Draw up a financial plan
You need a financial plan to get financing. The same is usually true for applying for a subsidy or financial scheme from the government. That is why you should also draw up an investment budget. This budget states the total amount you need and for what.
Check if there are subsidies available for your business
The government offers various subsidies, co-financing, guarantees, and tax schemes for entrepreneurs. These schemes have a national, regional, and international focus. Check the subsidies guide to see if funding is available for your plan. Or use this overview in Dutch. Select by topic, region, or type of funding and see your options and conditions.
Tool: Export Guide
Do you have plans to export, invest, or expand abroad? If so, getting financing can be difficult. The tool Export Guide (Exportwijzer, in Dutch) will give you a good idea of whether you qualify for international financing or export insurance from the central government. It also offers coaching, help in finding business partners abroad, and information about the rules and regulations.
Borrowing money for a feasibility study
With a feasibility study, you determine at an early stage if the innovation of your product or service has a chance of success. For this research, as an SME or innovative starter, you can apply for Proof-of-concept funding (Vroegefasefinanciering, VFF). This is a loan that you must repay with interest. For the VFF, you need to prepare at least the following:
- A business plan showing that your business will grow substantially.
- A renewal plan.
- A letter of intent from a prospective investor who will finance your project.
The conditions for an SME (in Dutch) or innovative startup (in Dutch) differ. Read the conditions carefully before applying.
Ask your bank for the credit guarantee scheme
You want to take out a loan from your bank, but you do not have enough collateral to offer security. Then the government can act as guarantor with the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme (BMKB). The BMKB is intended for SMEs with up to 250 employees. Self-employed professionals are also considered SMEs. You do not apply for this guarantee scheme yourself. The bank does so for you. Ask your bank if you are eligible for the BMKB.
Check the government schemes for startups
Are you using innovative technology for your new ideas? Then you are a so-called startup. Startups often encounter potential investors who prefer to avoid the risks. The government can remove the risks for investors with various schemes. Which scheme or financing mix best suits you depends on your plans. The Startup Box offers a step-by-step process to find out. Go directly to the Startup Box.
Use the Smart Industry Guide
Are you optimising operations, such as your production process, by combining digital and technological developments? Find out what financial support the government offers with the Smart Industry Guide (in Dutch). You can get subsidies and funding for research and collaboration, among other things.
Find external funding
In addition to financial support from the government, other external funding is also possible. Banks may be the most obvious example. But there is also alternative funding through informal investors, such as crowdfunding or Business Angels. So there are more ways to finance your business. Check out the options for external funding.
Video Financing your business
What steps should you take to obtain financing for your business? And which parties can you turn to for financing? KVK explains in the video Financing your business.