Stimulating lifelong learning in SMEs

The SLIM scheme is in implementation phase. SME entrepreneurs were able to apply for a subsidy within the SLIM scheme in March 2020. Partnerships and larger companies could apply between April and June 2020. Applicants can apply for subsidies for the following activities:

1. screening of the company (diagnosing the knowledge and skills needed and constructing a schooling plan);
2. acquiring career advices for workers in an SME company;
3. supporting the development/implementation of an approach to stimulate employees in the company to further develop their knowledge, skills and professional attitude during their work;
4. offering positions to study and learn in practice for the adult learning pathway in VET (derde leerweg)

The first evaluation report (baseline measurement) showed that 2 294 applications were submitted. 756 grants were awarded, of which 673 (32% of all applications in this category) were awarded to SMEs, 10 (59% success rate) to large companies and 73 to partnerships (45% success rate). Analysis shows that there was a good spread across sectors, regions and company size. Only companies with one to five employees were underrepresented. In March and September 2021, the third and fourth rounds for individual SMEs opened. Partnerships (and large companies) could apply for a second round in June 2021.

The next rounds will be in March and September 2022 for individual SMEs and in June for partnerships (and larger companies). There will be an interim evaluation report in 2023. In 2025, after all subsidized activities have been undertaken, a final evaluation report will follow.

The measure is operational and runs as a regular practice.

The subsidy ceiling for grants for partnerships, is increased from EUR 17.5 million to EUR 20.5 million for the current period. This allows the ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) to fund a larger portion of the submitted projects.

The subsidy ceiling for grants for small and medium-sized enterprises, is raised from EUR 14.2 million to EUR 14.57 million for the period starting in September 2023.

In April 2024, an interim evaluation report was published, confirming that the implementation of the SLIM initiative is proceeding as planned, with results being sustained. Activity C (the development and implementation of methods to stimulate employee growth) has been the most widely adopted by companies and partnerships. This primarily includes the implementation of systems for personal development discussions and methods to encourage knowledge sharing. Most respondents reported completing all planned activities, with exceptions mainly due to COVID-19-related disruptions or, to a lesser extent, changes in project focus or time constraints. Nearly all respondents also confirmed that project outcomes are being sustained, often integrated into regular policies or, in partnerships, through incorporation into individual companies.

The evaluation highlights clear positive effects of the SLIM initiative on learning and development. Both individual SMEs and partnerships experienced significant improvements, as reflected in initial and follow-up assessments. Notable outcomes include:

1. Clearer strategies within business policies, with increased allocation of time and budgets for learning and development.
2. Enhanced insights into staff competencies and aspirations, resulting in more tailored and effective learning opportunities.
3. Improvements in learning culture traits, with SMEs dedicating more time and resources to training and development, and a rise in employee participation in these activities compared to pre-SLIM levels.

New application rounds took place in March and September 2024 for individual SMEs and in June 2024 for partnerships and larger companies. On 26 June 2024, the subsidy ceiling for individual SME applications for the September round was increased from EUR 13.5 million to EUR 16.13 million.

For the partnerships category, the budget for the June 2024 application period was exceeded, with over EUR 33 million in subsidy requests against an available budget of EUR 17.5 million. To accommodate more projects, the ministry allocated an additional EUR 5 million. For large companies in the agriculture, hospitality, and recreation sectors, EUR 0.8 million in subsidies were requested, against a budget of EUR 1.2 million.