Support for internationalisation

Venturing into a foreign market, whether it is related to exports or investments, inevitably involves risks. However, it is essential that companies have a certain striking force at the international level. Remember that you may be able to make use of the following tools.

Subsidies

The Brussels-Capital region grants a series of subsidies to Brussels SMEs wanting to venture beyond the national borders. For example, did you know that in some cases you can receive a subsidy for a prospecting trip? Did you know that the Brussels-Capital region can help with the costs of exhibiting at a trade show abroad? Or did you know that you can receive financial help for creating an export-related brochure or website? Discover all of these export subsidies in the "Subsidies" section of this website.

Funding

Finance.brussels offers funding to Brussels SMEs that already active in export and that want to begin export activities or to set up abroad. There may also be funding for prospecting activities, for international expansion, or even for setting up abroad.

Coaching

hub.brussels

In addition, the Brussels-Capital region has an institution focused specifically on support for Brussels companies wanting to become international: hub.brussels. This institution offers a range of services which are completely free :

Network of economic and commercial attachés

Eighty-four economic and commercial attachés, distributed over every continent, offer SMEs free support on the markets by indicating the local partners or potential customers and by providing access to local authorities.

Promotional activities for Brussels companies

Each year, hub.brussels carries out roughly one hundred economic actions abroad. Sector-based or multi-sector trade missions, contact days, invitations for buyers and decision-makers, group stands at international fairs, etc. In short, a range of concrete actions to increase the impact of Brussels companies abroad.

Support for export projects

In order to give companies with export plans the best chance of success, the economic attachés of hub.brussels analyze plans, work with companies to develop an export development plan, and support them in their search for commercial, legal or regulatory information (export procedure, customs rates, etc.). They also inform companies of the different export funding possibilities.

ENTERPRISE EUROPE NETWORK - EEN NETWORK

The Enterprise Europe Brussels network brings together hub.brussels and BECI (Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industry). Together, they inform Brussels SMEs and researchers about European funding for research & innovation and European regulations, and also offer a personalised service for finding international technological or commercial partnerships, through dedicated platforms and specialised events.
The network is present in over 60 countries worldwide. It brings together 3000 experts from over 600 member organisations.