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The economy has now picked up considerably. Nevertheless, it is often still difficult for businesses to borrow money from a bank. However, these days you are no longer solely dependent on the bank for financing. A new financing market has emerged, one that can complement the familiar banking sector. In addition, the government also offers extra financial support. Would you like to find out more?<\/em>? <\/strong><\/p>\n Every entrepreneur is familiar with private investors. Whether they are family, friends or business associates, for many people they are indispensable when starting a business, helping to secure additional capital or a loan. However, this personal network does not always provide a solution. As your funding requirements, the risks involved, and the scale and complexity of your plans increase, you will need to look for other forms of financing sooner \u2013 either as an alternative or to supplement your existing arrangements. The private financing market offers a wide range of potential lenders.<\/p>\n Tip: When considering alternative sources of finance, don\u2019t forget supplier credit, mortgage lenders, leasing companies and factoring. It\u2019s worth considering for your cash flow!<\/p>\n Also known as informal investors. They are usually private individuals who, whether organised into a group or not, contribute their knowledge, experience, network and capital to start-ups or young, often innovative businesses. For these investors, it is all about a sound business plan and belief in the entrepreneur. They also have the willingness to make risk-bearing investments. The entrepreneur receives venture capital. The informal investor gains a share in the control, ownership or profits of the company.<\/p>\n Tip: Find out about business angel initiatives and events in your region or further afield. They bring entrepreneurs and investors together!<\/p>\n Investment and private equity firms, also known as private equity firms, are generally private companies bringing together both smaller and larger investors. They can provide the necessary risk capital that you, as an entrepreneur, need to successfully secure the financing you require from other lenders. Risk capital can be provided in the form of both share capital and a (subordinated) loan. The driving force behind private equity is return on investment!<\/p>\n A new form of financing with a cooperative twist. A credit union is a cooperative credit association for SME entrepreneurs. The aim of a credit union is to lend money to fellow entrepreneurs within a sector or region through a common fund. Both lenders and borrowers are members and co-owners of the cooperative. The credit union is a not-for-profit organisation and aims to provide loans of up to \u20ac250,000. The number of credit unions is expected to grow rapidly.<\/p>\n This form of financing is rapidly gaining popularity. It is an online marketplace for financing. How does it work? The entrepreneur posts their idea or plan on one of the crowdfunding platforms and appeals to a number of private investors for funding. You set the loan amount, interest rate and term yourself. If you wish to offer the investors shares in the company or a percentage of turnover or profit in return for their investment, that is also possible. Investors can subscribe until the subscription is full, after which your funding is secured!<\/p>\n Please note! The regulations governing alternative forms of financing are still in their infancy. Check that the crowdfunding platform holds an AFM licence!<\/p>\n A new initiative was also launched during 2014: the Dutch Investment Agency<\/a>. This organisation acts as an intermediary and point of contact to engage institutional investors, such as large insurers and pension funds, in the financing of major projects. The investment institution focuses on projects that are fundamentally profitable but, for various reasons, are unable to secure the necessary bank financing.<\/p>\n With a helping hand from the government, you, as an entrepreneur, have a better chance of successfully securing a loan from credit institutions. Even if your plans and financial prospects are excellent, without sufficient collateral your loan application will quickly be rejected. That is why the government has introduced various schemes to facilitate access to the credit market.<\/p>\n For business owners who need financing but do not have sufficient collateral, the BMKB<\/a> offer a solution. However, this is subject to the condition that the future prospects are favourable and that the lender submits an application for this. If you have been in business for less than three years, the Starters BMKB scheme is available to you. Under this scheme, you can obtain up to \u20ac266,667 in credit, with the government acting as guarantor for 67.5% of the loan.<\/p>\n Are you no longer a start-up, or do you require a larger loan? In that case, there is also the standard BMKB scheme, intended for businesses with no more than 250 employees (FTEs) and an annual turnover of up to \u20ac50 million or a balance sheet total of up to \u20ac43 million. The lending criteria regarding loan size, repayment and term depend on the intended use of the funds and the type of business.<\/p>\n The standard BMKB scheme has been temporarily extended until 31 December 2017. For credit requirements of up to \u20ac266,667, it is possible to finance three-quarters of the amount with a BMKB loan (the limit is normally set at a maximum of half the loan amount). The maximum amount of the BMKB loan has also been temporarily increased from \u20ac1 million to \u20ac1.5 million. A government guarantee of 90% applies to the BMKB loan.<\/p>\n For innovative entrepreneurs who hold an R&D certificate, the government also offers a supplementary guarantee scheme under the BMKB scheme.<\/p>\n Tip: When applying for a loan, ask the bank (or non-bank lender) whether you are eligible for the BMKB!<\/p>\n If you have an innovative idea but are simply lacking the funds to invest further, the Innovation Loan may be the solution. It can be used to finance promising innovation projects. It is a risk-bearing loan. The interest rate varies from 7% to 10%, depending on the risk profile. The maximum loan amount is \u20ac10 million.<\/p>\n Many entrepreneurs have already benefited from a relatively small loan. However, their risk profile hinders their access to bank credit. In such cases, consider microfinance. The current credit limit is \u20ac50,000. The scheme is open to start-ups and existing entrepreneurs in small and medium-sized enterprises and is administered by Qredits Microfinance Netherlands. Qredits only comes into the picture if the bank has rejected your loan application.<\/p>\n For several years now, Qredits<\/a> We also offer the SME loan. This is a business loan for start-ups and existing entrepreneurs in the SME sector, ranging from a minimum of \u20ac50,000 to a maximum of \u20ac250,000. This loan is specifically designed for entrepreneurs who need financing but are unable to obtain it from a bank. However, a number of conditions apply.<\/p>\n For existing business owners who unexpectedly need extra funds for their business, there is the flexible loan; and Qredits offers a mortgage loan specifically for the financing of commercial property.<\/p>\n If you are ambitious, your business is set to grow substantially in the near future, and you wish to explore whether your idea has a chance of success in the market, then Early-Stage Funding might be right for you. With a loan under this funding scheme, the government can support you in taking your idea from the planning stage to the start-up stage. Naturally, you will need to repay the loan, including interest at 4.93% (as at 1 January 2017).<\/p>\n Whether you want to grow your business independently in the Netherlands or abroad, or you want to take over a company, the Growth Facility<\/a> help you secure the necessary risk-bearing finance. The Growth Facility provides financial institutions with an additional guarantee, which may be just enough to convince the financiers (bank or private equity firm) to go ahead. Please note that the Growth Facility is not intended for refinancing. The guarantee is limited to 50% of the financing.<\/p>\nPrivate funding<\/h4>\n
Business angels<\/h4>\n
Private equity<\/h4>\n
Credit Union<\/h4>\n
Crowdfunding<\/h4>\n
Dutch Investment Agency<\/h4>\n
The government as a co-funding body<\/h4>\n
SME Loan Guarantee Scheme (BMKB)<\/h4>\n
Innovation Loan<\/h4>\n
Microcredit<\/h4>\n
SME loan<\/h4>\n
Early-stage funding<\/h4>\n
Growth Facility<\/h4>\n
Business Financing Guarantee<\/h4>\n