Selling or taking over a business can be expensive in terms of expert fees. Depending on the situation, the seller/buyer will require a lawyer, a valuation expert, a negotiation expert, etc. As a buyer or seller of a business, you can apply for regional subsidies to cover part of the costs of professional assistance.
Brussels Economy & Employment has introduced three financial aids to help offset these costs. These aids are generally available for a one-time issue, i.e. for the exceptional intervention of an expert.
We should note that this aid will never subsidise the purchase of shares in a company.
Lastly, applicants must always submit the application form for each grant before incurring the expense, which will only be potentially eligible from the date BEE acknowledges receipt.
1. Business launch grant (in pre-activity)
For whom?
Individuals seeking consultancy for business acquisition can apply for a launch assistance grant.
The buyer must meet the following conditions:
- Not have a company number, not have been self-employed in the last 3 years, and have a concrete acquisition project
- Have a financial plan detailing the planned funding for the acquisition
- Have a development strategy for the target company
- Have a minimum 6-month support agreement with hub.brussels, a local economy office, or an approved activity cooperative (JobYourself or BatiCrea)
The consultant must:
- Have the provision of the relevant consultancy services as their main activity
- Be specialized in the relevant field
- Have been engaged in consultancy for at least 2 years
- Be able to demonstrate appreciable competence based on references and practical experience
- Be independent or operate through an activity cooperative
- Invoice you directly (or via a billing service)
For what?
Expenses related to the acquisition of a company:
- Legal, fiscal, economic, and organizational preparation of the acquisition
or - Company diagnosis aimed at valuing the company to be acquired
How much?
Reimbursement of 60% of eligible expenses with a maximum of EUR 7,500 per acquisition project.
2. Grant Transfer/Acquisition
For whom?
This aid targets micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises operating in specific eligible sectors and situated in the Brussels-Capital Region (where the acquiring company has its operational headquarters). The acquirer must already have a company number.
For what?
The consultancy grant aims at:
- Preparing legally, fiscally, and organizationally for company transfer or acquisition.
- Conducting a diagnosis for the transfer or acquisition of a company to determine its value.
The grant must have an exceptional character aimed at solving a one-time problem for which your company does not have internal competencies.
How much?
Each beneficiary can receive reimbursement for one mission every 5 years, up to 60% and with a maximum of EUR 7,500/year.
3. Consultancy aid
For whom?
This aid targets micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises operating in specific eligible sectors and situated in the Brussels-Capital Region (where the acquiring company has its operational headquarters)
For what?
The consultancy grant is intended for situations where the entrepreneur exceptionally seeks expert help. The description of this grant does not specifically mention the acquisition, but - in the context of the company transfer or afterward - it may be useful to conduct a consultancy mission in one of the following 5 areas:
- A commercial, strategic, or financial analysis to identify, develop, or strengthen your company's revenue sources
- A legal study (excluding litigation)
- A technical study
- A communication strategy
- The management and change of the company's organizational processes
How much?
Each beneficiary can get a reimbursement of the consultancy mission up to 25% to 70%, depending on whether the company meets certain criteria (maximum 3 missions and EUR 7,500 in subsidies per year)
Who can help me ?