What the Bbz is

The Bbz is a municipal scheme that helps people on social assistance ("bijstand") to start a viable business, or supports existing entrepreneurs in temporary financial trouble. Depending on your situation, it can provide a temporary income, a loan or a combination, so you can build or save your business.

Who can apply

  • Starting entrepreneurs receiving social assistance who have a viable business plan.
  • Existing self-employed people facing temporary financial difficulty.
  • Older self-employed people whose income falls below the minimum.

Each municipality assesses applications individually. The business must be deemed viable: realistic chances of generating a livable income within a reasonable time.

What it can offer

  • Income support: a temporary supplement to the social minimum during the startup or rescue phase.
  • Business credit: a loan, often at favourable terms, to invest in the business.
  • Coaching: some municipalities offer guidance alongside the financial support.

The application process

  1. Contact your municipality ("gemeente") and ask about the Bbz.
  2. Prepare a solid business plan with realistic financials.
  3. The municipality assesses viability, often with an external advisor.
  4. If approved, support starts with clear conditions.

What to expect

The assessment is rigorous; a vague idea fails it. A realistic, well-thought business plan with conservative numbers is essential. Approval can take weeks, so start the application as early as possible.

Tip: the Bbz is one of the few public schemes that can actually fund a starter's living expenses while the business gets going. If you qualify, ask right away.

Where this leads

This question continues in Starting Part-Time as an Entrepreneur, Starting a Webshop in the Netherlands in 2026 and Running a Business from Home in the Netherlands.