Which subsidies are you missing as an SME? A practical and tailor-made overview
June 2025 - As an SME, it is not always easy to find your way through the maze of subsidies and support measures. Yet they can give you just the push you need to grow, digitise or become more sustainable. Below is an overview of the most important Flemish and federal subsidies.
SME portfolio and VLAIO support
For digitisation, the Flemish government offers the Kmo-portefeuille, which allows you to get back part of your consultancy or training costs. Those committed to innovation can in turn turn turn to VLAIO for innovation support. This focuses on innovative projects or improvement projects, and can amount to tens of thousands of euros.
Additional support possibilities
Circular economy
In addition, there are numerous other support measures you can apply for as an SME. Consider, for example, the ecology premium+, which supports companies investing in environmentally friendly technology. Do you want to make your production greener or save energy? Then this premium can cover up to 55% of your investment, depending on your company size.
SMEs that focus on reuse, recycling or sustainable product development can apply for project grants. These trajectories are often guided by a VLAIO coach, who will help you develop your file and realise your plans. The growth grant supports companies with international ambitions. There are also grants for those who want to invest in staff training and career guidance.
FIT
Those looking to grow internationally can also count on support. FIT (Flanders Investment & Trade) offers subsidies for participation in foreign trade fairs, translation of brochures or the development of an international marketing strategy.
Recruitment incentive
There is also the recruitment incentive for long-term jobseekers (AWI). If you hire an employee who has been unemployed for at least two years, you receive a financial allowance. For young employees (under 26 years of age) there are also NSSO rebates, which significantly reduce the wage cost.
Pay attention to conditions
It is important to inform yourself well: conditions are often strict and deadlines are sometimes surprisingly early. For instance, some applications must be made before the start of a project, and your file must be well-founded in terms of content. Dossiers with clear economic or social added value stand the best chance.
Where to find info?
A good tip? Talk to your accountant or a recognised grants advisor. Many entrepreneurs miss opportunities because they do not know what is possible. You can find useful overviews on the websites of VLAIO and the federal government, with filters by sector, region and theme.
In short: the support is there, but you need to know where to look. And above all: dare to apply. Your competitor does it too.
