Assistance for the self-employed

What is it?

Self-employment assistance (BBZ).

Do you want to start your own business, but do not have enough money to do so, nor can you turn to another lending institution? Have you been working for yourself for some time, but now need additional financing? Possibly the BBZ scheme offers a solution.

Living allowance

As a self-employed person, you can receive a living allowance if your family income is temporarily insufficient. This can occur, for example, due to illness, temporary disability, exceptional weather conditions, when building up the business in the start-up phase or winding down the business in the termination phase.

Business credit

You can get a loan (usually interest-bearing) for business credit as a self-employed person. This may be necessary to:

  • Build your business or profession as a self-employed person;
  • for the long-term continuation of your business;
  • financing short-term debt.

A condition for the business loan is that the business or self-employment is viable (after assistance is granted) and can be continued. Viability is assessed by the municipality. The interest rate on the loan is 8% per year and the term is up to 10 years.

What to do.

Bbz applications

  • Perform the free Bbz scan from 155-Help-a-business. After completing the scan, 155-Help-a-Company shares your information with the municipality. The municipality will then contact you;or
  • contact the municipality directly at the general number 040 - 263 16 31.

How long does it take?

You will be notified within 13 weeks of submitting your application whether you will receive assistance.

Objection

You submit your objection within six weeks. The six weeks start when the decision is sent or announced. You will find this date on the letter containing the decision.

Debt assistance to self-employed entrepreneurs

Have you fallen into debt and can't get out of it by yourself? Then you can use debt assistance. For more information: help with money matters and debts.

Home to Work

Are you self-employed with no sales/with limited sales due to corona? Do you need help with your job search or training? Or do you have questions about personnel as an independent entrepreneur? Everyone throughout the Southeast Brabant region can come to the House to Work with such questions. Anyone looking for work can contact or walk into the House to Work. Huis naar Werk reaches out to you. Together with you, they look at your wishes and possibilities regarding work, income and education. For more information: website Huis naar Werk.

More information?

For more information about the Bbz, please refer to the following websites:

How does it work?

  • You are 18 years or older and under the state pension age;
  • You work a minimum average of 23.5 hours per week in your business;
  • You depend on income from your business for your livelihood;
  • Your (family) income is not enough to make ends meet;
  • Your company is based in the Netherlands and you work in the Netherlands;
  • You have all the permits necessary to operate your business;
  • you have no savings or other readily available assets and you cannot get financing from a bank;
  • your business is viable, i.e. you can regain your own livelihood in the (short) term;
  • your business records are "up to date" and available.

In addition to the above Requirements , there are additional Requirements for each target group. The target groups are:

  • established self-employed workers
  • self-employed start-ups
  • elderly self-employed persons
  • terminating self-employed workers