Starter Credit for Entrepreneur

The starter credit (starterskrediet) is a financial scheme for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start a business from an unemployment or social assistance benefit. Under the Participation Act (Participatiewet), municipalities can provide loans and support to help benefit recipients become self-employed. The scheme covers startup costs and initial working capital.

Applications are submitted to the municipality, which often works with a Regional Bureau for Self-Employed Persons (RBZ) to assess viability. Eligibility is determined under the Decision on Assistance for Self-Employed Persons 2004 (Besluit bijstandverlening zelfstandigen 2004, Bbz). The municipality evaluates whether the business plan is viable and whether the applicant has sufficient entrepreneurial skills.