SME credit guarantee scheme (BMKB)

If you have a business in the Netherlands and employ no more than 250 workers (you have an SME), you may be eligible for a guarantee for part of a loan through the SME credit guarantee scheme (BMKB). The Ministry of Economic Affairs stands as guarantor. This will enable you to borrow more than would otherwise be possible based on your collateral.

The bank and other possible funders are covered by the government’s SME credit guarantee scheme (BMKB).

When do you qualify?

To be eligible for the SME credit guarantee scheme BMKB, you must fulfil various conditions, including the following:

• Your business is established in the Netherlands, Bonaire, Saba, or St. Eustatius.
• Your business has up to 250 FTE employees.
• Your business has an annual revenue of up to €50 million or has a balance sheet total of up to €43 million.
• Your company has been established for over 3 years.

The scheme offers extra opportunities for innovative companies and startups (in Dutch). It is also open to entrepreneurs who want to start businesses in Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius.

How to apply?

Entrepreneurs do not apply for the SME Credit Guarantee themselves. They simply apply for a loan until 1 July 2027 from one of the participating banks or other funders (in Dutch), which in turn submits an application for the SME credit guarantee from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). A special webportal (partly in Dutch, only accessible to approved funders) is available for funders with all relevant information.