How we help
At Startup.Flanders, we assist your startup – at home and abroad – in unlocking international and/or technological growth. Here’s how.
We connect you to growth
Startup.Flanders is here to help you use Flanders’ startup ecosystem as a lever for growth. Our team and community can:
- set you up with the right people and ecosystem players to speed up your ambitions,
- advise you on how to take your next step and scale your startup internationally,
- provide services and partners that help spur your growth, technological skill and success in Flanders and around the globe.
We link you to opportunities
Soft-landing programs
Allow us to introduce you to Scaleup Flanders, a hands-on program powered by Agoria, imec.istart and Sirris. It is designed to get your startup on the rails and grow fast into new markets.
Leading events
Being part of the Startup.Flanders community comes with many networking opportunities as we participate in Flanders’ and the world’s main startup and business events.
Innovation programs
Flanders is brimming with innovation programs where startups can co-create or put their innovations to the test in real-life conditions. Let’s get your startup to join in.
We guide you to support
Grants for international trade & business
As a brand of government agency Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), Startup.Flanders connects you to various grants and funding options to help your startup conquer international markets from Flanders.
Internationalization starter pack
To assist your company in setting up your very first export activities from Flanders.
EUR 9,000
Brexit subsidy
To help protect your international business activities from the impact of Brexit.
Up to EUR 50,000
Prospecting
For a prospecting trip, trade fair or niche event outside the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein & Norway.
Up to 75% of travel and accommodation costs
Trade fair
For you to participate in a foreign trade fair that holds potential for your company.
Up to EUR 7,500
Niche event
For you to participate in a niche event that’s relevant to your business.
Up to EUR 3,500
Communication
For developing & translating your digital international commercial business communications.
Up to EUR 4,500
Prospecting office
To help you set up a prospecting office outside the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein & Norway.
Up to EUR 75,000
Custom project
To help you set up a creative project that supports internationalization.
Up to EUR 18,750
Grants for innovation & entrepreneurship
As a partner of Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), which powers Startup.Flanders, government agency Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO) stimulates startups with subsidies that enable growth, development and innovation.
SME e-wallet
Financial aid to invest in external training and advisory services that improve the quality of your startup.
Up to EUR 7,500
SME growth subsidy
For innovation, digitalization, internationalization or sustainable & circular entrepreneurship.
Up to EUR 50,000 per track
Support for innovative starters
Financial support and guidance for pioneering SMEs in Flanders that are less than 2 years old.
Up to EUR 50,000
R&D feasibility study
Support for a feasibility study in preparation for an innovative project.
40 to 50% of the project budget, up to EUR 50,000 per partner
Research project
A grant to expand or enhance your R&D capacities in order to carry out a high-risk innovation project.
25 to 60% of the project budget, min. EUR 100,000
Development project
A grant to develop new or enhanced products, processes and services that can strengthen your business.
20 to 50% of the project budget, min. EUR 25,000
Baekeland mandate
Support for a PhD project conducted by a PhD student, and a university and company from Flanders.
50 to 80% of the staff and operating costs of the PhD student
Innovation mandate
Subsidizes strategic basic research by a postgraduate in close collaboration with the industry.
50 to 100% of the staff and operating costs of the researcher
European funding for startups
Startup.Flanders can also assist you in using Flanders as your access point to European grants in support of your startup’s ambitions. Some examples:
Horizon Europe
The EU’s key funding program for research and innovation to support the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and boost the EU's competitiveness and growth.
Total budget: EUR 95.5 billion (2021-2027)
InvestEU Program
This EU support program provides long-term funding to boost sustainable investment, innovation and job creation across the EU over the period 2021-2027.
Total budget: EUR 372 billion (2021-2027)
Europe Innovation Council (EIC)
This is the flagship innovation program within Horizon Europe to fund startups' scaling processes, breakthrough technologies and game-changing innovations.
EUREKA
This intergovernmental network gives access to public funding for market-oriented activities in the fields of research, development and innovation.