Why did the english and dutch send explorers and settlers to the north america

The English initially sent explorers then established settlements because they were wanting to increase their empire and hoped to find large sums of gold as the Spanish had. When they found no gold, settling and claiming land was the next best thing to ensure control and access to raw materials. The Dutch established settlements to expand their vast trading empire. They could not match the power and strength of Spain, France, or England. Their aim was not after creating an empire but establishing good viable trade routes.