Renewed system for SME growth subsidy

As part of the Flemish relance plan, the Flemish Government has adjusted the SME growth subsidy. The focus is now on targeted measures to support the economic recovery. We will summarise the most important changes below.

News

14 January 2021

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The SME growth subsidy is meant to support companies wishing to explore new markets or wanting to launch new products in the market. By better aligning the subsidy with relevant challenges in our current society, the Flemish government aims to support companies in a more targeted way and encourage them to break new ground.

Thematic approach

In the new system, SMEs can submit a file if the proposed growth process corresponds to one or multiple of the policy topics below:

digitisation;
internationalisation;
innovation; and/or
circular & sustainable entrepreneurship.
Submission procedure

Submission procedure

The procedure to submit files has also changed. Companies can no longer submit files all year round. Each year, the Flemish government will launch a number of calls on certain topics. 3 such thematic calls have been planned for 2021:

1/3-30/4: topics of internationalisation and digitisation;
1/7-31/8: topics of internationalisation, digitisation and sustainable & circular entrepreneurship;
1/11-31/12: topics of internationalisation, digitisation, sustainable & circular entrepreneurship and innovation

New possibilities

The original SME growth subsidy could only be used to get advice or recruit extra staff. Companies can now also submit files to receive financial support for changes in their internal organisation that are in line with the above-mentioned policy priorities.