BMKB-Groen: a guide for businesses
Direct answer
BMKB-Groen is the green window of the Dutch SME credit guarantee scheme (Borgstelling MKB-kredieten): the government partly guarantees a loan that an SME uses to finance sustainability investments. Because the state carries part of the risk, a bank or other financier can extend credit sooner to businesses with limited collateral. You do not apply yourself; the participating financier arranges the guarantee.
- Clear definition
- Data-driven assessment
- Risks and opportunities visible
- Practical next steps
BMKB-Groen: scattered information versus Energy Intelligence
Sustainability upgrades often require a substantial upfront investment, while smaller businesses tend to lack the collateral needed to secure such a loan. Picture a bakery that wants electric ovens and solar panels: the plan is sound, but the bank asks for security the business cannot offer. The green window of the Dutch credit guarantee scheme exists for exactly that situation. The Ministry of Economic Affairs takes over part of the financing risk, so sustainability plans do not fail for lack of collateral.
- Through BMKB-Groen the government partly guarantees the loan, so a financier is more willing to fund sustainability investments even when collateral is limited.
- The scheme targets SMEs; if you invest in business assets, they must be listed on the Energy List of the Dutch energy investment allowance (EIA).
- Applications always run through a bank or other financier participating in the BMKB scheme; the current conditions and end date are published by RVO.
Insight
Traditional approach
Information is scattered across portals, documents, invoices or separate spreadsheets.
Modern approach
Data, context and interpretation are brought together into a clear decision picture.
Decision-making
Traditional approach
Choices are made based on averages, assumptions or occasional analyses.
Modern approach
Scenarios, KPIs and current measurement data make the trade-off more concrete and repeatable.
Follow-up
Traditional approach
Actions often stay non-committal or disappear into separate reports.
Modern approach
Follow-up actions, monitoring and reporting are linked to the same energy data.
How does a guarantee-backed loan work?
A guarantee-backed loan is an ordinary business loan with an extra layer of security behind it. If your business applies for credit but has too little collateral, such as buildings or machinery, the Dutch government guarantees part of the loan. If your business is unexpectedly unable to repay, the state absorbs part of the financier's loss. That makes a bank more willing to lend. For you, the essence does not change: you borrow money, you pay interest and you repay the full amount. On top of that, you pay a fee for the guarantee. The fee level and the exact coverage are published by RVO and may change over time.
- The government covers part of the financier's risk.
- You remain fully responsible for repaying the loan in full.
- The financier may ask for additional security, such as a personal guarantee.
- A guarantee fee applies; current rates are published by RVO.
What and who is BMKB-Groen intended for?
BMKB-Groen, also written as BMKB-G, focuses on sustainability investments by SMEs. Think of energy-efficient business assets, on-site renewable generation or making a business premises more energy efficient. If you invest in business assets, they must be listed on the Energy List of the Dutch energy investment allowance (EIA). Investments in the building itself carry requirements, for example that the property achieves at least a specified energy label after the work. The scheme is open to SMEs established in the Netherlands or in the Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba). The full conditions are published by RVO and may change over time, so check them before entering a financing conversation.
- Intended for sustainability investments: energy-efficient business assets, renewable generation and a more efficient business premises.
- Business assets must be listed on the Energy List of the EIA.
- Open to SMEs in the Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands.
- The current conditions are published by RVO and may change.
How does the application work and what can you do yourself?
You do not apply for BMKB-Groen yourself at RVO. You submit a financing request to a bank or other financier participating in the BMKB scheme. The financier assesses your plan and, if it fits, applies for the guarantee with the government. Not every financier uses the green window in the same way, so ask about it explicitly. Prepare a well-founded sustainability plan covering the investments, the expected energy savings and the payback logic. Also check whether tax schemes such as the EIA can be used alongside the loan; that strengthens the business case towards the financier. The scheme has an end date, so verify its current status with RVO before you start.
- The financier applies for the guarantee, not the business owner.
- Ask your bank explicitly about the green window of the BMKB.
- Support your request with a concrete sustainability and investment plan.
- Explore combinations with tax schemes such as the EIA.
- Check the current term and conditions with RVO.
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