Business Operations

Running a Second Business Alongside Your Existing One

Updated: 2026-05-27 Holdwise editorial team Second Business Multiple Ventures Structure

You can run a second business next to your existing one, in the same legal form or in a separate company. Many successful entrepreneurs want to do this. It can be a logical expansion, or a distraction from the first business. The right structure depends on timing and on how much attention each business still needs. At Holdwise, we updated this answer on 27 May 2026 and change it when the rules change.

Why people start a second business

A natural extension into a related market or product.
A new opportunity unrelated to the first.
Diversification to reduce dependence on one source of income.
Boredom or restlessness, which is rarely a good reason on its own.

Is your first business ready?

Start a second business when the first one does well with less of your attention. If you start earlier, both businesses often do worse. You usually do better with one strong business than with two average ones.

Legal structure options

Same sole trader, multiple activities: the least paperwork, but creditors of one activity can claim all your assets.
Two separate sole traders: this is legally impossible. A person can have only one sole trader business (eenmanszaak), with several trade names if needed.
Two operating BVs under one holding: the risks of the two companies are kept apart. With the holding company above both, you have extra protection. The participation exemption applies to dividends and to sales.
Sole trader alongside a BV (besloten vennootschap, the Dutch private limited company): possible, with the sole trader for one activity and the BV for another. Adds complexity but can match specific situations.

A holding company with two operating BVs

If you run two real businesses, two operating BVs under one holding company is often the best structure. The risks of one operating company are separate from those of the other. Dividends that the operating companies pay to the holding company are tax-free. You can sell either operating company on its own, and the other company continues as before.

Your attention is as important as the legal structure

With the right legal structure, you limit your risk. Your results depend on your attention. Two businesses that each get half of your attention usually do worse than one business that gets all of it. Most second businesses fail because the owner divides their attention. The legal structure is rarely the cause.

When two businesses work

The first operates largely on its own.
The second has its own genuine team or co-founder in charge.
You have time and energy for both, based on a realistic view.
The two businesses share enough to help each other, or are separate enough to avoid competing for your attention.

Tip: start a second business when your first business has become routine for you. Before that point, it is usually too early.

A Dutch BV files the corporate tax return by 1 June, the VAT return every quarter and the payroll tax return every month. The annual accounts are due within twelve months. See running a Dutch BV: taxes, filings and every deadline.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have two sole traders? +

A person can have only one sole trader business (eenmanszaak). You can use several trade names for it, and you can run different activities in it.

Should I use two BVs? +

Often yes, for two separate, serious businesses. With two operating BVs under one holding company, the risks are kept apart. You also keep the tax benefits of the holding structure.

How do I know I am ready for a second business? +

You are ready when three things are true. The first business does well with only part of your attention. You have time and energy for the second. The second has its own manager or a real reason to start. If the first business still needs all your attention, wait.

Sources Belastingdienst · KVK · wetten.overheid.nl Last updated: 2026-05-27