The Province of Limburg is reopening the SME Sprint Grant on 21 September

Maastricht – The province of Limburg is launching the second round of the SME Sprint Grant on Monday 21 September. Entrepreneurs have until 21 October at the latest to apply for a grant to make their businesses future-proof and competitive.

Succession issues and the knowledge gap in Limburg-based companies

In addition, entrepreneurs in Limburg still face barriers to utilising the expertise of research institutions, such as the Brightlands Campuses, in their day-to-day operations. For entrepreneurs in Limburg, the Sprint Grant offers a concrete opportunity to make their businesses future-proof right now, without having to wait for a successor. The grant supports both sustainability and innovation, which is particularly relevant for businesses that wish to grow or protect themselves against competition.

Strong interest in the SME Sprint Grant

During the first application round between May and June 2026, the province received over 140 applications. This high level of interest demonstrates that the grant scheme meets a genuine need amongst entrepreneurs in Limburg. Two entrepreneurs shared their experiences of the grant during the SME event at the Gouvernement aan de Maas. They explained how the grant enables them to operate in a more sustainable and innovative way.

Prinsjesdag and economic opportunities

Around 200 entrepreneurs from Limburg attended the SME event the day after Prinsjesdag. Provincial Executive Member Stephan Satijn outlined the plans from The Hague and discussed what they mean for businesses in Limburg. According to Satijn, the investments in a strong, sustainable and innovative economy offer concrete opportunities. In addition, a National Investment Agency is to be established, and the Innovation Box for SMEs will be expanded to enable them to develop new products and technologies themselves.

Challenges facing family businesses in Limburg

Maastricht University presented the initial findings of the ‘State of Limburg’s SMEs’ study. These formed the basis for a panel discussion with Ron Coenen of LWV, Martijn van Helvert of MKB-Limburg and Provincial Executive Member Satijn. The study shows that many family-run businesses in Limburg will face succession issues in the coming years. Furthermore, access to knowledge – for example, at the Brightlands Campuses – is not yet a given for Limburg-based companies.

It is essential to apply quickly

The province expects to receive a large number of applications during the second application round as well. Business owners can apply for the grant via the Limburg provincial website. The eligibility criteria and the application form are also available there. The grant helps businesses to make their operations future-proof more quickly.

Key facts

• The application period runs from 21 September to 21 October 2026
• The first round attracted over 140 applications from entrepreneurs in Limburg
• Many family-run businesses in Limburg face succession issues in the coming years

 

Source: WijLimburg