Being sustainable to obtain finance

The sustainability of companies is increasingly becoming one of the main considerations for many investors. This applies to both public and private investors. These days, everyone knows that this is crucial for the future, as the economy is a key driver for optimising the consumption of our natural resources. It's also fertile ground for economic opportunity and innovation.

In this context, the Brussels Region has decided to comprehensively invest in the transition of Brussels companies. The Brussels Region currently offers a range of specific solutions to support companies in their transition towards enhanced environmental and social sustainability. What is more, from spring 2024, companies that meet exemplary social and/or environmental criteria will be eligible for increased bonuses. From 2030, these will be the only companies eligible for regional aid.

Absolutely essential for all types of financing: public and private!

The objectives of the transition are not unique to Brussels, they are a European obligation. By 2050, the objective is for the economies of EU Member States to be completely carbon-free. This therefore also has an impact on private financing. Under the European CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), companies are encouraged to publish reports on their sustainable practices, thereby valorising their environmental, social and governance impact. This is crucial in order to benefit from support from the banks - from 2024 for large companies and 2030 for VSEs and SMEs.

Financing for the economic transition in the Brussels Region

Calls for projects, bonuses, grants, crowdfunding, equity stakes, loans, etc. there is a wide range of financing solutions, and this is also the case for financing for the economic transition. Whether you are in the creation, start-up or growth phase, self-employed or a company, there are a variety of financing options specifically adapted to support your (future) business in its transition to sustainability.

To give you a clearer picture of the various sources of sustainable financing in the Brussels Region, we have grouped them into 4 categories:

1. Subsidies

There are various types of subsidies:

• Structural bonuses, which companies can apply for at any time of the year, subject to eligibility conditions.
• Calls for projects, which are granted on the basis of an application, which must be submitted within a specified period. A selection is then made.

See a summary of these subsidies

2. Public funds: loans and equity stakes

The mission of public funds is to make the financing chain complete and provide specific solutions to the financial needs of Brussels business owners, including their sustainable transformation. The proposed solutions may be loans or equity stakes.

See a summary of these public funds

3. Private funds: loans and equity stakes

Text available soon.

4. Citizen financing

Citizen financing can take the form of donations, capital or loans.