SIB Subsidy 2026: International Business (Market Entry & Trade Fairs)
Manna Team
Are you an SME ready to expand abroad? Then the SIB subsidy (Support International Business) is worth knowing. SIB supports Dutch SMEs with international business through two well-known instruments: SIB Market Entry (Marktentree) and SIB Individual Trade Fair Participation (Beursdeelname). This article covers the conditions, rates and amounts for 2026. For the full picture, see our overview of innovation subsidies.
What is the SIB subsidy?
SIB stands for Support International Business: a programme that helps SMEs enter foreign markets. Two instruments are relevant for most entrepreneurs: a contribution towards a local expert (Market Entry) and a contribution towards participating in an international trade fair (Trade Fair Participation).
SIB Market Entry (Marktentree)
With SIB Market Entry you receive a contribution to engage a local expert in your foreign target market. That expert helps you with market knowledge, contacts and the first steps in that country.
- Subsidy rate: 50%
- Maximum subsidy: €2,500
- Application period: 1 January to 31 December 2026
- Expert requirements: at least HBO level, sector expertise and a network in the target market
- De-minimis: falls under the European de-minimis state aid rules
SIB Individual Trade Fair Participation (Beursdeelname)
With SIB Individual Trade Fair Participation you receive a contribution towards the costs of participating in an international trade fair.
- Subsidy rate: 50% (and 80% for a "green" fair with a sustainability objective)
- Maximum subsidy: €2,500 per fair
- Annual stacking cap: €6,500 per year
- Application period: 1 January to 31 December 2026
- Eligible costs: only stand rental and stand construction
- Important: submit your application before the fair begins
Market Entry or Trade Fair?
| Market Entry | Trade Fair | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Hire a local expert | Participate in international fair |
| Rate | 50% | 50% (80% green) |
| Maximum | €2,500 | €2,500 per fair |
| Costs | Expert costs | Stand rental & construction |
Both instruments are relatively small but accessible, and combine well with your internationalisation strategy.
Apply yourself or automate?
Manna supports the SIB application in a guided wizard: from company details and target market to the cost breakdown and the de-minimis declaration. That way you submit a complete, correct application without working through the RVO forms yourself.
- See how Manna works
- Overview of innovation subsidies in the Netherlands 2026
- Applying for WBSO in 2026: complete guide
This article is informational. See RVO.nl/sib for the current conditions, amounts and deadlines.
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