{"id":4264,"date":"2025-06-30T13:43:27","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T13:43:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/where-to-find-money-to-start-a-business-the-5-best-kept-funding-options-for-entrepreneurs-2025-edition\/"},"modified":"2025-06-30T13:54:33","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T13:54:33","slug":"where-to-find-money-to-start-a-business-the-5-best-kept-funding-options-for-entrepreneurs-2025-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/en\/where-to-find-money-to-start-a-business-the-5-best-kept-funding-options-for-entrepreneurs-2025-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to find money to start a business? The 5 best kept funding options for entrepreneurs (2025 edition)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>As a startup, you are often full of ideas, motivation and energy &#8211; but not money. Yet funding is essential to make your plans a reality. Fortunately, in 2025 there are plenty of ways to get your startup capital together, even without rich parents or investors on speed. In this blog, we take you through five smart financing options that surprisingly few startups really know about or use. And we give you practical tips on how to apply for them.    <\/em><\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Qredits: borrowing without rock-hard bank requirements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Qredits is a social lender especially for (starting) entrepreneurs. Where banks often turn you down without a clear explanation, Qredits looks much more at you as a person and your business plan. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What can you get?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Microcredit up to \u20ac50,000<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SME credit up to \u20ac250,000<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Includes free coaching and e-learning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why interesting in 2025?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Since this year, the interest rate has been reduced again for first-time buyers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additional schemes for entrepreneurs under 30 and restarters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip from CLANnetworks:<\/strong><br\/>Make a simple, clear financial plan in advance (you can learn to make one for free in our courses) and be honest about your risks &#8211; that scores points with Qredits.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More information: <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qredits.nl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.qredits.nl<\/a><\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Regional grants and innovation schemes (RFO &amp; Province).<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) and provincial development agencies have numerous schemes for startups. Think of subsidies for sustainability, innovation, digitalization or internationalization. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What can you get?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Grants from \u20ac1,000 to sometimes as much as \u20ac100,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consulting hours, coaching or access to networks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why interesting in 2025?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In spring 2025, the new &#8220;Startups &amp; Innovation Package&#8221; was launched for sustainable businesses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>North Brabant and South Holland give additional growth vouchers to young entrepreneurs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip from CLANnetworks:<\/strong><br\/>Use RVO&#8217;s <strong>Subsidy Guide<\/strong> to see instantly what you can apply for based on your sector and location.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More information: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rvo.nl\/subsidies-financiering?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;campaignid=21005799486&amp;adgroupid=160208806953&amp;creative=690454778847&amp;matchtype=p&amp;network=g&amp;device=c&amp;keyword=rvo%20subsidie&amp;placement=&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21005799486&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADt2q0R9JtVk--6u1CI1cRmGz3uMc&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw64jDBhDXARIsABkk8J4jLeWqQraw76L1QxlpQ1zAYwZsz7KSVq0T-5hva7MKvf6oKfoPO44aAj1VEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.rvo.nl\/subsidies<\/a><\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Friends, Family &amp; Fans &#8211; but professionally<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This sounds like an open door, but many startups are afraid to ask people around them for money. Yet it can be done &#8211; provided you&#8217;re smart about it. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What can you do?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Let people invest through a contract (loan or share)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work with small amounts (e.g., \u20ac500 per person)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set up a pitch night or share a video with your business plan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why interesting in 2025?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Crowdfunding among acquaintances is gaining ground. Platforms like CrowdAboutNow and Eyevestor make it legally safe and easily accessible. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip from CLANnetworks:<\/strong><br\/>Make a clear presentation with repayment terms. And use your network smartly: those who know you are often quite willing to help you get started. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More information: <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdaboutnow.nl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.crowdaboutnow.nl<\/a><\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Startup Accelerator &amp; Startup Lift (regional guidance + money).<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some regions in the Netherlands offer complete programs for start-ups, including guidance, networking and sometimes a start-up budget.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Examples (depending on where you live):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Startup Accelerator<\/strong> (Gelderland &amp; Overijssel)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Starterslift<\/strong> (Brabant)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>YES!Delft<\/strong> (South Holland, for tech and innovation)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What do you get?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Coaching program (paid for by province)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to pitch nights or funds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sometimes vouchers from \u20ac1,000 to \u20ac5,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why interesting in 2025?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In many regions, corona has freed up an additional entrepreneurial budget that may still be utilized in 2025.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip from CLANnetworks:<\/strong><br\/>Check the website of your municipality or province. Search on &#8220;startup assistance + province&#8221; and ask if you can sign up for a pathway. <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <strong>Find small investors &amp; business angels through networking<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not all investors are looking for the next unicorn. There are also small investors willing to help a budding entrepreneur with \u20ac5,000 &#8211; \u20ac25,000, provided the story is good. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where do you find them?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>LinkedIn (search for &#8216;investor&#8217; or &#8216;angel investor&#8217;)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Platforms like Leapfunder, Fundsup or Angel Investment Network<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Networking evenings, pitch events, or even through your local network<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why interesting in 2025?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Due to low savings rates, many investors are looking for returns through startups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many baby boomers want to invest in young people, provided it feels right.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip from CLANnetworks:<\/strong><br\/>Make sure your pitch is personal as well as profit-oriented. Investors often want impact as well as return &#8211; show that you offer both. <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finally, what is the best option for you?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best financing is not necessarily the one with the most money, but the one that best fits your <em>stage<\/em>, <em>vision<\/em> and <em>desire for freedom<\/em>.<br\/>Need little money? Then start with Qredits or friends\/family.<br\/>Want coaching to go with it? Look at Startup Accelerator or Starterslift.<br\/>Are you going all-in and want to grow faster? Then investors or grants are the route.   <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bonus: Checklist for your application<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your business plan on 1 A4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Financial forecast (also as a rough estimate)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why you are suitable as an entrepreneur<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What you will do with the money<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How and when you expect to make a profit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Need help? CLANnetworks is here to help! <\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At CLANnetworks, we have courses and coaches to help you refine your plan, improve your application and practice your pitch. Join our community and find out how other entrepreneurs have done it. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a startup, you are often full of ideas, motivation and energy &#8211; but not money. Yet funding is essential to make your plans a&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":4261,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_glsr_average":0,"_glsr_ranking":0,"_glsr_reviews":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4264","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/assets_task_01jz0ggt7gf7cb1d02sh31ks99_1751290324_img_0.webp","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/assets_task_01jz0ggt7gf7cb1d02sh31ks99_1751290324_img_0.webp",1536,1024,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/assets_task_01jz0ggt7gf7cb1d02sh31ks99_1751290324_img_0-150x150.webp",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/assets_task_01jz0ggt7gf7cb1d02sh31ks99_1751290324_img_0-300x200.webp",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/assets_task_01jz0ggt7gf7cb1d02sh31ks99_1751290324_img_0-768x512.webp",640,427,true],"large":["https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/assets_task_01jz0ggt7gf7cb1d02sh31ks99_1751290324_img_0-1024x683.webp",640,427,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/assets_task_01jz0ggt7gf7cb1d02sh31ks99_1751290324_img_0.webp",1536,1024,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/assets_task_01jz0ggt7gf7cb1d02sh31ks99_1751290324_img_0.webp",1536,1024,false],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/assets_task_01jz0ggt7gf7cb1d02sh31ks99_1751290324_img_0-624x416.webp",624,416,true],"mpcs-course-thumbnail":["https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/assets_task_01jz0ggt7gf7cb1d02sh31ks99_1751290324_img_0-600x400.webp",600,400,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"CLAN Networks","author_link":"https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/en\/author\/clan-networks-businesscoach\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"As a startup, you are often full of ideas, motivation and energy &#8211; but not money. Yet funding is essential to make your plans a&hellip;","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4264","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4264"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4264\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4271,"href":"https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4264\/revisions\/4271"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4261"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4264"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4264"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clannetworks.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4264"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}