Belgian Subsidies Glossary — Essential Terms for SMEs

Understanding subsidy terminology is not optional when applying for Belgian grants. Misinterpreting terms like eligible costs, subsidy intensity, or de minimis can lead to budget errors, eligibility issues, or even clawback of funds after a successful application.

This glossary gives you a solid foundation in the language of Belgian subsidies. Whether you are applying through VLAIO, Innoviris, SPW, or EU programs, these terms will appear repeatedly in guidelines, application forms, and reporting requirements.

When in doubt about how a term applies to your specific project, the BelGrant assistant Lucas can provide personalised explanations.

De minimis aid is government support below a threshold that the EU considers too small to distort competition. Currently, a company can receive up to €300,000 in de minimis aid over any rolling three-year period (increased from €200,000 in 2024).

State aid is any public support that could give a company a competitive advantage in the EU single market. Programs above the de minimis threshold must comply with stricter EU regulations, often under the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER).

When applying, you must declare all de minimis aid received in the past three years from any source. This cumulative ceiling applies per company, not per program.

Co-financing means you fund a portion of the project yourself. The subsidy intensity is the percentage of eligible costs covered by the grant — typically higher for SMEs than for large enterprises.

Eligible costs are the specific expenses the program will cover. Common categories include personnel costs, subcontracting, materials, equipment depreciation, overheads, and project-related travel. Costs outside the project period are usually not eligible.

Each program defines its own eligible cost categories. Always check the program guidelines carefully before budgeting your project to avoid rejected cost claims.

A NACE code classifies your business activity under the EU statistical system. Belgian companies are assigned NACE codes in the KBO (Crossroads Bank for Enterprises). Many subsidy programs use NACE codes to determine sector eligibility.

The KBO/BCE number is your unique 10-digit Belgian company identifier, required on virtually every subsidy application. It links to your official registration: legal form, address, NACE codes, and size classification.

If your NACE code does not accurately reflect your current business activity, you can request a modification through the KBO. An incorrect code could affect your eligibility for certain programs.

TRL (Technology Readiness Level) is a 1-to-9 scale measuring technology maturity: from basic principles (TRL 1) to operational deployment (TRL 9). R&D programs specify which TRL range they support.

A valorisation plan describes how you will commercialise R&D results. Most innovation subsidies require one. Strong plans cover target market, IP strategy, revenue expectations, and go-to-market timeline.

An innovation voucher is a small-value subsidy (typically €5,000–€10,000) for purchasing advice from approved knowledge institutions. VLAIO's kmo-innovatieproject is a well-known example. The BelGrant assistant can help you assess your TRL and identify matching programs.

Rolling calls accept applications continuously with no fixed deadline — each is evaluated individually. Fixed calls (project calls) have a specific deadline and evaluate all applications competitively.

Cumulation rules govern how multiple grants or aid measures can be combined for the same project. Most programs cap total public support at a percentage of eligible costs.

Reporting obligations require periodic progress reports and a final report documenting financial spend and technical achievements. Granting agencies retain audit rights to verify proper use of funds. Keep all invoices, timesheets, and project documentation organised.

Start with the eligibility quiz to identify which grants match your company profile. Use this glossary as your reference when reading program guidelines and preparing applications.

For a complete guide to the application process, see the BelGrant application guide. And remember — the BelGrant assistant Lucas is always available to explain terms in the context of your specific project.