Subsidies for advice via the SME portfolio are being significantly reduced
March 2026 - Since February 1, 2026, the scope of the SME portfolio has been significantly reduced. From now on, Flemish SMEs can only receive support for advice on cybersecurity. Advice on other topics will no longer be covered by the scheme. Nothing will change for training courses.
What is the SME portfolio again?
The SME portfolio is an accessible support mechanism that provides SMEs with financial support for purchasing training and advice from recognized service providers.
· Small businesses receive 30% support.
· Medium-sized businesses receive 20% support.
· The maximum support ceiling is €7,500 per year.
The figures show that this instrument is popular: in 2025, almost 55,000 companies submitted more than 125,000 applications.
What exactly is changing?
The most significant change concerns the advisory section. From February 1, 2026, only cybersecurity advice will be eligible for support via the SME portfolio. This includes advice on IT security, data leaks, phishing, ransomware, or setting up a robust cybersecurity policy. All other forms of advice, such as strategic, legal, marketing, or financial advice, will no longer be supported.
The system will remain unchanged for training courses.
Support amounts remain unchanged
The reform has no impact on support percentages or ceilings:
· Maximum €7,500 in support per year
· 30% support for small businesses
· 20% support for medium-sized businesses
For cybersecurity (advice and training) and energy efficiency (training only), the increased support percentage continues to apply:
· 45% for small businesses
· 35% for medium-sized businesses
Cybersecurity is clearly becoming a policy priority. At the same time, entrepreneurs will have to look for alternative financing or support for other forms of advice.
