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Sara
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The Besluit bijstandsverlening zelfstandigen (Bbz), or Self-Employed Persons (Provision of Assistance) Decree, is a scheme through which independent entrepreneurs and freelancers can receive financial support when they are temporarily in financial difficulty. The scheme helps entrepreneurs to continue their business or make a fresh start. In 2025 there are some important changes and conditions to be aware of.
In this article we explain who qualifies, what the conditions are in 2025 and how to apply.
The Bbz scheme is accessible to various types of entrepreneurs, including:
Self-employed professionals with a temporary financial problem: If your business is still viable but you temporarily need financial help.
Starting entrepreneurs from a benefit situation: Do you receive a benefit and want to start your own business? The Bbz may offer a solution.
Older self-employed professionals with a low income: Entrepreneurs aged 55 and over who generate insufficient income.
Entrepreneurs who want to stop: If your business is no longer viable, you can receive support with winding down.
The Bbz scheme applies to various business structures:
✔ Sole trader (self-employed professionals): Self-employed professionals without staff can apply for a Bbz benefit or loan if they temporarily have insufficient income.
✔ General partnership (VOF): Each partner must separately demonstrate that they qualify for the Bbz.
✔ Private limited company (BV) – Director-shareholder (DGA): You only qualify if you have no other options for paying yourself a salary and have no remaining commercial credit facilities.
✔ Limited partnership (CV): Active partners can apply for Bbz if they can demonstrate that their business is still viable.
From 2025 there are some adjustments to the Bbz scheme that may affect your application:
✔ Tailored income support: The Bbz benefit is calculated monthly based on actual income, so you only receive what you genuinely need.
✔ Simplified application procedure: Municipalities aim for faster and more efficient processing of Bbz applications.
✔ Greater focus on viability: Only entrepreneurs with realistic growth prospects qualify for long-term support.
✔ Lower interest on Bbz credits: The interest rate on business credits within the Bbz is being reduced to help entrepreneurs without unnecessary debt burden.
Do you want to use the Bbz scheme? Follow these steps:
1️ Contact your municipality: The Bbz is administered by the municipality where you are registered and resident.
2️ Submit your application: You must demonstrate that your business is viable or that you need temporary support.
3️ Financial assessment: The municipality assesses your income and business prospects.
4️ Decision and payment: If approved, you receive a monthly supplement or a credit to keep your business running.
Do not leave financial support on the table!
Many entrepreneurs do not know they are entitled to support via the Bbz. If you are temporarily in financial difficulty, the Bbz can help you save your business or wind it down responsibly.
👉 Do you need help with your Bbz application? Sarabel helps entrepreneurs with financial advice and support. Get in touch with us and find out what we can do for you!