Business owners see applying for funding as a hurdle
A third do not go through with it
- 17 September 2026
- 1 min
- Press articles
Many business owners expect securing funding to be difficult. Entrepreneurs who actually need funding often get stuck in their search for a suitable form of financing. More than a third have even abandoned a funding application at some point because it was unclear how to go about it. This is according to new research by the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK.
Christiaan Hazelaar, business adviser at KVK: “Business owners nowadays have a very wide range of financing options to choose from. They often cannot make clear choices, and it is also unclear how the application process works.”
The survey also shows that nearly 50% of business owners find applying for finance hard. About 60% find it hard to work out which type of finance fits their situation or business plans. Finally, about 50% worry about the financial results of making the wrong choice.
Hazelaar: “Suppose an entrepreneur needs money. The first step is to find a provider who is able and willing to provide the funding. Once one has been found, the next challenge is how to submit a high-quality application to increase the chances of success.”
More than one third of business owners who need funding have, at some point, stopped a funding request because they did not know how to proceed or became stuck in the request process.
Business owners are mainly looking for clarity
The survey results show that entrepreneurs primarily need guidance when making financing decisions. Two-thirds of entrepreneurs state that an independent overview of financing options and providers helps them make better choices. Among business owners in need of financing, this proportion is even higher.
Business owners are not only looking for information about the available options, but also need insight into which form of financing best suits their situation and plans.
Financing Guide
Hazelaar: “KVK helps these business owners with the Financing Guide. This tool lets them compare financing options, understand the differences, and make a choice that suits their investment. A business owner who then seeks help in drawing up a financing application can always contact KVK’s financing specialists. We are happy to offer advice and can provide a realistic view of feasibility.”