Business start-up support in Belgium
~ 9 MIN · 3 REGIONS · TAKEOVER · FAQ
Belgium offers a dense ecosystem of regional support: grants, zero-interest loans, advisory vouchers, free coaching. Here is the overview, by region.
Not sure which ones apply to you?
The free Foundera diagnostic spots the support suited to your region and stage in 5 minutes.
Brussels
In Brussels, your first stop is the free 1819 information service, which points you to the support, funding and coaching suited to your project.
1819
Free information service for Brussels entrepreneurs: advice and referral to the right contacts.
hub.brussels
Regional agency: coaching, funding, internationalisation.
Brusoc / finance&invest.brussels
Open Up programme (Brusoc): funding up to €30,000 to start out as self-employed.
Bruxell'air premium
Sustainable mobility support for self-employed people who hand in their number plate.
Wallonia
In Wallonia, Wallonie Entreprendre centralises public funding for starters and SMEs, and the SAACE (self-employment support structures) coach project owners.
Wallonie Entreprendre (formerly SOWALFIN)
Kick-start loans, guarantees, microcredit, coaching.
Airbag premium (Forem)
Up to €12,500, paid in 4 instalments over 2 years, to leave employment and become self-employed.
Business vouchers (chèques entreprises)
Grants for advice, training, digital transition, growth.
ST'ART invest
Dedicated funding for cultural and creative industries.
Flanders
In Flanders, VLAIO is the entry point for grants and coaching, and PMV for starter loans.
VLAIO
Flemish agency: grants, coaching, innovation, international.
Startlening (PMV)
Subordinated loan up to €100,000 (fixed rate, currently 3%) for starters active for at most 4 years.
Winwinlening
Loan from friends or family with a tax benefit for the lender.
KMO-portefeuille (SME wallet)
30% subsidy (small businesses) on training, and on digitalisation/cybersecurity advice since February 2026; cap €7,500/year.
Federal and cross-cutting support
- Tax shelter for starters — tax reduction of up to 45% for anyone investing in a Belgian start-up.
- Exemption from social contributions — possible in year 1 if income is very low.
- Springboard to self-employment (ONEM/RVA) — jobseekers who start out keep part of their benefits for 12 months.
- Proxi loan / Winwinlening — loan from friends or family with a tax benefit for the lender.
To explore all support by profile and region, open our directory of Belgian support (filters by stage, sector, region). For the formalities: becoming self-employed and where to start.
Support for taking over a business
Taking over an existing company is an alternative to starting from scratch. The regions also support buyers.
Wallonie Entreprendre — business transfer
Support for business transfers and funding to buy an existing company.
hub.brussels & finance&invest.brussels
In Brussels: guidance for buyers and funding for SME takeovers.
VLAIO — bedrijfsoverdracht
In Flanders: information and coaching to take over or sell a business.
Loans and guarantees
Regional loans and bank guarantees can often fund a takeover: check against your case.
Support organisations
Enterprise counters
CBE registration, enterprise number, access to the profession.
SAACE (Wallonia)
Approved structures that support you in creating your own job.
microStart & Crédal
Microcredit and coaching for those who can't get a standard bank loan.
Réseau Entreprendre
Mentoring by experienced business owners and interest-free honour loans.
UCM & UNIZO
Self-employed organisations: advice, services for entrepreneurs, advocacy.
Accountant or chartered accountant
Essential to choose your status and build your financial plan.
Foundera tells you which contact to reach out to at the right time: start your diagnostic.
Frequently asked questions
What support is there to start a business in Wallonia?
The main ones are Wallonie Entreprendre funding (loans, guarantees, microcredit), the Airbag premium to become self-employed, business vouchers for advice and training, and coaching from the SAACE.
What support is there to start a business in Brussels?
Start with 1819, the free information service. hub.brussels supports projects and finance&invest.brussels (including Brusoc) offers microcredit and loans.
What support is there to start a business in Flanders?
VLAIO manages grants and coaching (including the KMO-portefeuille). PMV offers the Startlening, and the Winwinlening allows a tax-advantaged loan from friends or family.
Is there support for taking over a business?
Yes. Each region supports business transfers (Wallonie Entreprendre, hub.brussels, VLAIO) and several regional loans can fund a takeover.
Can I combine several types of support?
Often yes, between federal and regional support, but some cannot be combined. Check the conditions with the organisation before applying.
Who can coach me for free?
1819 in Brussels, the SAACE in Wallonia, VLAIO in Flanders, and depending on your situation Réseau Entreprendre, microStart or Crédal.
Which support is right for YOU?
The Foundera diagnostic identifies the support suited to your profile in 5 minutes.
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