Grants of up to €15,000 are still available for new shops in Maastricht city centre
If you dream of starting your own shop in Maastricht city centre, Gemeente Maastricht is keen to help burgeoning entrepreneurs and young retail businesses get started with an impressive grant scheme, the Stimuleringsregeling Starters winkelconcentratiegebied Centrum (City Centre Retail Area Incentive Scheme for Start-ups). There’s still €200,000 left in the pot while the first 4 entrepreneurs have already successfully taken advantage of this and opened their doors in the city centre.
Start-ups bring new energy and innovation to our city centre. With this scheme, we’re giving them the help they need to take that first step. I invite other entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity as well. Wethouder Hubert Mackus, Economy
What the scheme involves
Starting a new shop requires both courage and investment. That is why Gemeente Maastricht is offering financial support to start-up and entrepreneurs who wish to set up shop in Maastricht’s City Centre Retail Area.
The scheme reimburses up to 50% of the basic rent for 2 years, up to a maximum of €15,000 per business. This gives start-ups and established entrepreneurs more scope to actually realise their plans.
The scheme is intended for:
- Start-up and young retail businesses that have been operating for no more than 5 years.
- Entrepreneurs who are not yet established in Maastricht’s City Centre Retail Area.
One of the conditions is that the shop must be opened in the city centre and remain there for at least 2 years. You can find more information about the scheme here :
City Centre Retail Area Incentive Scheme for Start-ups (in Dutch)
Queries
There is currently still a pot of €200,000 in funding available for entrepreneurs wishing to set up their shop in Maastricht’s City Centre Retail Area. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each entrepreneur may submit 1 funding application.
If you been toying with the idea of opening your own shop in Maastricht city centre for some time, this scheme could provide just that extra bit of support to turn your plans into reality. Don’t wait too long: as long as funding is available, you can take advantage of this opportunity. The grant scheme runs until the end of 2027.
Find out which area the scheme applies to, what conditions apply and how to apply for a grant City Centre Retail Area Incentive Scheme for Start-ups (in Dutch)
We’d be happy to help you explore your options by emailing Mireille van Hemert at mireille.van.hemert [at] maastricht.nl. She’ll be happy to assist you with any questions you may have about the scheme or your plans for a shop in Maastricht’s city centre.
%20mireille.van.hemert [at] maastricht.nl (Contact Mireille van Hemert at Gemeente Maastricht)
New shops in the city centre
Thanks to this scheme, 4 entrepreneurs have now opened their shops in the city centre. These are entrepreneurs with different ideas, ambitions and stories, who together contribute to a vibrant and attractive city centre for residents and visitors alike.
Gitana Lifestyle
Recently opened on Sporenstraat, while specialising in Italian handcrafted leather handbags and bags, they are expanding into jewellery, apparel, home fragrances, and lifestyle accents. Gitana is a name for those who create their own way, guided by confidence, creativity and a sense of freedom. The owners both have Italian roots. Ugo Caon’s family comes from Veneto, while Roberta Morgia has Roman origins. They were both born and raised in South Africa. Their mission is simple: to craft pieces that enrich the lives of those who live with openness, artistry, and freedom.
CLAES
On the Graanmarkt, Marit Preim and Fleur Vos have established CLAES. Their shop and online platform focus on fashion, offering a mix of carefully selected clothing, accessories and pre-loved items. The collection consists largely of French brands which they source themselves in Paris. In doing so, they bring their own international style to Maastricht, aimed at women who consciously choose quality and style.
Six Senses
On Achter het Vleeshuis, Luca Borgers launched Six Senses. A place where the experience takes centre stage. Together with his mother, he develops handmade fragrances and offers products for sport, yoga and meditation. Pure, honest and produced with great care in the Netherlands. The concept revolves around wellbeing and helps people find more balance in their daily lives.
Music Connection
On Sporenstraat, Emile Bastings opened Music Connection. After 35 years as a bus driver, he decided to follow his passion and start his own business. In his shop, he sells new and second-hand vinyl. He caters to enthusiasts and collectors who value music, the experience and craftsmanship.
