
KICKSTART REGULATION
The name "Kickstart" symbolises a powerful and rapid beginning of something new. It is often associated with innovative projects, entrepreneurship, and personal growth, representing a dynamic push in the right direction to set things in motion.
With this scheme, Dutch Music Export aims to support talented composers and producers with international potential in developing their global careers over the next two years.
Dutch Music Export is responding to the rapidly growing demand within the Dutch music scene and the recent international successes that highlight the importance of more than just visible artists. Songwriters, producers, and other creative professionals—often working behind the scenes—play an essential role in the continuously rising export value of the Dutch music sector.
By supporting these creators worldwide, in collaboration with Dutch music publishers, we strengthen the Netherlands as a leading music country and enhance our international position in the industry.
Each applicant can receive up to €2,500 per request, with a maximum of one approved application per year.
The Kickstart Scheme is administered by Stichting Dutch Music Export. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or are unsure whether you qualify for this programme.
The name "Kickstart" symbolises a powerful and rapid beginning of something new. It is often associated with innovative projects, entrepreneurship, and personal growth, representing a dynamic push in the right direction to set things in motion.
With this regulation, Dutch Music Export aims to support talented composers and producers with international potential in developing their global careers over the next two years.
Dutch Music Export is responding to the rapidly growing demand within the Dutch music scene and the recent international successes that highlight the importance of more than just visible artists. Songwriters, producers, and other creative professionals—often working behind the scenes—play an essential role in the continuously rising export value of the Dutch music sector.
By supporting these creators worldwide, in collaboration with Dutch music publishers, we strengthen the Netherlands as a leading music country and enhance our international position in the industry.
Each applicant can receive up to €2,500 per request, with a maximum of one approved application per year.
The Kickstart Regulation is administered by Stichting Dutch Music Export. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or are unsure whether you qualify for this programme.
CRITERIA
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria.
-
The applicant's work must demonstrate sufficient international potential (both artistic and commercial) from a foreign market perspective.
-
The applicant, possibly in collaboration with their business representative, must be capable of creating a realistic and market-aligned plan with clear justification and a feasible budget.
-
There must be proven international demand for the applicant's work.
Dutch Music Export, together with international genre experts, will assess applications based on feasibility and professionalism.
CRITERIA
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria.
Dutch Music Export, together with international genre experts, will assess applications based on feasibility and professionalism.
-
The applicant's work must demonstrate sufficient international potential (both artistic and commercial) from a foreign market perspective.
-
The applicant, possibly in collaboration with their business representative, must be capable of creating a realistic and market-aligned plan with clear justification and a feasible budget.
-
There must be proven international demand for the applicant's work.

Amadi Blue
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PROGRAM
The Kickstart Scheme is intended for composers and producers with international potential who are based in the Netherlands and artistically active within the international music industry. The applicant must hold Dutch nationality and be a member of Buma Stemra for the country in which the application is being made.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PROGRAM
The Kickstart Regulation is intended for composers and producers with international potential who are based in the Netherlands and artistically active within the international music industry. The applicant must hold Dutch nationality and be a member of Buma Stemra for the country in which the application is being made.

Karel
WHAT CAN THIS SUBSIDY BE USED FOR
To achieve optimal effectiveness, a more holistic approach is chosen that gives the applicant the autonomy to drive career steps according to their own insights. The following costs are eligible for support:
-
Recording and production costs for international collaborations and so-called ‘writing camps’.
-
Travel and accommodation expenses for international music projects in collaboration with foreign professionals.
Costs related to the purchase of equipment are not eligible for the scheme.
WHAT CAN THIS SUBSIDY BE USED FOR
To achieve optimal effectiveness, a more holistic approach is chosen that gives the applicant the autonomy to drive career steps according to their own insights. The following costs are eligible for support:
-
Recording and production costs for international collaborations and so-called ‘writing camps’.
-
Travel and accommodation expenses for international music projects in collaboration with foreign professionals.
Costs related to the purchase of equipment are not eligible for the regulation.

Rubayne
For the settlement, 2 documents must be submitted.
1. Substantive evaluation report:
-
Concise evaluation of activities and process
-
Actual results: streaming numbers, media coverage, shows etc.
-
What now?
2. Settlement: overview of all invoices and costs.
Fill in the checkout form. Please note: the checkout form must be submitted as 1 PDF file. The completed payment form is the cover page, in which all associated receipts and invoices are then added to 1 PDF file in the same order as indicated in the cost overview. If this is not the case, the application cannot be completed.
Download here the required cost statement file.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
In addition to completing the application form, you must upload two attachments with your application:
-
Plan (download the template here)
-
Budget
When granting the scheme, consideration will be given to the selection of the focus countries in the Dutch pop music export policy. See here for the list of focus countries.
Applicants will receive a decision within four weeks. It is not possible to appeal a decision.

Yung Dada
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
In addition to completing the application form, you must upload two attachments with your application:
-
Plan (download the template here)
-
Budget
When granting the regulation, consideration will be given to the selection of the focus countries in the Dutch pop music export policy. See here for the list of focus countries.
Applicants will receive a decision within four weeks. It is not possible to appeal a decision.