Innovation support for SMEs: take advantage of your innovative plans
November 2025 - Are you an SME working on new products, services, or ways of working? Then there is a good chance that you are entitled to financial support from the government. Many entrepreneurs are unaware of this, but there are subsidies and tax benefits that reward innovation.
Subsidies: support for your innovative ideas
Are you working on something new or improving existing processes? Then you may be eligible for subsidies. And no, it doesn't always have to be revolutionary or high-tech. Small improvements or smart solutions can also suffice.
Some interesting possibilities:
· R&D feasibility study: do you first want to investigate whether your idea is technically and economically feasible? Then this subsidy can help.
· Development subsidy: for those who want to develop, test, or optimize a new product or process.
· SME growth subsidy: suitable for SMEs that want to grow through innovation, market expansion, or process improvement.
· SME portfolio: use this for external advice on innovation, strategy, or digitization.
These subsidies give you extra financial leeway to invest in innovation. Be sure to discuss your plans with your accountant or a subsidy expert.
Innovation deduction: lower corporate tax on your innovative profits
In addition to subsidies, there is also a powerful tax benefit: the innovation deduction. This allows you to exempt up to 85% of your profits from innovative activities from corporate tax. This applies to, among other things:
· New or improved products, processes, or services
· Copyright-protected software
· Patents, plant breeders' rights, or other protected innovations
Are you thinking, “But that's only for large technology companies, right?” Certainly not. Small and medium-sized companies can also take advantage of this, often without even knowing it.
Want extra certainty that you are eligible? Then you can apply for a ruling from the Advance Rulings Department together with your accountant. This will help you avoid any discussions in the event of an audit.
