Funding your own business

Do I need start-up capital? 

Under the new Companies and Associations Code (2019), a fixed start-up capital is no longer a requirement to start most company forms.   

• To start a Société à responsabilité limitée (SRL) you don’t need start-up capital. However, it is assumed that you have enough resources to start the SRL. This also needs to be evident in your business plan. The SRL is considered the basic company form under the new company law.
• To start Société anonyme (SA), you need a (large) start-up capital of at least €61,500.  

How can I fund my business? 

There are different options for funding:  

Own resources 

If you’re in need of start-up capital, you can always use your own resources. This holds several benefits. You’ll avoid monthly payments (with interest). Besides, it also instils trust in potential investors. Usually, we recommend investing around 20% to 40% of your own resources into your business. 

Don’t have the means to start? You can always speak with family or friends, for instance through a Win-win loan: 

• SMEs can loan up to €300,000 with a win-win loan. 
• Lenders can give up to €75,000 to SMEs.  
• Lenders get an annual tax credit of 2.5% on the outstanding capital of the Winwin loan. 
• Lenders enjoy a nice interest rate (between 2.625% and 5.25% in 2023). 
• Win-win loans have a runtime of 5 to 10 years.  

Subsidies

You may be eligible for state support or certain subsidies. It’s worth it to find out.

Our partner Subsiconseils can help you identify all the subsidies you are eligible for. Besides, Subsiconseils can help you: 

• Apply for subsidies with the authorities; 
• Following up on your request until the amount has been paid. 

Loans for starters 

Ideally, your start-up capital is made up of around 20% to 40% of your own resources. But what about the remaining 80% to 60%? You can turn to your bank for that. 

If you want to take out a loan from a bank, you have two options: request a loan to fund your business or take out a personal loan.  

Before granting a personal loan, the bank examines your financial situation instead of your business plan. This can be risky and can jeopardise your financial security if your business gets into trouble.  

The bank will then calculate the amount you can take out based on several conditions: the risk, the deposit you have, your ability to repay and your business plan.  

Microcredit

A microcredit is a small loan (max. €25,000) for entrepreneurs who don’t have access to the usual loans that are offered by banks or financial institutions. 

You can use the microcredit for investments in materials, machinery, vehicles, stock and cash flow. 

To qualify: 

• You need to request less than €25,000 
• You cannot employ over 10 employees. 

Discover all the options for microcredit that are offered by our partner microStart.

Investors

You can also look for partners or shareholders who want to invest in your business. This requires a solid business plan: the better your business plan, the quicker people will want to invest. 

Financial participation 

Through financial participation (or crowdfunding), entrepreneurs can call on the public to acquire more capital or get a loan before they launch their projects. As opposed to “classic” ways of funding, anyone can invest in crowdfunding initiatives. 

Crowdfunding usually follows the principle “many a little makes a muckle”: investors are asked to invest a small amount. Of course, you can invest a larger sum if you want. Because this option is so accessible, entrepreneurs can gather the funds they need through many small contributions. 

Crowdfunding doesn’t include financial compensation for investors. Investors also don’t get any shares, bonds or products (or prototypes).  

The most important benefits of crowdfunding are:  

• You can quickly acquire your first financial resources.   
• You can target a broad and often international audience. 
• You can build the identity of your product or service. 
• You can attract new potential customers or get feedback from the market with the future development of your proposal in mind.