Access to finance

There are several paths to obtaining secure finance for a business in the Netherlands. The Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel - KvK) provides an overview of these.

Where can I obtain secure finance? [NL]

There is a difference between equities and loans. External sources of equity are:

• business angels;
• Regional Enterprise Development units;
• Development Capital companies;
• Alternext, an equity trading market for small companies;
• family.

External sources of loans are:

• bank loans and guarantee systems;
• loans from family/friends and the venture capital system;
• Regional Enterprise Development units;
• Development Capital companies;
• Start-up with benefit;
• local start-up fund;
• special initiatives such as business angels.

Types of credit [NL]

Before seeking out finance for your company, you should ascertain which source is the most favourable for you. This will depend primarily on the amount you need. SME Credit (MKB Krediet) offers an overview of the possibilities.

Amount of credit [NL]

If, as the owner of a Dutch small or medium-sized enterprise, you want to export, expand abroad or start a joint venture, you will find information on forms of finance here:

Forms of finance [NL]

Resources

The National Institute for Information on Budgeting (Nationaal Instituut voor Budgetvoorlichting - Nibud) dispenses information and advice on consumer finance issues. The "Moneybook for Entrepreneurs" (Geldboek voor Ondernemers) is intended for start-ups. However, people who have been in business for a long time are also provided with valuable information.

Budget information [NL]

Micro-financing is the umbrella term for all financial and similar services aimed at improving access to finance for small companies. The Micro-Financing Knowledge Centre (Kenniscentrum Microfinanciering), created by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, aims to promote micro-financing in the Netherlands.

Micro-financing [NL]

The "Antwoordvoorbedrijven.nl" website makes it easier for entrepreneurs seeking finance to access information from the Dutch authorities. The website shows at a glance all the various do's and don'ts, e.g. licences and requirements, laws and regulations, taxes and subsidies.

Government information on finance [NL]

Personalised help and advice

The Enterprise Europe Network provides businesses with information and advice through its local partners.

Enterprise Europe Network – contact points – Netherlands

Business support organisations can advise businesses on how to find financing.

Business support — Netherlands

Source: European Commission