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Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Koning Albert II-laan 35, P.O.B. 16
B-1030 Brussels, Belgium – Flanders
Contact Person
Ms. Ria Bruynseels
Phone: +32 (0)2 432 4276
Email: Ria.Bruynseels@vlaio.be
Ms. Ria Bruynseels

Ms. Ria Bruynseels

NATIONAL PROGRAMME PORTRAIT

Aim of programme

Development projects play a key role in the realization of a business case that has the potential to strengthen SMEs. This type of project includes the development of a completely new or significantly innovative (improved) product, process, service or concept, and the result has a significant impact on the performance of the company. That impact is rather short-term.

Funding Conditions

  • Companies (which comply with the European SME definition) with operational activities in the Flemish Region, large companies can participate as a partner (minimum 1 SME required).

  • Subsidy between EUR 25,000 and EUR 500,000.

  • Maximum duration of 24 months in principle.

  • The support is based on a percentage of the eligible costs (costs related to the project, such as staff costs, operating and indirect costs, depreciations and subcontracting).

  • The basic subsidy rate is 25%, which is increased by 15% in case of a relevant and substantial cross-border cooperation between at least two independent companies. In case of cooperation, none of the companies contributes more than 70% of the budget in the project budget. Subsidy rates increase by 10% for medium-sized companies (mo) and by 20% for small enterprises (ko). The total subsidy rate is limited to a maximum of 60%.

Requirements

A substantiated business case is essential. The company is aware of any barriers and how to overcome them, is able to motivate the resources which are required for the project and what the expected return will be. It has to demonstrate that the realization of the innovation will strengthen the position of the company in the first years after the (successful) completion of the development project.