KVK OnderNemerSplein

There are several possibilities for financing, for example, a bank, crowdfunding, or venture capital. Another possibility is a loan via Qredits, an independent and private lender. Qredits helps starting and existing entrepreneurs start or invest in their business. They do this by offering entrepreneurial tools, coaching as well as providing business loans of up to €250,000.

The Entrepreneurs Soundboard (OKB) offers support to entrepreneurs from small and medium-sized enterprises. This can be advice to start-ups, or guidance to entrepreneurs who want to grow, innovate, reorganise or transfer. In addition, OKB assists entrepreneurs who are at risk of bankruptcy. Our advisers have worked in a variety of sectors and industries and know the challenges of entrepreneurship like no other.

Do you want to get started as a self-employed professional, a zzp’er? Then there are a number of points to consider. KVK has listed the 7 most important steps for you.

What rules should you consider when doing business in India? What is the Indian market like and where are the opportunities? The Netherlands Enterprise Agency, RVO (in Dutch) helps you with information on the market, contacting business partners and finding the right (financial) assistance.

Within 2 weeks after registration at KVK, you will receive a letter from the Netherlands Tax Administration. This will state whether you are an entrepreneur for VAT purposes and how and when you must submit your VAT return. This is usually every quarter. In addition to VAT returns, you file an annual return on your income: the profit from your business. If you have a eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship), maatschap (professional partnership), or vof (general partnership), the profit from your business is taxed in box 1. This is also where other income from work is taxed, such as salary from (part-time) employment. Do you have a BV (private limited company)? Then you pay corporate income tax on your profits. As a manager director of the BV, you do pay income tax on your salary.

Read more about filing your VAT return (pdf, in Dutch. From page 27 information is in English)

Most starting entrepreneurs start from home. Always check whether this fits in with the municipality's environment plan. You may also have to deal with permits such as an environmental permit. Do you want to start a business in Rotterdam? Check the website of the municipality of Rotterdam (in Dutch).

Independent entrepreneurs who temporarily do not earn enough to support themselves can apply for a BBZ benefit. This BBZ benefit supplements the (family) income up to the social security standard applicable to you. Do you want to know whether you are eligible?  Do the BBZ-Check (in Dutch).

You can protect a company name and/or logo by registering it as a trademark. A trademark is the name, logo, shape, image or sound you use to distinguish your products or services from those of your competitor. Registering your trademark gives you the exclusive right to use it for all products and services for which you have applied for the trademark right. Want to know more about registering your trademark? Check out BOIP's website.