A business loan is a traditional form of short- or long-term credit used to finance purchases or investments for your company. Even though it’s a business loan, the credit amount always aligns with your personal financial situation and capacity.
The benefit of this type of financing is that there are many options available for entrepreneurs, such as:
Find the best financing for your project with our Business Credit Finder.
Specify what you need the loan for and how much you want to borrow, and discover the suitable credit options for you.
For more advice on filing a loan application for your business, click here.
"},"title":"No more doubt about financing your business"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Financing through crowdfunding"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Crowdfunding, also known as participatory financing, is an alternative source of funding where multiple investors, individuals, or companies help bring your project to life by raising smaller amounts of money through donations or investments.
Crowdfunding is a broad concept that typically includes various types of financing, depending on the chosen platform:
A subsidy is a financial contribution provided by a government, public institution, nonprofit organization, or other entity. Any company, from small to medium-sized enterprises, can apply for subsidies under certain conditions at various levels (European, federal, regional, etc.). This type of financing can take different forms, including direct financial contributions, tax benefits, interest discounts, free or subsidized goods or services, and more.
There are many support measures available for startups to finance their businesses. For companies based in Brussels, the hub.brussels website offers comprehensive information and guidance on all available subsidies and financing measures. Similarly, businesses located in Wallonia can turn to Wallonie Entreprendre for a detailed overview of financial support options and resources. On the VLAIO website, you can find a handy overview of all possible subsidies and financing measures in Flanders. Each subsidy often serves a specific purpose. For example, you can apply for subsidies for sustainable business practices, digitalization, innovation, employment, training, and much more.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Other financing options"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"In addition to the previously mentioned types of financing, there are several other lesser-known methods to fund your business.
• Equity financing: involves investors putting money into a company in exchange for ownership interests, such as shares or participation certificates. This form of financing provides capital without the obligation of repayment, but it means that investors may have a share in the profits and a say in business operations.
• Leasing: another common form of financing, where a business leases an asset instead of purchasing it outright. This can range from real estate and vehicles to equipment and technology. Leasing offers flexibility by giving your company access to assets without bearing the full purchase cost, though it often involves higher long-term costs compared to direct purchase.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"Discover the ING Starters Package, full of benefits for everything self-employed and companies need!
"},"title":"Launch your company with confidence"}]},"hasMacro":false,"id":"9e4342e0-04e3-4114-9396-8e9c9b288359","legalZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"This article is for informative purposes only and the information set out herein may change with time. We therefore recommend that you always reference specific regulations and requirements with the competent authorities for the latest information. Additionally, we advise that you seek professional advice on a case-by-case basis before making any decisions. Please note that ING Belgium SA/NV cannot be held liable for any decision taken on the basis of the information provided.
"},"title":"Disclaimer"}]},"localeString":"en-GB","mainHeaderZone":{"backLink":{"textLink":{"text":"Starting your business","url":"/en/business/starters"}},"componentType":"productHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"Securing funding for your own business is crucial when you’re starting out as an entrepreneur. While you're likely aware that a business loan can supplement your own capital, there are many other financing options that you should consider.\r\nFrom crowdfunding to grants, there are numerous ways to finance your business. In this article, we give you an overview of possible financing options, helping you determine which one best fits your business needs.","title":"Financing options for your business: an overview"}},"publishDate":"2026-01-29T11:56:32.401+01:00"}}