Good news for entrepreneurs who missed the first round of vouchers or want to take the next steps: the next round of vouchers begins on October 19. This offers new opportunities to invest in digitalization with financial support and guidance.
The voucher is intended for small and medium-sized business owners in Katwijk, Leiden, Leiderdorp, Voorschoten, or Zoeterwoude* who want to improve their businesses with digital solutions, for example in the following areas:
Digital strategy
Digital marketing
Automation
Digital security
Deployment of new technology such as AI.
You choose what you use the voucher for, as long as the effort demonstrably contributes long-term to the digitization of your company.
* Business owners located in the Oegstgeest section of the LBSP may also apply.
Voucher Amount
The maximum amount of the voucher depends on the size of your business:
Max. amount voucher
Own contribution on top of voucher1st voucher
Own contribution on top of voucher 2nd voucher
Zzp
€ 1.000
25%
50%
Up to 15 fte
€ 1.000
25%
50%
15 to 29 fte.
€ 2.500
25%
50%
30 to 50 fte.
€ 5.000
25%
50%
Companies with up to 50 employees can apply for a voucher. A limited number of vouchers are available for self-employed individuals. Read more about the terms and conditions on our project website , Digitaliseringwerkt.nl.
Prepare your application thoroughly. For example, you’ll need a quote from your supplier. Do you have any questions or would you like to discuss your options? If so, make an appointment with our SME coach.
Through the “Digitalization Works” program, we help entrepreneurs run their businesses in a smarter, more efficient, and more future-proof way. This fall, we’re once again organizing a series of practical workshops where you’ll dive right into topics such as AI, digitalization, process improvement, and business growth. No lengthy theory—just inspiration, concrete tools, and immediately applicable insights that will help you move forward tomorrow. Check out the workshop lineup below and sign up for the sessions that align with your goals.
September 8 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. | PLNT, Leiden | Dominate Local Search Results with AI
How do you ensure that a customer searching for your product or service ends up at your business—and not at your neighbor’s or a big retailer’s? Traditional SEO is complex and time-consuming, but AI is a game-changer. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to use AI tools (such as ChatGPT) strategically to boost your local visibility. We won’t just look at data; we’ll focus on how AI translates your unique, human story into an irresistible offer that draws customers to your store.
Marjolein Michels from Pink Blueprint attended one of our workshops and found the evening helpful: “I learned a lot; from now on, I’m going to do a few things on LinkedIn very differently.”
September 22 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. | LBSP | SEO & GEO: Getting Found by Google and AI Search (for tech entrepreneurs)
It’s time to take control of your online visibility. Innovative companies often have strong content and solutions, but these aren’t always easy to find online. Especially now that AI search tools like ChatGPT and other AI-driven search interfaces are playing an increasingly important role, the way potential customers and partners find information is changing
September 28 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. | PLNT, Leiden | Design professional marketing visuals
You know you need to post on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn every week, but you don’t have the time to design something great every single time. You keep struggling with basic tools or expensive software you don’t understand. Canva is the solution, and its new AI features (“Magic Studio”) are revolutionary. In this workshop, we’ll show you how AI in Canva helps you turn a simple idea into professional flyers, eye-catching social media posts, or even short videos in no time. More importantly, we’ll teach you how to guide the AI so that the result always feels like your business and aligns with your brand identity. Designing has never been this efficient and authentic.
October 6 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. | PLNT, Leiden | Get More Out of LinkedIn
LinkedIn is an important channel for many entrepreneurs, but it often takes a lot of time to stay visible. In “LinkedIn with AI for Your Business,” you’ll discover how AI can help you create content, build a professional online presence, and strengthen your business network.
Ruben Mulders of Fysiotherapie Ommedijk participated in a previous edition: “My biggest insight? A good name or reputation for your business is important, but people mainly choose the people behind that business. That got me thinking about how we can raise our profile as a team and how we can better share our expertise.”
Update May 13: The voucher scheme is FULL. Applicants will receive response soon. A new voucher round with another 50 vouchers will start after the summer. Keep an eye on this website and the project website Digitaliseringwerkt.nl for updates.
The voucher is intended for SME entrepreneurs from Katwijk, Leiden, Leiderdorp, Voorschoten or Zoeterwoude* who want to improve their business with digital solutions, for example in the area of:
Digital strategy
Digital marketing
Automation
Digital security
Deployment of new technology such as AI.
You choose what you use the voucher for, as long as the effort demonstrably contributes long-term to the digitization of your company.
* Entrepreneurs located on the Ugstgeester portion of the LBSP may also apply for a voucher.
The maximum amount of the voucher depends on the size of your business:
Max. amount voucher
Own contribution on top of voucher1st voucher
Own contribution on top of voucher 2nd voucher
Zzp
€ 1.000
25%
50%
Up to 15 fte
€ 1.000
25%
50%
15 to 29 fte.
€ 2.500
25%
50%
30 to 50 fte.
€ 5.000
25%
50%
Companies with more than 50 employees cannot apply for a voucher. A limited number of voucher are available for self-employed individuals.
To illustrate:
Company with 17 FTE received a voucher in 2025 and is now applying for a voucher. The total investment is € 5,000. They receive a voucher of € 2,500 (50%) and pay € 2,500 (50%) themselves.
Company with 17 FTE has not yet received a voucher and is now applying for a voucher. The total investment is €3,333.33. They receive a voucher of €2,500 (75%) and pay €8,333.33 (25%) themselves.
Company with 7 FTE received a voucher in 2025 and is now applying for a voucher. The total investment is €800. They receive a voucher of €400 (50%) and pay €400 (50%) themselves.
Company with 7 FTE has never received a voucher before and is now applying for a voucher. The total investment is €800. They receive a voucher of €600 (75%) and pay €200 (25%) themselves.
Take part in a practical workshop on digitization and take concrete steps for immediate improvement within your company. You can also make use of personal coaching and a Digi-scan: an initial online check that provides insight into where your company currently stands on the digital front. The workshops are specifically intended for SME entrepreneurs from Katwijk, Leiden, Leiderdorp, Voorschoten and Zoeterwoude who want to get started hands-on with digitization.
May 19 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Findability of your company using AI
How do you make sure that customers find you better online, and what role can AI play in this? In this workshop you will learn how search behavior is changing, how AI can help you with findability and what concrete steps you can take tomorrow. Sign up.
May 26 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Creating Content in Canva with AI
Creating good content takes time. AI can help, provided you use it smartly. In this workshop you’ll get started creating relevant content for your website, newsletters and social media, with practical examples and clear do’s and don’ts. Sign up.
June 9 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Powerful business presence on LinkedIn with AI
Whether you’re just getting started with LinkedIn or want to improve your profile and posts, this workshop combines the basics with depth. You will learn how to use LinkedIn effectively for visibility, networking and leads, without taking a lot of time. Sign up.
June 16 | 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. LinkedIn Lab: Building Your Professional Presence (for tech entrepreneurs, language English)
Entrepreneurs, founders and professionals within life sciences, high-tech and other technology-driven sectors. Sign up.
More workshops will follow after the summer.
Coaching
In addition, there are opportunities for coaching. Choose what suits you:
1-on-1 Coaching: The 1-on-1 course is designed for entrepreneurs who are looking for depth and want to work specifically on their digitization issue. Together with an experienced digitization coach you will work on your specific situation.
Coaching by students: In coaching by students, you get practical support from well-supervised students from the region. For example, they will help you develop, test or apply digital solutions within your company, such as improving online visibility, deploying tools or optimizing processes.
Long-term coaching: Long-term coaching is designed for entrepreneurs who want to tackle digitization structurally. Instead of one loose conversation, you work with a regular digitization coach over a longer period of time.
Curious about where you are now with your company: fill out the Digi-scan. After 10 to 15 minutes you will know which profile fits your company and which next step you can take. With your personal score in your pocket, we would like to help you on your way with digitization!
On May 11, noon, we will open a new voucher round via Digitaliseringwerkt.nl (our project website). This scheme is specially designed to support SMEs in the municipalities of Katwijk, Leiden, Leiderdorp, Voorschoten and Zoeterwoude in their digitization efforts. Entrepreneurs can receive up to €5,000 back from their investment. Please note: you will need a quote from your supplier when applying.
“In recent years, our program has been very successful in supporting entrepreneurs. Therefore, we are very happy to issue a good number of vouchers again in the coming years, with the first opportunity in 2026 on May 11,” said project leader Dwayne van der Klugt.
The voucher scheme is a financial incentive that helps companies digitize their operations. The voucher can be used for a wide range of digitization projects. Think of digital marketing, such as improving a website or webshop, but also cyber security. Depending on the size of the company, an entrepreneur can receive € 1,000, € 2,500 or € 5,000. This always requires the entrepreneur to contribute at least 25% of the costs himself.
How to Apply.
Companies registered in one of the participating municipalities and employing up to 50 FTEs can apply. Applications can be submitted starting May 11 at noon via the form on the website. Should there be more applications for vouchers in the first 48 hours after opening than there is budget, lots will be drawn. In principle, the assessment will take place within ten working days.
The application itself only takes a few minutes, but some preparation is necessary. Therefore, entrepreneurs are advised to act now and prepare their application. Three coaches are available to help with this. Scheduling an appointment can also be done through the website.
Workshops and coaching
Take a practical workshop and take immediate improvement steps within your company. Choose from:
In addition, there are opportunities for coaching. Choose what suits you:
1-on-1 Coaching: The 1-on-1 course is designed for entrepreneurs who are looking for depth and want to work specifically on their digitization issue. Together with an experienced digitization coach you will work on your specific situation.
Coaching by students: In coaching by students, you get practical support from well-supervised students from the region. For example, they will help you develop, test or apply digital solutions within your company, such as improving online visibility, deploying tools or optimizing processes.
Long-term coaching: Long-term coaching is designed for entrepreneurs who want to tackle digitization structurally. Instead of one loose conversation, you work with a regular digitization coach over a longer period of time.
Curious about where you are now with your company: fill out the Digi-scan. After 10 to 15 minutes you will know which profile fits your company and which next step you can take. With your personal score in your pocket, we would like to help you on your way with digitization!
The successful program for stimulating digitization in small and medium-sized businesses in the Leiden and Katwijk region is getting a sequel. Key Region Leiden, in cooperation with the province of South Holland, the participating regional municipalities and the regional entrepreneurs’ associations, will again offer the project under the name Digitaliseringwerkt.nl. Entrepreneurs can count on practical support, inspiration and concrete help over the next three years to make their business digitally future-proof. From first steps in online visibility and cyber resilience to applying data, online working and artificial intelligence (AI).
Concrete steps
Since 2021, more than 1,800 entrepreneurs have already been helped with workshops, vouchers and customized advice. Demand continues to grow; meetings are often full and vouchers are quickly sold out. In the next phase, the offering will be expanded to include additional focus on digital marketing, strategy and security as well as in-depth sessions for entrepreneurs who want to get started with advanced technology.
‘Entrepreneurs do not want thick reports but concrete steps that have an effect tomorrow,’ says Willem-Jan Zirkzee, board member of Key Region Leiden and chairman of Ondernemend Leiden. ‘With this offer we really make digitization work for SMEs. The previous project period proved that.’
Angela Beresford (pictured wearing Phoebeees T-shirt) started Phoebeees as a creative business at the kitchen table, with a passion for workshops and children’s parties. But like many small business owners, she found that online visibility and attracting customers was a challenge. The webshop was up and running, but how do you make sure people find you and keep coming back? For this she used a voucher of Key Region Leiden, which was presented to her by alderman Romeijn.
With a voucher to digital growth
With the help of a voucher from this program from Key Region Leiden, Angela was able to bring in expertise. Together with marketing agency Danielle Social Marketing from Leiderdorp, she worked on her goals to improve her web shop, use social media strategically and attract more customers in order to increase sales and increase her brand awareness.
That approach quickly paid off: the Phoebeees.com webshop is now visited much more frequently, her social media channels are attracting more followers and interaction, and she is being asked more often for workshops and children’s parties.
Angela says: “Because of the advice, I started tinkering with my webshop and socials more professionally. I have become more visible and especially better known in the area. Right now I’m even working on putting my YouTube channel live – something that was really out of my comfort zone. “
Growth enterprise and local economy
Alderman Herman Romeijn emphasizes that digitization is an important growth opportunity for local entrepreneurs: “By making smart use of digital resources, small businesses can expand their reach and grow their sales. This strengthens not only the entrepreneur himself, but also the local economy. Phoebeees is a great example of how digitization and social media can make a business more well-known regionally. With the right guidance and use of digital tools, the step to growth is closer than ever.”
About Making digitization work for you
Let Digitization Work for You offers entrepreneurs in the region support in cashing in on the opportunities offered by digitization. Entrepreneurs can participate in free workshops, take advantage of free coaching or vouchers of up to €5,000 for projects such as website improvement, cybersecurity and digital customer interaction.
Digitalization offers entrepreneurs in Voorschoten enormous opportunities to work smarter and more efficiently. An inspiring example is Firma Freek van Os, an installation company that took an innovative step with the help of a digitization voucher, presented by Alderman Paul de Bruijn.
Innovation in the installation world
Freek van Os specializes in water, gas, roofs, sewers, ventilation and sustainable measures. The company works with InSmart, an advanced monitoring system that remotely reads relevant values from central heating boilers via a module near the boiler. This system provides maintenance, warning, fault and advisory notifications, allowing maintenance to be scheduled more efficiently and preventing boiler failure.
The power of coupling: InSmart and ERP
With the help of the voucher, Firma Freek van Os has taken an important step: a link between InSmart and its own ERP system. Thanks to this link, the company automatically receives notifications about boilers and heat pumps that need maintenance in the near future. Normally, maintenance is carried out every 20 months, unless InSmart signals earlier. The ERP system then automatically generates a work order, which can be scheduled immediately.
Harm van Os says: “Maintenance is planned more efficiently, boiler failures are prevented and customers receive targeted energy advice. That delivers a huge efficiency gain for us as a company.”
Why is this important?
This digitization not only saves time and money, but also increases customer satisfaction. By preventing breakdowns and providing proactive advice, Firma Freek van Os contributes to more sustainable and reliable energy management.
Support from the municipality
The municipality of Voorschoten welcomes such initiatives. Alderman Paul de Bruijn emphasizes, “Digitization is an important driver for innovation and sustainability. Companies like Firma Freek van Os show how technology can contribute to better service and future-proof business operations.”
With this approach, Firma Freek van Os is an inspiring example for other entrepreneurs in Voorschoten: digitization works!
Leiderdorp’s Winkelhof has gained a Toko, and what a Toko! In addition to daily fresh Oriental meals, Toko Winkelhof offers a variety of Oriental ingredients and products. Owners Prins Sandhu and Gumukh Dhaliwal have digitalized their Oriental supermarket as much as possible. That will save a lot of work later. Our voucher from “Make digitization work for you” came in handy.
Everything renewed
The past few months have been hard work to get Toko Winkelhof open on time says Sandhu (38). Just about everything has been renewed in the storefront in the covered Leiderdorp shopping center. A nice fresh Oriental supermarket with a fresh food counter is the result. Fresh rice tables and other Indonesian dishes are on sale every day. There is also a small assortment of Surinamese dishes. And for those who want to cook for themselves, there is an extensive assortment of Japanese, Thai and Indian ingredients displayed beyond the fresh food counter.
Digital shelf cards and order kiosks
Scanning in all these products was an immense task, Sandhu says, “But it pays off, we think, to set it up right from day one.” Sandhu is no layman when it comes to digitization. As an interim manager, he improves ICT processes at government agencies. And his brother-in-law Dhaliwal also has a strong focus on improving processes. So when they decided to open a shop in the Winkelhof, digital shelf cards linked to stock and financial accounting could not be missed. They also chose two ordering kiosks for takeout. “Older people will still like to order at the cash register but the younger generation finds such a kiosk on which they can scroll past all the dishes much nicer.”
The digital linking of inventory, sales, and financial administration is going to save a lot of time, Sandhu expects. “And it will provide us with good analyses quickly. With those insights and the time savings, we think we’ll recoup our investments.”
The two entrepreneurs’ time is precious. In addition to the new toko, they also run a wholesale Seafood business. And as if that were not enough, Dhaliwal is also a dentist and Sandhu an interim manager. “We come from true entrepreneurial families. Hard and a lot of work is part of it for us. Seizing opportunities, improving things. We love that.”
In the coming period, the entrepreneurs will be in the Winkelhof a lot. “We first want to experience for ourselves how everything works, and get all the teething problems out of the system ourselves. Only when everything is running well will we hand over tasks to our staff.” A next digitization step will involve marketing. “You have to be present on socials these days. So who knows, we might apply for a voucher for that in the future.”
Connecting on time
Sandhu happened to see the vouchers from “Make digitization work for you. “Through LinkedIn I think. I applied for one right away because we invest a multiple of the voucher in our IT.” The application was very simple and arranged in no time. “I can recommend it to everyone.”
He thinks it makes sense for the government to encourage SMEs to digitize. “The government is demanding more and more from entrepreneurs in terms of data exchange. So there is a shared responsibility there. I find it logical that entrepreneurs are then helped with that.”
He doubts that digitization is a high priority in SMEs. “When I look at our wholesale customers, I notice that they are not working on it. While it is important that SMEs become future-proof. So I understand the government’s focus on this issue. Entrepreneurs need to connect in time. Otherwise the distance to the modern possibilities becomes too great and you don’t take advantage of the opportunities.”
Do you also want to seize the opportunities of digitization? Then explore your opportunities together with our SME coaches. It’s free and will give you many insights. Go to www.digitaliseringwerkt.nl to make an (online) appointment. Would you first like to identify your opportunities yourself? Then fill in the Digi-scan. After 10 to 15 minutes you will know which profile suits your company and which next step you can take. With your personal score in your pocket, we would like to help you on your way with digitization!
Let digitization work for you is a program of Key Region and the participating municipalities of Katwijk, Leiden, Leiderdorp, Voorschoten and Zoeterwoude. The program may get a sequel in 2026. Don’t miss that info by signing up for our newsletter or follow us on Linkedin.
You have to move with the times, but with the current (too low) rates for physical therapy, it’s hard to invest, knows Anne Kluivers of Voorschoten-based physical therapy practice Paulides + Partners. “So when you can get a subsidy for much-needed digitization and cybersecurity, that’s incredibly nice.” With the voucher from Let digitalization work for you, Paulides + Partners expanded its services with a clear app in which patients can find their exercises, among other things.
20 years of experience
Anne Kluivers has been in the Paulides + Partners partnership for three years. But she has been working at the Voorschoten physiotherapy practice for almost 20 years. Together with 17 colleagues, she ensures that Voorschoten residents can come to Paulides for just about any physiotherapy complaint.
For their patient data and administration, Paulides + Partners has been using a healthcare-proven software package for years. This package needs expansion and innovation to keep up with the times.
“Innovating is quite an investment,” Anne explains. “And in healthcare the money is not there for the taking. Especially not now that the rates for physical therapy have hardly increased for years. So the voucher from Let digitization work for you was really a godsend for us.”
Exception
Anne heard about this low-threshold grant opportunity at a meeting of Voorschoten’s business association. “I raised this great opportunity with my fellow partnership members and they also responded positively. We applied for the voucher through the Key Region Leiden (formerly Economie071) website and received an approval. In doing so, an exception was made for us to the rule that the voucher must be tendered to a company in this region. Our practice has been working with this vendor for more than 43 years. And within healthcare, it is incredibly important that we work to high safety standards.”
With the expansion of the software, Paulides + Partners can send its clients a questionnaire even before the intake interview. “That saves us administrative pressure and it makes the intake process go faster,” says Paulides + Partners. It also gives patients the ability to download a care app that lists appointments, physical therapy exercises being given and other information and tips.
The colleagues at Paulides + Partners with Anne in the middle of the bottom row.
Home Visits
The new software also allows physical therapists to access the system via their cell phones. That allows them to access patient records and schedule appointments during home visits. “It’s very nice to be able to access records securely via our mobile. It saves a lot of scribbles and notes on paper that have to be sorted out or entered later.”
The next digitization step is to automate part of all administrative operations using AI. Anne is very much looking forward to that.
“Like the rest of healthcare, we are weighed down by the administrative burden. All the data we have to enter takes up a lot of our time. If AI can take over some of that, it will be a godsend for the sector. But when that will be is still a question mark for me, too. I am a physical therapist, not an ICT or AI specialist. And as healthcare people, we prefer to deal with people, because that’s where our heart lies.
”
Wondering what digitization could mean for your business? Check out our project site, complete the digiscan, schedule a coaching call and attend one of the workshops below.
November 11 (Leiden or Leiderdorp): LinkedIn Branding using AI (for advanced students).
November 18 (Voorschoten): AI: Opportunity or Crisis? What does AI mean for your business?
Nov. 25 (Leiden) – Personal Brand on LinkedIn with AI (basics)
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