You do not make enough money

  • Frances Gallimore
  • The choice
  • 5 January 2026
  • 2 min
  • Ending and deregistration

You work hard, but you are struggling to make ends meet. Or your diary remains empty, while the bills are piling up. Are you unsure whether to continue or close your business? This happens to many business owners. Read this article to find out what you can do to become profitable again or make a different choice that suits you better. 

Do these statements reflect your situation?

  • The costs are often higher than your income.
  • You are behind with payment that you cannot easily pay off.
  • The number of customers and orders is going down.
  • You wonder what you are doing wrong, because you work hard.

> Back to Continue or end your business

What are your options?

Read what you could do.

1. Determine whether you can make a living from your business if you continue as you are.

Calculate whether your business can earn enough money in the long term to pay your bills and make a profit. Determine what makes your business financially strong or weak: do you need to reduce costs, increase your hourly rate, adjust your revenue model, or seek financing?
> Determine the viability of your business


2. Change your revenue model 


Consider other or additional revenue models that will earn you more money, such as providing training for businesses or offering a subscription model in addition to payment per assignment or product.
> Change your revenue model 

3. Take a paid job to earn extra income

Find a temporary or part-time permanent job alongside your business so that you can earn extra money quickly. This will give you the financial freedom to continue doing business.

> Self-employed professionals in paid employment

4. Find new ways to get customers 


Get started with acquiring new customers and assignments. Even if acquisition or marketing is not your thing, you can sell your product or service in a way that suits you.
> Help with finding customers

5. Solve your debts

Make a list of all your debts and find out what options are available to pay them off step by step. For example, with savings, a loan from family, or debt assistance from your municipality.
> Step-by-step plan: dealing with debts

6. End your business


You decide that closing your business is the best solution for you. Use the Close your business checklist and go through the steps you need to take before you can deregister, such as sorting out your finances and settling your debts.
> Checklist for closing your business

Requesting a payment arrangement or deferral from the Netherlands Tax Administration

Did you receive a tax assessment, and are you unable to pay in time? Take action now and avoid a fine. Check with the Netherlands Tax Administration whether you can apply for a payment arrangement or deferral. 

How do you make a choice? 

Take a step-by-step look at what suits you best: make changes or stop.

  • Investigate why you are not (yet) making a profit. Does it make sense for you to work on this? 
  • Do not just think about money, but also about energy. Does your business still give you satisfaction or mainly stress?
  • Discuss your situation with a friend, your accountant, or a KVK business adviser.

Want to discuss your situation?

Every situation is different. That is why our business advisers are happy to think along with you.

  • Our advice is always free.
  • You can reach us on weekdays from 8:30 to 17:00.
  • Our advisers know how a business works and provide personalised advice.

Call the KVK Advice team

 

 

Pros and cons

We have listed some pros and cons for you:

 ContinueStop 
Advantages

You can continue to develop and improve.

You can become profitable.

You know for sure that you have tried everything to succeed.

You will regain financial and mental peace of mind and clarity.

You will prevent your debts from increasing further.

You will create space for new opportunities.

DisadvantagesThe financial pressure and stress remain.
Risk of even more debt.
Uncertainty takes a lot of energy.		It feels like loss or personal failure.
Loss of customers and brand awareness.
You may no longer be your own boss.

 

 

FAQ on closing your business

Have you received a tax assessment and are unable to pay it on time? Take immediate action to avoid penalties. Check with the Netherlands Tax Administration to see if you are eligible for a payment plan or deferral.

It is not possible to put your business on hold. Sometimes you may have to stop your business temporarily. For example, for a study, a (temporary) job, or to travel. Read what you need to arrange depending on your situation. 

Read about everything you need to arrange in the Ending your business checklist.

No, deregistering from KVK is free of charge.

Also of interest