FIT — Flanders Investment & Trade Export Support
FIT: Flanders’ agency for international trade and investment support. Discover export subsidies, trade missions, market research, and investment attraction — and how BelGrant helps you access them.
Find My FIT OptionsWhat is FIT?
Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) is the Flemish government agency that promotes international enterprise. It supports Flemish companies looking to expand into foreign markets through export subsidies, trade missions, market intelligence, and matchmaking with international partners. With a network of over 90 offices worldwide, FIT acts as the primary bridge between Flemish businesses and global opportunities.
FIT also plays a key role in attracting foreign direct investment to Flanders. The agency assists international companies interested in establishing or expanding operations in the region by providing market data, site selection support, and connections to the Flemish innovation ecosystem. For Flemish SMEs, FIT’s export programs are often the first step toward sustainable international growth.
Key FIT Programs
Export Subsidies
FIT provides financial support to Flemish companies participating in international trade fairs, prospection trips, and market studies abroad. These subsidies cover a significant portion of travel, exhibition, and research costs, making it affordable for SMEs to test new markets without bearing the full financial risk. Multiple applications per year are possible.
Up to €5,000–€25,000 per activity
Flemish SMEs with international ambitions and a viable export plan
Trade Missions
FIT organises collective trade missions to strategic markets worldwide. These government-supported delegations give Flemish companies access to pre-arranged B2B meetings, local market briefings, and networking events with potential partners and distributors. Trade missions significantly lower the barrier to entry in unfamiliar markets.
Subsidised participation (reduced fees)
Flemish companies targeting the mission’s destination market
Market Research Support
FIT offers personalised market studies, competitive analyses, and sector reports through its global network of trade representatives. Companies can request tailored research on market entry strategies, distribution channels, regulatory requirements, and local competition in their target country. This intelligence helps companies make data-driven expansion decisions.
Free or subsidised depending on scope
Flemish companies exploring new export markets
Investment Attraction
FIT’s investment team supports international companies establishing operations in Flanders. Services include site selection assistance, incentive guidance, talent market information, and introductions to local partners and suppliers. For Flemish companies, FIT’s inward investment work strengthens the local supply chain and creates collaboration opportunities.
Free advisory services
International companies considering Flanders as an investment location
Who Qualifies?
Flanders-based
Your company must be registered in Flanders or have its operational headquarters in the Flemish Region.
SME or large enterprise
FIT programs are primarily designed for SMEs, but larger companies can also participate in trade missions and use FIT’s market intelligence services.
International ambition
Applicants must demonstrate a credible plan for international expansion, whether entering a new market, growing existing export activity, or attracting foreign partners.
Viable project
You must present a concrete export or internationalisation project. FIT evaluates the commercial viability and strategic fit before approving financial support.
FIT vs AWEX vs Brussels Invest & Export
| Agency | Region | Main instruments | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIT | Flanders | Export subsidies, trade missions, market research, investment attraction | Flemish companies expanding internationally |
| AWEX | Wallonia | Export subsidies, trade missions, investment promotion | Walloon companies targeting foreign markets |
| Brussels Invest & Export | Brussels-Capital | Export support, trade missions, investment attraction | Brussels-based companies with international ambitions |
How BelGrant Helps
Instant matching
BelGrant scans 95+ Belgian financing programs and identifies which FIT instruments match your company profile — in 30 seconds.
Lucas guides your application
Our AI assistant Lucas helps you understand which FIT program fits your situation, prepares your documentation summary, and navigates the application process.
Deadline alerts
Get notified when FIT launches new trade missions, opens call windows, or changes eligibility criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FIT and VLAIO?
FIT focuses on internationalisation — export support, trade missions, and foreign investment attraction. VLAIO focuses on domestic innovation, R&D funding, and business development within Flanders. They are complementary: VLAIO helps you innovate, FIT helps you sell abroad.
Can I combine FIT export subsidies with other grants?
Yes. FIT export subsidies can often be combined with VLAIO innovation grants or federal R&D tax incentives, as they cover different types of activities. Total public support must stay within EU state aid limits. BelGrant helps you identify the optimal combination.
How long does a FIT application take?
FIT export subsidy applications are typically processed within 4–6 weeks. Trade mission registrations have fixed deadlines per mission. Market research requests depend on scope and complexity but usually take 2–4 weeks.
Is FIT only for SMEs?
No. While most FIT financial subsidies target SMEs, trade missions and market intelligence services are available to all Flemish companies regardless of size. Investment attraction services primarily target international companies considering Flanders.
Ready to explore FIT export support?
Let Lucas match your company to the right FIT programs in seconds.