Can anyone give me a precise answer to why the early 17th century Dutch colonies were formed? It's for school.

I mean, I have an idea, but I'm more of a nineteenth century history guy, and everywhere I search for the answer, I can't find a straight up answer. All the web talks about is the stone houses and **** that the Dutch settlers built...I mean, I guess I could look a little harder, but I figured one of you guys would have the intelligence to answer the question to the best of my understanding...