SLIM subsidy August 2026: the last chance this year for AI training in your SME

Key Takeaways: The SLIM scheme (the Dutch incentive for learning and development in SMEs) opens its second and final individual window of the year on 10 August 2026. You get up to €24,999 (60% of costs, micro-enterprises up to 80%) to train and develop your staff, including the AI skills you must secure under the EU AI Act anyway. Allocation is by lottery, so the application must be complete, but timing within the window doesn't matter. Start preparing now.

Why this is the key SLIM moment of 2026

SLIM has two individual windows for SMEs in 2026. Window 1 (7 April-4 May) is closed and was heavily oversubscribed. Window 2 runs from 10 August to 7 September 2026, after that there is no individual moment left this year. If you want to fund training, act now.

Important to know: since 2026 SLIM allocates the budget by lottery among all complete applications within the window. So you don't need to be online at 09:00 on opening day, but your application must be complete and submitted before the close. Preparation (an activity plan + budget) easily takes several weeks, which is why June/July is the time to start.

What the SLIM subsidy covers

SLIM funds activities that strengthen a learning culture in your company. Think of:

• Setting up a company school or structured training programme
• Career and development advice for employees
• Methods that encourage employees to learn and develop
• Reskilling and upskilling in new skills, including AI and data

That last point is what makes SLIM especially relevant now.

The AI literacy hook: SLIM + EU AI Act

Since 2 February 2025, Article 4 of the EU AI Act applies: organisations using AI must ensure sufficient AI literacy among their staff. From 2 August 2026 regulators can enforce it. Many SMEs haven't arranged this yet.

SLIM is ideally suited to fund that obligation: a training programme in which your staff learn to work responsibly and effectively with AI tools, data and automation falls within the scheme. You combine a legal requirement with a subsidised development track. Read more about the obligation in our article on AI literacy and the SLIM subsidy.

Worked example

An SME (30 employees) sets up an AI and data training programme of €35,000:

Eligible up to the maximum: €24,999 settled at 60% → €14,999 subsidy, own contribution around €20,000.

For a micro-enterprise (up to 80%) the subsidy share is higher.

How to make sure your application enters the lottery

1. Define your training goal: what should your people be able to do (e.g. work with AI tools, decide based on data)?
2. Write a concrete activity plan with results in numbers and a schedule.
3. Build a balanced budget within the €24,999 limit.
4. Submit before 7 September 2026 via the Uitvoering van Beleid (SZW) portal.

Details and conditions are on our SLIM page.

Combining with other schemes

SLIM (training) combines well with the WBSO (development hours) and an MIT scheme (innovation project). Align the moments with the subsidy calendar 2026-2027.

Be ready in time for 10 August

The window comes fast. Want an activity plan and budget that clear the lottery, and that meet the AI literacy obligation at the same time? Book a free call; we'll set up the training programme and the application together.

Frequently asked questions

When does the second SLIM window open in 2026?

On 10 August 2026 at 09:00. The window closes on 7 September 2026. This is the last individual application moment for SMEs in 2026.

How much SLIM subsidy can I get?

An individual SME gets up to €24,999, with 60% subsidy on costs (small businesses) and up to 80% for micro-enterprises. You pay the remainder yourself.

Does it matter how quickly I apply within the window?

No. Since 2026 SLIM allocates the budget by lottery among all complete applications, not first-come. Applying early or late in the window makes no difference, but your application must be complete.