting pilots or real-world testing;
• gaining access to expertise, facilities and networks;
• preparing for funding or investment;
• market entry, commercialization and growth.

Some programs may also offer financial support, vouchers or prize money that can contribute to a startup's further development. However, financial support is not the main focus of the overview. Programs are included primarily for the guidance, expertise, networks and development opportunities they provide.

Connecting national and regional opportunities

Because relevant support can be found throughout the Netherlands, the Business Support Overview combines a national overview with several regional overviews. National programs are accessible across multiple regions or are offered at different locations, while regional programs are connected to a specific province, city, campus or local ecosystem.

A regional label does not necessarily mean that participation is limited to companies based in that area. Eligibility requirements vary, so entrepreneurs are encouraged to contact the organization responsible for the program for further details.

Bringing these opportunities together also benefits ecosystem partners. It allows them to refer entrepreneurs more effectively, look beyond their own region and gain a clearer understanding of the support available elsewhere in the country.

Clear information at a glance

To make programs easy to explore and compare, every program card follows the same structure. It shows the program name, location, organizations involved, duration, focus and a brief description of its purpose and content.

In addition, each program card indicates the development stage for which a program is suitable, pre-seed, startup or scale-up, as well as the potential participation costs. Health Holland takes a coordinating and advisory role in bringing the overview together and helping users navigate the wider support landscape. For program-specific questions, such as eligibility, application periods, selection criteria, costs or start dates, interested users can contact the responsible organizations listed on the map directly.

Finally, the overview will continue to evolve alongside the ecosystem itself. As programs change and new initiatives emerge, Health Holland will update it in collaboration with its partners, ensuring that it remains a practical and relevant guide for entrepreneurs and the organizations supporting them.

Read the Business Support Overview here!

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For more information, or questions please contact Health Holland colleague Lynn van der Zwan via: zwan@health-holland.com.

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