IMEC gives entrepreneurs from The Hague a head start on the international market
Are you an ambitious entrepreneur from The Hague who dreams of international success? The IMEC programme offers start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs from The Hague region a business boot camp to help you conquer the international market. The International Market Entry Coaching or IMEC programme was founded in 2018 and has guided more than 60 companies to successfully access the German, English, Danish or Belgian market.
Keep up to date
The IMEC 2022 programme is now in full swing. Do you have questions about the programme or do you want to stay informed about next year’s programme? Contact Elisa van Maanen-Gentzsch, project manager Internationalisation & Trade
Ready for international success in 9 months
Is your startup, scale-up or SME ready to take its operations abroad? Then we are here to help you succeed. In nine months, the IMEC programme prepares you for international business success. You follow joint workshops and receive personal guidance from experts: experts from The Hague Business Agency, InnovationQuarter and the knowledge partners of the country you want to do business with.
Personal support
We do everything we can to make your cross-border activities successful. That is why our experts are ready with personal advice to guide you through every step of the process. Regulations, market research, financing and insurance: we cover everything. We also introduce you to relevant networks. And are you looking for business partners such as a reseller, distributor or joint venture? We will use our network to help you. Will you be there?
Germany, Great Britain or Denmark?
Which international market will best suit your brand from The Hague? We have been successfully guiding entrepreneurs to Germany and Great Britain for several years. In 2022 we will also add Denmark. Find out the advantages of each country:
Conquer the hearts of the Germans
Germany has traditionally been the most important trading partner of the Netherlands and is increasingly developing into a strong innovation partner. They love the innovative and creative solutions that Dutch entrepreneurs offer. The combination of German security and Dutch boldness forms an alluring playing field.
The German market offers plenty of opportunities in the field of ICT and cybersecurity, sustainable mobility, wind energy, transport and digitization in agriculture and healthcare.
Germany in brief:
- Traditionally the most important trading partner for NL
- NL/D trade volume in 2020: 172 billion euros
- A strong partner in innovation
- More than 83 million inhabitants
- The third economy in the world
- Innovative companies
- Qualified and motivated employees
- Excellent infrastructure
- Top R&D Performance
- Open border with NL
Does your product or service not fall under the above promising sectors? We are happy to help you determine whether you still have a chance to succeed in Germany.
In this programme, you work together with the DNHK.
Boost your business with the British
The United Kingdom is an age-old economic superpower and is one of the top 5 most important export markets of the Netherlands. Even after Brexit, the UK still offers plenty of opportunities for Dutch entrepreneurs. However, it is crucial to prepare well. The IMEC programme helps you to remove the Brexit barriers.
The British market offers plenty of opportunities in agri&food, high-tech systems & materials, smart mobility, life sciences & health (LSH), cleantech & energy.
The United Kingdom in brief:
- More than 66 million inhabitants
- Netherland’s Top 5 Trading Partner
- A long history of trade relations
- Many Dutch companies are already doing business with British partners
- Good investment climate
- Minimal language barrier
- Similar business culture
- Highly educated, qualified and motivated people
- Close by and easily accessible from the Netherlands.
Does your product or service not fall under the above promising sectors? We are happy to help you determine whether you still have a chance to succeed in the United Kingdom.
In this programme, you work together with the NBCC.
Take over the Danish market
The Danes are the friendly gatekeepers to the rest of Scandinavia. They are very similar to the Dutch in terms of mentality and way of life. That makes the step to Denmark easier than you think. Although the language takes some getting used to, they speak good English.
The Danish market offers plenty of opportunities in the field of convenience products, gluten- and lactose-free products, sustainable energy, healthcare, water, sustainable construction, maritime projects and ICT.
Denmark in short:
- 5.8 million inhabitants
- The business language is English
- A good stepping stone for other Scandinavian countries
- Similar business culture
- Highly educated, qualified and motivated people
- Close by and easily accessible from the Netherlands.
Does your product or service not fall under the above promising sectors? We are happy to help you determine whether you still have a chance to succeed in Denmark.
The IMEC-programme
Within nine months, the IMEC programme offers you relevant information and guidance in several crucial areas:
Personal assistance
- Developing your own country strategy with experts
- Market analysis
- Marketing strategy
- Legal and tax advice
- Contacts with sales representatives and importers
- Contacts with marketing and PR agencies
Joint workshops
Additional benefits
What do we expect from you?
We are happy to invest in you to ensure that your company succeeds abroad. We do ask for something in return. Participation in IMEC is free, but it takes time. You spend about two to three half days per month on the various parts of the program. In addition, we assume that you are present in the collective parts. To inspire other entrepreneurs in The Hague, we ask you to share your experiences through interviews or to share short presentations.
IMEC 2022 is in full swing! Follow our entrepreneurs on our socials.
Read more about your predecessors:
More info and registration for IMEC
Are you interested in participating in IMEC? Then leave your details. Elisa will then contact you to go through the ins and outs of the programme and to finalize your registration.
Elisa van Maanen-Gentzsch
Project Manager Internationalisering & Trade
InnovationQuarter
