Here's what most restaurant owners don't realize: the government will back 80% of your business loan through the BMKB scheme. Banks typically avoid hospitality because they see restaurants as high-risk investments. But with the SME Guarantee Loan, you can access financing that would otherwise be impossible to secure.
What is the SME Guarantee Loan?
The BMKB works like a safety net for banks - the government promises to cover 80% of losses if your restaurant fails. Banks suddenly become willing to lend because their risk drops dramatically.
- Government backs 80% of your loan amount
- You're still responsible for 100% repayment
- Bank gains security, you gain access to capital
- You pay 2% annually on outstanding balance for this guarantee
What amounts and purposes can you use BMKB for?
The scheme has specific limits and strict rules about approved uses.
💡 Example BMKB application:
Restaurant De Smulhoek wants to expand with a terrace:
- Total investment: €150,000
- Own money: €30,000 (20%)
- BMKB loan: €120,000 (80%)
- Guarantee costs: €2,400 per year (2% of €120,000)
Bank provides loan because government guarantees €96,000
Loan limits and requirements:
- Minimum: €25,000
- Maximum: €1,500,000
- Government covers maximum 80%
- You contribute minimum 20% upfront
Approved spending categories:
- Restaurant acquisition
- Kitchen renovation and setup
- Equipment purchases (ovens, refrigeration, POS systems)
- Business expansion projects
- Commercial vehicles for catering operations
- Working capital (capped at 25% of total loan)
⚠️ Important:
BMKB can't refinance existing debt or fund profit distributions. Funds must support new investments that genuinely strengthen your operations.
Conditions for BMKB in hospitality
Meeting eligibility requirements is one of the most common blind spots in kitchen management - many owners assume they qualify without checking the fine print.
Business requirements:
- Under 250 staff members
- Annual revenue below €50 million OR total assets under €43 million
- Minimum 2-year operating history (waived for restaurant acquisitions)
- Clean tax record
- No active insolvency proceedings
Owner qualifications:
- Clean credit history (no BKR flags)
- Proven hospitality background or relevant education
- Solid business plan with realistic projections
- Willingness to provide personal guarantees
Which banks provide BMKB loans?
You can't walk into any bank and request BMKB financing. Only participating lenders offer this program.
Major participating banks:
- ABN AMRO
- ING
- Rabobank
- SNS Bank
- ASN Bank
Regional and specialty lenders:
- RegioBank
- Triodos Bank
- Van Lanschot
- Local community banks
💡 Smart approach:
Rabobank has deep hospitality expertise and understands restaurant cash flows. ING and ABN AMRO often compete on rates. Always compare offers from multiple lenders.
Costs of BMKB for restaurants
This financing isn't free - you'll pay both government fees and standard banking charges.
Government guarantee fees:
- 2.0% annually on remaining balance
- Monthly deductions
- Reduces as you pay down principal
- €500 one-time processing fee
Additional bank charges:
- Interest rates: 3.5% to 6.5% (varies by lender and risk profile)
- Origination fees: €1,500 to €3,000
- Property appraisal: €1,000 to €2,500
- Legal documentation: €500 to €1,500
💡 Real numbers:
€200,000 BMKB loan for kitchen renovation:
- Bank interest: €8,000 annually (4%)
- Guarantee fee: €4,000 annually (2%)
- First-year total: €12,000 (6% of €200,000)
- Setup expenses: €3,000 to €5,000
Monthly payment with 10-year term: roughly €2,200
Alternative financing for hospitality
BMKB isn't your only path forward. Other options might suit your timeline or situation better.
Alternative funding sources:
- Private lenders: Quick approval but costly (8-12% rates)
- Crowdfunding platforms: Great for unique concepts with compelling stories
- Equipment financing: Spreads costs but typically more expensive
- Personal networks: Affordable but potentially damages relationships
- Grant programs: Free capital but limited availability
⚠️ Reality check:
BMKB offers the cheapest money but demands patience and paperwork. Need cash fast? Private financing might be your only realistic option despite higher costs.
How do you apply for BMKB? (step by step)
Create a solid business plan
Write a realistic business plan with market analysis, financial forecasts for 3 years, and clear investment budget. Banks critically assess whether your plan is feasible.
Gather all required documents
You need: annual accounts (2 years), VAT returns, Chamber of Commerce extract, ID copy, business plan, and supplier quotes. Make sure everything is complete before you go to the bank.
Submit application to BMKB bank
Go to a bank that provides BMKB and submit your application. The bank assesses your plan and requests guarantee from the government. Processing time is usually 6-12 weeks.
✨ Pro tip
Submit your BMKB application during Q1 or Q2 when banks have fresh lending quotas and more bandwidth. Avoid year-end applications when approval processes slow down significantly.
Calculate this yourself?
In the KitchenNmbrs app you can do this in just a few clicks. 7 days free, no credit card.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I get BMKB for a new restaurant without prior experience?
You need relevant hospitality experience or a credible partner with industry background. Strong business planning and substantial equity (minimum 20%) become even more critical without experience.
What happens if I default on my BMKB loan?
You remain fully liable for the entire loan amount despite government backing. Banks can pursue your personal assets and business collateral. The guarantee only protects the lender, never the borrower.
How long does BMKB approval typically take?
Expect 6-12 weeks from complete application submission. Complex projects or incomplete documentation can extend this timeline. Plan for at least 2 months minimum.
Can I use BMKB funds for seasonal working capital needs?
Working capital is allowed but capped at 25% of your total loan. The majority must fund tangible investments like equipment or renovations. Pure working capital loans don't qualify for BMKB.
What documentation do banks require for BMKB applications?
You'll need 3 years of financial statements, detailed business plan, cash flow projections, and personal financial disclosure. Banks also require property valuations and equipment appraisals for collateral assessment.
Can I refinance existing debt through BMKB?
No, BMKB explicitly prohibits debt consolidation or refinancing existing obligations. All funds must support new investments that demonstrably strengthen your business operations.
Are there industry-specific BMKB requirements for restaurants?
Restaurants face standard BMKB criteria but banks scrutinize cash flow patterns more carefully due to industry volatility. Some lenders require additional hospitality insurance or seasonal cash reserves.
📚 Sources consulted
- EU Verordening 852/2004 — Levensmiddelenhygiëne (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 853/2004 — Hygiënevoorschriften voor levensmiddelen van dierlijke oorsprong (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 1169/2011 — Voedselinformatie aan consumenten (2011) — Official source
- NVWA — Hygiënecode voor de horeca (2024) — Official source
- NVWA — Allergenen in voedsel (2024) — Official source
- Codex Alimentarius — International Food Standards (2024) — Official source
- FSA — Safer food, better business (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- BVL — Lebensmittelhygiene (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- Warenwetbesluit Bereiding en behandeling van levensmiddelen (2024) — Official source
- WHO — Foodborne diseases estimates (2024) — Official source
Food Standards Agency (FSA) — https://www.food.gov.uk
The HACCP standards shown in this application are for informational purposes only. KitchenNmbrs does not guarantee that displayed values are current or complete. Always consult the FSA or your local authority for the latest regulations.
Written by
Jeffrey Smit
Founder & CEO of KitchenNmbrs
Jeffrey Smit built KitchenNmbrs from 8 years of hands-on experience as kitchen manager at 1NUL8 Group in Rotterdam. His mission: give every restaurant owner control over food cost.
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