You can come to us for benefits, a loan, debt counselling, support with financial problems or a consultation. We’re happy to work with you to find a solution that suits your situation. You can get help with:
- Social security benefit for entrepreneurs (Bbz)
- Bbz loan for entrepreneurs
- Scheme for older entrepreneurs
- Benefit for older and incapacitated former self-employed persons (IOAZ)
- Debt advice for business owners
- Help, advice and referrals
Are you self-employed and do you currently have insufficient income to live on? If so, you may be eligible for assistance under the Self-Employed Persons’ Social Assistance Scheme (Bbz).
You may be eligible if you:
- are aged 18 or over;
- has a business in the Netherlands;
- is lawfully resident in the Netherlands;
- meets the 1,225-hour-per-year threshold;
- has full control over your business.
Does your partner’s income exceed the social assistance threshold that applies to you? If so, you may not be eligible for this scheme.
Start-up entrepreneur
Your business is expected to generate sufficient income to cover your living expenses within a maximum of 36 months.
Established entrepreneur
Your business is expected to start generating sufficient income again within a maximum of 12 months. In addition, your business must have been viable in the past.
Entrepreneur who is retiring
Is your business no longer viable? If so, a Bbz payment may be able to provide support whilst you wind up your business. The business must be wound up within a maximum of 12 months.
Do you need some extra temporary financial support to set up or continue running your business? If so, you may be able to apply for a Bbz loan.
You can apply for a loan if you:
- are aged 18 or over;
- has a business in the Netherlands;
- is lawfully resident in the Netherlands;
- meets the 1,225-hour-per-year threshold;
- has full control over your business.
Does your partner’s income exceed the social security threshold applicable to you? If so, you may not be eligible for a loan.
Start-up entrepreneur
If your business is deemed viable, you can apply for a loan of up to € 48.060 at an interest rate of 8% (2026).
Established entrepreneur
If your business is deemed viable, you can apply for a loan of up to € 261.048 at an interest rate of 8% (2026).
Were you born before 1 January 1960 and have you been self-employed for some time? If so, you may be eligible for the scheme for older entrepreneurs.
You may be eligible if you:
- have been an entrepreneur for at least ten years;
- has an income from your business of at least €10,368 per year;
- has an income that does not exceed the social security benefit level.
We can top up your income to the social security level until you reach retirement age. Your partner’s income is taken into account in this calculation.
This scheme runs until 1 January 2027.
The IOAZ is a scheme for older entrepreneurs who are forced to close their businesses because their income is insufficient.
You may be eligible if you:
- are aged 55 or over;
- you haven’t stopped running your business yet;
- are a legitimate business owner.
In addition, the following conditions apply:
- You have run a business during the three years prior to the application.
- To qualify, you must have received income from self-employment or employment for a period of seven years.
- Your average income over the past three years did not exceed €33,467.
- Your income is not expected to exceed €36,090 (2026) in the coming years.
Is your business in debt and facing financial difficulties? The municipality of Apeldoorn offers debt counselling for business owners. The aim is to help you keep your business going, where possible.
Sometimes a payment plan is sufficient. In other situations, a debt restructuring programme may be necessary.
You will be assigned a dedicated contact person. Together with you, we will manage the process. We work with specialist external partners to carry out debt restructuring.
What does the process involve?
The process consists of four phases:
- Intake phase
- Stabilisation phase or sustainable financial services
- Verification phase
- Restructuring phase
We expect you to participate actively throughout the process.
Would you like more information or do you need help? Please fill in the contact form using the button above or call 14 055. Sometimes, just one conversation is enough to get you back on track.
A member of staff will contact you within a week to arrange an appointment. During this meeting, we will discuss your situation together and look at what support would suit you best.
We work with you to find solutions and provide advice tailored to your personal situation. If necessary, we can also refer you to other organisations or services that can offer you further support. Together, we will find a suitable solution.