Entrepreneur Support Services
In Belgium, several regional and federal organisations can offer advice, support, funding and networking opportunities. They support you in starting or developing your business or in expanding it internationally.
Local support: your dedicated contact
There is a contact person available to assist you, no matter where your business is located. These organisations provide free information, personalised support, grants and connections to specialised partners.
Flemish Region
VLAIO supports Flemish entrepreneurs.
Contact them for support, grants and access to an extensive network of experts.
Brussels-Capital Region
hub.brussels supports entrepreneurs in the Brussels-Capital Region.
Contact them for personalised support and advice.
Walloon Region
1890 supports Walloon entrepreneurs.
Contact them for more information and a referral to the appropriate person in the business community.
Doing business internationally
Are you looking to expand into international markets, find partners abroad or attract investors? Each of the three regions has a specialised agency. They also provide access to the Enterprise Europe Network.
Flemish Region
Flanders Investment & Trade helps Flemish companies export and attract foreign investment, and welcomes foreign investors to Flanders.
Brussels-Capital Region
hub.brussels also supports Brussels-based companies in their internationalisation and welcomes foreign investors to the capital.
Walloon Region
The Wallonia Export & Investment Agency supports Walloon companies in their export activities and attracts foreign investment.
Enterprise Europe Network (EEN): additional support and advice
The EEN is a European network that helps SMEs with international ambitions:
- to find foreign partners
- to participate in European calls for tenders
- to establish innovation partnerships.
Entrepreneur networks and organisations
In addition to public organisations, private business associations can help you as an entrepreneur through networking, knowledge sharing, training and advocacy. Among the best-known examples are the UCM in Wallonia and Brussels, and the UNIZO in Flanders.
Almost every sector has its own federation or trade association that provides additional support. Check with your regional organisation to find the body that deals with your activity.
Are you looking for official regulations or economic statistics? The Federal Public Service Economy is the central federal source of information on business regulations in Belgium.
Frequently asked questions
Which organisation should I contact if I have just started my business?
It depends on your region: VLAIO (Flanders), hub.brussels (Brussels) or 1890 (Wallonia). They are the first point of contact to help guide you to the right partners.
Where can I receive free advice as an entrepreneur?
It depends on the region where you want to start your business. In Flanders, you can contact VLAIO; in Brussels, hub.brussels; and in Wallonia, 1890. These three organisations offer free, first-line advice to entrepreneurs, no matter what stage you are at: whether you have just started your business, want to expand or are facing a specific challenge. UNIZO (Flanders) and the UCM (Wallonia and Brussels) also offer basic support to their members. In the case of UNIZO, however, this service is not free and requires membership.
Can I also contact these organisations as a foreign entrepreneur?
Yes. Regional organisations are open to anyone who wants to start or grow a business in the region in question, regardless of nationality. For specific assistance regarding foreign investment in Belgium, you can also contact FIT, hub.brussels or AWEX.
Are there also any European programmes I can apply for?
Yes. The Enterprise Europe Network gives you access to European partnerships, calls for tenders and innovation programmes such as Horizon Europe. Contact your regional organisation for more information.
Oui. Grâce au réseau Enterprise Europe Network, vous avez accès à des partenariats européens, à des appels d'offres et à des programmes d'innovation tels qu'Horizon Europe. Contactez votre organisation régionale pour plus d'informations.