The Financing Guide is an accessible online tool that helps entrepreneurs find the financing option that suits their specific situation and needs through a set of targeted questions. In addition, the platform provides information to support in choosing the most appropriate financing options and the possibilities of being referred to financing advisers and (non-) bank financing providers that have one of the SMF quality marks or NVB code of conduct. Financiers refer entrepreneurs to the Financing Guide in case the application does not match their offer.

Crucial

Entrepreneurs can visit kvk.nl/en/finance/financing-guide for all information and the tool. The Financing Guide is a collaboration of KVK, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Dutch Banking Association (NVB), Stichting MKB Financiering (SME Financing Foundation, SMF), and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Dirk Beljaarts, Minister of Economic Affairs: "SMEs are incredibly important for our economy and for the Netherlands. They produce goods and services that we use every day and provide a lot of employment and, therefore, security of existence. It is therefore crucial that SMEs get easier and faster access to the financing they need to invest and grow, this Financing Guide contributes to this."

Improve the financing climate

The Financing Guide was developed in response to recommendations from Menno Snel's report and was prepared as part of the National SME Financing Covenant. This covenant, in which government and market parties work together, aims to improve the financing climate for SMEs in the Netherlands. Entrepreneurs, especially in micro and small enterprises, often experience difficulties in finding suitable financing, while this is essential for their growth and for investments in, for instance, digitalisation and sustainability. The Netherlands Committee for Entrepreneurship played an important role in the creation of the Financing Guide.

Faster access

For Dutch SMEs, which account for 64% of added value and 73% of employment in the Dutch economy, finding the right financing is crucial. With the Financing Guide, SMEs now have easier and faster access to financing, putting them in a better position to invest in growth, innovation and sustainability. This contributes to a stronger economy and helps the Netherlands realise major social transitions.

KVK as independent party

The Financing Guide is hosted by KVK, with the Ministry of Economic Affairs as client. This decision is based on several considerations. KVK is an independent party with no commercial interests, which is essential for the neutral first-line referral to market parties. In addition, the Financing Guide fits well with KVK's statutory duties, which already provides entrepreneurs with information on financing and related topics. This decision also meets the Lower House's wish to make the Financing Guide available in 2024 through an independent organisation with broad support and high awareness among the target group.

Important step

Rodrique Engering, member of the Board of Directors of KVK: "The launch of the Financing Guide is an important step towards an improved financing landscape for SMEs, especially for startups and smaller companies, and supports the ambition to make the Netherlands the country with the best financing climate in Europe."