In many organizations, learning is something that comes with it. A separate training, a one-off course. But that's not enough at a time when roles, skills, and markets are constantly changing. Employees must continue to develop, and that requires a permanent, well-organized approach.
The government encourages this with the SLIM subsidy. This scheme is specifically intended for small and medium-sized companies that want to invest in a sustainable learning culture. Combine the scheme with an LMS such as Pluvo and you'll lay a solid foundation for your learning strategy. You will receive financial support and a platform that makes learning efficient and measurable.
The SLIM scheme stands for the Incentive Scheme for Learning and Development in SMEs. The scheme runs until 2029 and supports organizations that want to structurally tackle development in the workplace.
Who can make use of the scheme
What is reimbursed
Eligible activities
Pluvo is a powerful LMS that helps employees learn in a structured and independent way. The platform supports learning paths, e-learning, development discussions and coaching, among other things. Pluvo can play an important role in a SLIM project — provided you include the costs correctly in your grant application.
Please note: the license costs of Pluvo itself are ineligible. The SLIM scheme does not reimburse subscription fees, software licenses, or hosting. What does qualify for a subsidy are costs associated with the implementation and use of the learning platform.
By using Pluvo in this way, you use the content strength of the platform while complying with the SLIM scheme.
The SLIM scheme has fixed application times. Different deadlines apply to individual SMEs and partnerships.
Application times for SMEs
For collaborations
In case of overregistration, a draw will take place. So make sure your application is submitted on time and completely.
SLIM subsidy will be not paid out in advance. The grant will only be awarded after the project has been completed and your accountability has been approved.
For individual SME applications (up to 25,000 euro)
For partnerships (requests over 25,000 euros)
So you must be able to advance the costs. SLIM is a reimbursement scheme.
A successful SLIM project requires preparation. Here's how to go about it:
Step 1: Start with an external analysis
Have your learning culture mapped out. This is itself an eligible activity.
Step 2: Choose Pluvo as LMS
Use analysis as a basis for implementation. In the application, focus on advice, development and implementation hours — not licensing costs.
Step 3: Set up your project plan
Develop a clear activity plan, make a realistic budget and collect all mandatory documents such as the SME statement and the de minimis statement.
Step 4: Submit the request on time
For the round in September 2025, this must happen by September 30 at the latest.
Step 5: Execute your project
After approval, you can start. Use Pluvo to set up and execute the learning process.
Step 6: Finish and declare
Submit your final report. For SME applications up to 25,000 euros, the determination is automatic.
Although the exact dates for 2026 have not yet been published, it is obvious that the familiar rhythm will be maintained:
Do you want to participate in 2026? Then start preparing your project plan, partners and budget in good time.
The SLIM subsidy is one of the few schemes in the Netherlands that focuses purely on learning and developing people within SMEs. In a rapidly changing labor market, where attracting staff is becoming more difficult and knowledge is aging faster, investing in your employees is essential. The scheme is accessible, targeted and covers up to 60 percent of your costs. If you leave that behind, you are missing out on valuable development.
Organizations that invest in learning and development are more resilient, attractive as employers and better prepared for change. The SLIM grant makes structural learning financially feasible. Pluvo makes it practical. By combining both, you are taking an important step towards an organizational culture that focuses on learning.
Schedule a free demo with Pluvo. We'll show you how the platform works, what's eligible and what's not, and how to strategically build your application. This way, you'll be ready for September 2025 and for the opportunities in 2026.
As an educational expert specialising in online learning, I have been writing blogs for Pluvo for 5 years. My focus is on powerful learning solutions for organisations. Universal Design for Learning and inclusive learning are my passion; I believe that education should be accessible and fun for everyone.
I've been combining my 35 years of HR experience with copywriting for over 15 years. And even then, I learn new things over and over again. That's what makes writing blogs for Pluvo so incredibly interesting!
