I hardly ever come across entrepreneurs who ask me: 'Should I stop or continue my company?' Almost every entrepreneur would like to continue with his or her business, but is sometimes hindered in doing so. The question we then get is: 'How can I continue?'
It starts with recognizing that there is a problem and accepting help. Unfortunately, entrepreneurs who voluntarily ask for help do not do this until they really see no way out.
And then the possibilities to help are often very limited.
Many entrepreneurs report to MKB Doorstart with a financing question; money is needed. In a personal conversation with the entrepreneur, we try to get a picture of the situation to find out the real causes of the problem. If the problem is clear, we engage organizations, agencies or companies that can help the entrepreneur further.
Practice shows that extra money is not always the solution. And in some cases, providing only credit is not enough, but coaching and guidance are also required, for example. We are looking for the most suitable parties that the entrepreneur needs at that time: financing (including growth capital), legal services, business advice and / or coaching.
Solutions
High debts do not always have to mean the end of your company. There are many options for resolving debts. Sometimes applying for tax surcharges is sufficient. Or you can talk to creditors to make payment arrangements that can be met. It is also quite often possible to reach a settlement with creditors, whereby part of the claim is paid and the residual debt is remitted. Even full refinancing of debts is sometimes possible with the help of a credit from the municipality (the so-called Bbz scheme).
My advice to entrepreneurs is: ring the bell earlier! Seek help! Registering with SME Restart is a first step and costs you nothing. Our service is free.
Jeroen Koster, business manager at MKB Doorstart (www.mkbdoorstart.nl)