Partner­ship RVO and ROMs: improved support for innovative SMEs

Good news for startups, scale-ups and innovative SMEs: the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the regional development agencies (ROMs) are expanding their partnership. The goal? To support entrepreneurs more quickly and effectively as they grow. By combining their expertise and resources, they aim to offer a single, clearly structured package of grants, financing and advice. No more maze of contact points—just one clear entry.

Their approach will also be more aligned with developments in specific sectors and technologies. And by sharing information, they can spot problems sooner and offer more targeted support. That benefits entrepreneurs. But also policymakers, who will be better equipped to make informed decisions.

More focus, less hassle

“At RVO, we help innovative entrepreneurs move forward every day,” says Ellen Jacob, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at RVO. “By strengthening our partnership with the ROMs, we’re making our services more accessible, more focused and more effective.”

And the timing is no coincidence. Entrepreneurs are dealing with staff shortages, limited space and rising energy demands. Meanwhile, technological developments keep accelerating. AI, digitalisation—these bring countless opportunities, but also make it increasingly complex to grow and innovate.

A strong presence in the region

ROMs are close to the action. Wendy de Jong, Managing Director of Oost NL and Chair of ROM-Nederland, explains: “We’re connected to the very fabric of our regions. By linking our regional knowledge, tools and networks with RVO’s, we can have an even greater impact together.”

The two organisations have already worked together in the area of international business. That experience laid the groundwork for more. The new partnership will be formally established in a covenant later this year.