SLIM is the Dutch scheme that subsidises learning and development in SMEs — and AI-literacy training for staff often fits it. Here is how an application actually works, what qualifies, and what to expect realistically. No promised outcomes: subsidy is never guaranteed.
Last updated: 11 June 2026
SLIM (Stimuleringsregeling Leren en ontwikkelen In Mkb-ondernemingen) can subsidise a substantial share of training costs — for small SMEs often up to around 60% of eligible costs. You apply during fixed application rounds via the government's Uitvoering van Beleid portal, with a learning/development plan. AI-literacy training for staff often qualifies; approval is never guaranteed and budgets are capped.
SLIM subsidises learning and development activities in SMEs: getting training advice, building a learning culture, and third-party development programmes for staff. An AI-literacy programme — training your people to work with AI tools competently and safely, which the AI Act's Article 4 expects anyway — often fits within it.
What SLIM does not do: it does not pay for AI development work, software licences or consultant invoices for building systems. For development cost relief, look at WBSO instead — which funds your own R&D wage costs, not supplier invoices. Our AI subsidy guide covers the full landscape. Note the kmo-portefeuille (Flanders) no longer covers advice since February 2026.
The process is bureaucratic but doable. Realistic steps:
Rounds are regularly oversubscribed, percentages and conditions shift per year, and settlement happens after the fact. The sober approach: decide whether the training is worth it without subsidy, then treat an awarded SLIM grant as a discount, not as the business case. Our AI-literacy programme (€12,500 fixed) is scoped so the plan, cost breakdown and administration line up with what a SLIM application asks for — and we run a free subsidy check to tell you honestly whether an application looks worthwhile in your situation.
Often, yes — SLIM subsidises learning and development in SMEs, and a structured AI-literacy programme for staff typically fits. It depends on the round's conditions and your plan quality; approval is never guaranteed.
A percentage of eligible costs — for small SMEs often up to around 60%, with caps per application and per round. Exact percentages and ceilings are set per round; always check the current conditions.
During fixed application windows announced by Uitvoering van Beleid (Ministry of Social Affairs). Dates and budgets change per year — check the official site for the current round before planning.
No. SLIM is for learning and development of staff. Development cost relief runs via WBSO — which funds your own R&D wage costs, not a supplier's invoice. Many projects sensibly combine both: WBSO for the build, SLIM for the training.
The employer submits it (or authorises an intermediary). We are not subsidy advisors, but our training plans and cost breakdowns are structured to slot into an application, and our free subsidy check flags whether it looks worthwhile.
Attendance records, invoices, payment proof and a final report. Skipping the admin means repaying — plan the paperwork with the training, not after it.
Free subsidy check with every training intake. AI-literacy programme at a fixed €12,500.
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