Enterprises established in the Brussels-Capital Region can, under certain conditions be eligible for: 

» Investment grants

Investments that are necessary for the professional activity of the enterprise and that are carried out in the Brussels-Capital Region are eligible for subsidies.

The amount of the grant depends on the size of the enterprise, the location of the business (in- or outside development zone) and some specific objectives (employment, new enterprise,…).

The investment must be recorded on the asset side of enterprise’s balance sheet. However, the investment must be in excess of

•  15.000 EUR exc. VAT for micro-enterprises ;
•  30.000 EUR exc. VAT for small enterprises ;
•  100.000 EUR exc. VAT for medium-sized enterprises.

Subsidies can be applied for, among other things, the following investments:

• Investments in land and buildings
• Investments in equipment and furniture

Intangible investments (intellectual rights, and research into or the development of new procedures)


» Financial contributions for studies and consultancy

In certain cases a grant is available for studies with an economic, technical or financial character. These studies must be carried out by external consultants with at least two years experience. The Brussels-Capital Region will bear half the cost of the total amount, up to a maximum of 25.000 € per study.

In addition, an enterprise can apply for premiums for management consulting. The purpose of this management consulting must be to enlarge the enterprise, and not related to the day-to-day or normal management of the enterprise. The consulting advice must be given by an external consultant having at least two years experience. The maximum contribution by the Brussels-Capital Region is 25.000 EUR.

» Financial aid for specific investments

Whatever the size of the enterprise, a grant can be gobtained for investments aiming at:

• rational energy use
• water saving conservation
• raw material saving conservation
• environmental protection
• adaptation to European standards (apart from environmental standards)

Such investments must be directly related to the production process or provision of services and must involve a minimum admissible amount of 6.200 €.


» Grants for research and development

Companies can receive subsidies for their R&D activities from the Brussels-Capital Region.

• Financing of industrial research
  Any promoter wishing to carry out an industrial research project can obtain a subsidy of up to 50% of the eligible expenses attached to the execution of the project.
  This percentage can be increased for SMEs.
  
• Financing of pre-competition development
  Any promoter wishing to carry out a pre-competition development programme may obtain financial assistance from the government, in the form of:
• a subsidy of up to 25% of the eligible expenses linked to the execution of the project.
• a reimbursable advance of up to 40% of these expenses. This advance must be repaid in full if and when the beneficiary project successfully reaches the commercial stage.
  These rates can be increased for SMEs.
  

» Grants for export

Under certain conditions, small and medium sized companies can obtain financial incentives to help them pay for business trips, to take part in international trade fairs, to produce export promotion materials, to appeal to foreign trade consultants, export training programs,etc.
 
» Employment incentives

In addition to federal measures that allow for a reduction of social security contributions during a certain period of time, employers can also obtain grants grom the Brussels-Capital Region.


» Training aid

An enterprise can also obtain a contribution for training activities organised for their staff or management. The contribution from the Region amounts to 50% of the price, with a maximum of 7.500 EUR per training activity.

Enterprises that wish for their staff t take language courses (the choice of teaching institution is free) can receive a subsidy amounting to 50% of the costs, excluding incidentals (accommodation, travel, etc.). Support available is limited to 7.500 EUR.

In order to help identify the measures which apply specifically to your enterprise, the Brussels Enterprise Agency has developed EcoSubsiBru, a database for enterprises located in the Brussels-Capital Region. This interactive site gives information on financial grants for which you may be eligible. You may examine all possibilities with a BEA counselour. Feel free to make an appointment.