Starting an activity in Wallonia
Financing the project
In Belgium as in Wallonia, the credit offered to businesses remains especially large and liquid, with no discrimination as to the nationality of the investor. Due to the Belgium's outgoing international approach, more than half of banking activities are related to international financial activities.
There are indeed many opportunities in terms of venture capital such as for example:
- Start-Up Capital Fund (minority shareholding, loan and ordinary creditor)
- Shareholding fund (Co-financing, loans)
- Business Angels (private investors)
- Meusinvest (minority shareholding, obligatory loans, ordinary creditor)
Aids
Investment aids- The Walloon region provides investment aids which correspond to a percentage of the amount invested by the companies.
- These aids vary according to the size of the company and other criteria, and can reach up to 20%.
- Fundamental research (direct subsidy up to 70%)
- Applied research (interest-free advance to be repaid up to 70%)
- First company Programmes (paying salaries up to a maximum of 80% for technology transfer from the university to the company)
- Tax reductions (companies that employ researchers for projects carried out together with recognised scientific institutions can benefit from a reduction of 50 % of the professional deduction at source due for these researchers.)
- Via its External Commerce branch, AWEX also helps Walloon companies who wish to develop their export activities.
- The Agency has a network of around one hundred financial and commercial associates based in other countries, who know the local markets and are able to help you with your export operations.
- It is also present in various exhibitions and trade shows to encourage exportations. Further information can be obtained from the AWEX website.
