The Bbz scheme (Decree on Welfare Provision for Self-Employed Persons) supports self-employed entrepreneurs in Leiden who are experiencing financial problems. This can be in the form of a benefit for living expenses or a loan for your business.
What does the Bbz scheme entail?
The Bbz is intended for self-employed individuals in Leiden who temporarily have insufficient income to live on. The scheme offers various options:
- A temporary benefit for living expenses
- A loan for working capital with interest
- A credit facility for starting entrepreneurs
Who is eligible for Bbz in Leiden?
| Target Group | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Experienced self-employed | At least 1,225 hours per year active, business must be viable |
| Starting entrepreneurs | Within 36 months after establishment, with a feasible business plan |
| Self-employed aged 55+ | Who wish to cease their business (alternative: IOAZ scheme) |
| Self-employed ceasing operations | Who are in financial distress |
Bbz benefit for living expenses in Leiden
If your income temporarily falls below the social minimum:
- You receive a supplement up to the welfare norm
- Initially provided as a loan
- At the end of the year, a final settlement follows
- Any overpaid amount must be repaid
- Any underpaid amount will be reassessed
Working capital via Bbz
A loan for essential investments in your business:
- Maximum €212,954 (as of 2024)
- Interest rate: 8% per year
- Repayment term: maximum 10 years
- Business must have future prospects
How to apply for Bbz in Leiden?
The application for Bbz is submitted to the municipality of Leiden. Ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Business plan or recent annual accounts
- Financial projections for the coming year
- Overview of both business and personal finances
Frequently asked questions about Bbz in Leiden
Is the Bbz benefit provided as a gift or a loan?
The living expenses benefit starts as a loan. After the year, it is determined whether it becomes a gift or whether you must repay (part of) it, depending on your income.
Can starting entrepreneurs apply for Bbz?
Yes, within 36 months after starting your business, you can apply for Bbz in Leiden, provided you have a solid business plan demonstrating viability.
What does a 'viable' business mean?
A business is considered viable if it can generate sufficient income in the short term to support the entrepreneur.
Additional information about Bbz in Leiden
For legal support, you can contact the Juridisch Loket Leiden, located at Stationsweg 46. For matters coming before the court, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location, has jurisdiction.