This is how you apply for financing

  • KVK Editors
  • The basis
  • 11 November 2024
  • Edited 15 November 2024
  • 2 min
  • Managing and growing
  • Finance

You are looking for money for your business. You can borrow it from a bank or another lender. Or you are looking for an investor for your business. In all cases, you apply for financing. What information you need to provide and prepare depends on your business, the size of your application and the funding goal and the funder. Applying for funding can be quite complicated. This article will tell you what to look out for.

Every financier has their own procedure

What information and documents are needed with the application may differ for each financier and funding purpose. Check which documents a lender needs and collect those documents. Then you will be well prepared. For example, in a lease application you will need the offer of the asset. In real estate financing, you will need the details of the property. For factoring, you will need information about your debtors. And for a starting business, a financier will ask for a business plan including a forecast and an opening balance sheet.

To determine whether a loan suits your business, a lender may ask for recent annual figures, tax returns, or transaction data from your business account. Provide all requested information properly and completely at the same time. This speeds up the process.

Online application

You usually apply for financing online these days. On the website of the bank or other financier, you follow the steps and attach documents. An online lender may ask you for permission to view the transactions in your bank account. 

Steps in your application

Before you make your application, you need to prepare by taking these steps:

  1. Determine the scope: what do you need money for, and how much? Which part can and will you finance yourself, and for which part do you want to apply for financing?
  2. Think about the provider: to which financier(s) do you want to apply for financing? Use the Choosing Financing Tool to determine this.
  3. Gather information: check with the chosen funder(s) what information they need. To do so, check their website, contact them, or start the funding request online on their website.
  4. Check whether you have thought of everything: take stock of whether you have all the data. Tip: ask your bookkeeper, accountant or adviser to help you with this. A financier wants to see up-to-date tax data and figures.
  5. Submit the information to the financier.

Additional information

A financier may request additional information based on the submitted data. Or they will talk to you to find out more about you as an entrepreneur, your plans, or your business.

Information for large investments

For larger and more complex applications, a financier will want to know more about your company. This is the case, for example, in the event of a business takeover, a change in business structure, an innovative startup, or larger investments for your company. If you need a large investment, make a business plan that includes the following information:

  • Financial figures: make your financial plan, with your investment budget, financing budget, operating budget, and liquidity budget.
  • Entrepreneur: give a description of yourself as an entrepreneur, your background, and experience.
  • Business: give a description of your company, products, or services. Show what your company is good at.
  • Market analysis: show that you know the market, the target group, and the competition.
  • Marketing and sales strategy: explain how you attract and retain customers.
  • Organisation: describe how your company is organised (legal form) and who else is participating or (financially) involved.

You can use Stichting MKB Financiering's checklist (in Dutch).

BKR

Do you have a (business) loan for which you are personally liable? In the Netherlands, most loans are compulsorily registered with Stichting BKR. This is a positive registration. If you do not repay or do not repay on time, you will get a negative registration. Financiers weigh your BKR registration in their financing decision. You can request your personal credit registration from Stichting BKR.

Business financing help

Do you need guidance in preparing your application? Contact a financing adviser with the quality mark Erkend Financieringsadviseur MKB (in Dutch). They can help you make the application with all the right documents. And offer assistance in combining suitable forms of financing. 

The Financing Guide helps you find your way in financing your business. Do you still have questions? Call the helpline on 088 585 11 11 or ask an expert.

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