Startup Grants and Support in Belgium
Belgium offers a rich ecosystem of public funding for startups. From convertible loans to direct grants, discover the programs that support every stage of your growth — from idea to scale-up.
Check my eligibilityTop 5 startup programs
The leading public programs funding young companies in Belgium, from pre-seed to growth stage.
PMV Startlening
Up to €350,000
Subordinated loan for Flemish starters. Flexible funding without personal guarantee, ideal for complementing a fundraise or financing first investments.
Innoviris Launch
Up to €200,000
Grant for innovative Brussels startups. Covers R&D, prototype development, and market validation for companies under 5 years old.
hub.brussels Starters Pack
Mentoring + up to €15,000
Comprehensive support program for Brussels entrepreneurs. Personalised coaching, sector mentoring, networking events, and a launch micro-grant.
imec.istart
Up to €150,000 + incubation
18-month tech incubation program by imec. Access to research infrastructure, expert coaching, funding, and investor connections for deep-tech startups.
W.IN.G by Digital Wallonia
Up to €100,000
Acceleration program for Walloon digital startups. Intensive mentoring, expert network access, and funding to validate and scale your digital product.
Support by development stage
Each stage of your startup maps to specific programs. Identify your stage to target the right support.
Pre-seed
From idea to MVP. Validate your concept, build your founding team, and develop a first functional prototype.
imec.istart, hub.brussels Starters Pack
Seed
From MVP to market. Launch your product, find your first customers, and validate your business model.
PMV Startlening, Innoviris Launch
Growth
Scale up. Hire, internationalise, and accelerate your expansion into new markets.
VLAIO Groeisubsidie, SPW Expansion
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum company age requirement?
It depends on the program. hub.brussels Starters Pack and imec.istart accept pre-incorporation projects. PMV Startlening and Innoviris Launch generally require BCE registration. Some programs limit eligibility to companies under 5 years old.
Can foreign founders apply?
Yes. Most programs require the company to be registered in Belgium (BCE number) with an exploitation unit in the relevant region. Founder nationality is generally not an exclusion criterion.
Can I combine multiple startup aids?
Yes, you can combine multiple subsidies, but total public aid cannot exceed the EU state aid ceiling (usually 60–80% of eligible costs). Each application must declare any public funding already received.
What documents are needed?
Typically: a pitch deck or project description, a financial forecast, company articles of incorporation, and proof of BCE registration. R&D programs also require a detailed technical proposal and itemised budget.
Find the right support for your startup
Take our 2-minute eligibility quiz or chat with Lucas, our AI grant advisor, to discover your best funding opportunities.