You have 5 seconds to introduce your business. Ready?
Pompon is a restaurant and lunch/brunch catering service. All our preparations are homemade, using seasonal products that are often organic.
Why the Proxi Loan?
It immediately seemed like a great solution to us—a real win-win!
There are often people who are willing to invest in businesses. With the Proxi Loan, everything is well structured, and there are benefits for both parties. Together, we define the interest rate, and lenders benefit from a tax reduction.
How do you talk about the Proxi Loan with people close to you?
We talked about it right away. Not specifically to look for Proxi Loans, but simply to let people know that it existed.
Several people told us they were interested, including a friend who mentioned it to us several times. She had money sitting in the bank and thought it would be great to invest it in a project.
What appealed to your friend?
The security.
We’re friends, and we didn’t want to risk damaging our friendship over a loan. Here, if there is a problem—if we can no longer repay the loan or if we have to close the business—it is already clearly regulated and structured. Everything is transparent.
What did you finance with your Proxi Loan?
We took out a relatively small loan to purchase kitchen equipment, such as a large food processor for pastry-making, stainless-steel tables, and similar items.
Would you recommend the Proxi Loan?
Absolutely!
In the hospitality sector, it is often difficult to obtain a bank loan, and the Proxi Loan is an excellent alternative. It can also help pave the way for larger funding contributions.
And it is simple: we meet, agree on the terms, complete the contract, she makes the transfer, and that’s it!
It is a major time saver, especially for smaller amounts.
A final word?
The Brussels Region provides a lot of support. There are many organisations and people available to advise entrepreneurs.
If the project is solid and you are motivated, it is possible to find the funding you need!
With the Proxi Loan, it is your friends and family who finance your project! Easy, fast, and backed by a guarantee from the Brussels-Capital Region.
Discover the story of Valentine, co-manager of Pompon Brunch, a restaurant located in Ixelles.
