You have no doubt that cybersecurity is important for your organisation but the investment in resources and skills is daunting? Don't hesitate! Various subsidy mechanisms exist in Belgium to support you in the implementation of your protection measures.
This page gathers information on the subsidies made available to companies and organisations in Belgium by the various public authorities at national and regional level.
You will find below a first series of useful information (for whom, for what, with what benefit) and we invite you to consult the websites of the different reference providers to find all the necessary information and to submit your application for subsidies.
Would you be interested in initiatives in Belgium gathering advices, awareness and training tools and resources to support your organization in the implementation of its cyber security measures : Consult our dedicated page Cybersecurity in Belgium.
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INVESTMENT DEDUCTIONThe investment deduction is intended to encourage SMEs to make productive investments. The investment deduction reduces the amount on which tax must be paid. The amount of the deduction is determined by the percentage of the investment.Bild
For whom ?
Industrial, commercial or agricultural enterprises (operated by a natural person or by a company) and self-employed persons are eligible for the investment allowance.
For what ?
The investments must be depreciable assets :
- tangible or intangible
- acquired or constituted when new
- during the year or the accounting period
- and assigned in Belgium to the exercise of the professional activity
They cannot be investments that are expressly excluded by the law.
With what benefits ?
The amount of the deduction is determined by the percentage of the investment.
Find all useful information on the website of the Federal Public Service FINANCE.
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CONSULTANCY BONUSDo you want to improve, relaunch or transform your company's business? Benefit from a consultancy bonus of 40 to 60% of the costs.Bild
For whom ?
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that have a place of business in the Brussels-Capital Region, that are active in certain sectors of activity, and whose project corresponds to the conditions of the services.
For what ?
Among the 12 areas to be covered by the consultancy assignment : digitalisation, IT security (except for missions related to the development of a website or an e-commerce platform)
With what benefits ?
Rate of the bonus :
- 40% of the amount of the external consultancy assignment (according to criteria)
- 50% of the amount (according to criteria)
- 60% of the amount (according to criteria)
Maximum Consultancy Grant : €10,000 per calendar year.
Minimum intervention per application/mission : € 500.
Maximum number of grants : 5 missions subsidized per calendar year.
Find all useful information on the website of the Brussels Regional Public Service BRUSSELS ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT.
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BONUS WEBDeveloping a website or an e-commerce platform Do you want to develop or improve your company's visibility on the Internet? Are you planning to start an e-commerce business? Benefit from a bonus for an external consultancy mission concerning the optimisation or development of a website or an e-commerce platform.Bild
For whom ?
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that have a place of business in the Brussels-Capital Region, that are active in certain sectors of activity, and whose project corresponds to the conditions of the services.
For what ?
The consultancy assignment must in particular :
Concern :
- the creation or redesign of a website or e-commerce platform,
- the launch, positioning or repositioning of your online sales or
- an audit and/or optimisation of your website or e-commerce platform.
- Outsourcing to develop or optimise a website or e-commerce platform must be exceptional and aimed at solving a one-off problem. It must concern a non-permanent and non-regular activity of the company. In concrete terms, if the company sells via the Internet (VAT code 47.910), it cannot benefit from this premium.
Last for less than 6 months.
With what benefits ?
Rate of the bonus :
- 40% of the amount of the external consultancy assignment (according to criteria)
- 50% of the amount (according to criteria)
- 60% of the amount (according to criteria)
Maximum Consultancy Grant : €5,000 per calendar year.
Minimum intervention per application/mission : € 500.
Maximum number of grants : 1 mission subsidized per calendar year.
Find all useful information on the website of the Brussels Regional Public Service BRUSSELS ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT.
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TRAINING BONUSDo you want to improve your skills or those of your employees to make your company more efficient or more competitive? Benefit from a training bonus. You will be reimbursed from 40 to 70% of the costs. Please note that you must apply for the bonus at least one month before the start of the training course.Bild
For whom ?
Companies that meet the following conditions:
- Micro, small or medium-sized enterprises
- Active in certain sectors of activity
- A place of business is located in the Brussels-Capital Region
For what ?
You may be eligible for a grant to cover part of the costs of training for any member of staff in your company, with the exception of temporary workers and students.
This training must :
- aim to improve the operation or economic development of your company
- last a maximum of 6 months
- be of an exceptional or urgent nature.
Excluded are :
- training that relates to day-to-day, routine or recurrent management.
- training that relates to an investment.
- training relating to medical practices.
- training undertaken in order to comply with training obligations.
- conferences and seminars.
The trainer must :
- have as their main activity the provision of training, as referred to in NACE code 85.
- have been working as a trainer for at least 2 years.
- be independent of the company.
- not have provided subsidised training for your company in the last two years.
With what benefits ?
Premium rate on tuition fees and fees for written learning materials :
- Training in languages, management, marketing, technical, legal, etc. :
- 40% (according to criteria).
- 50% (according to criteria).
- 60% (according to criteria).
- Training related to the circular economy :
- 60% if medium-sized enterprise.
- 70% if micro or small enterprise.
Maximum rate of the premium, all state aids combined, for the same expenses :
- Micro or small enterprise: 70%.
- Medium-sized company: 60%.
Maximum intervention of the training premium:
- Micro or small enterprise: 10,000 €/calendar year.
- Medium-sized enterprise: €15,000/calendar year.
Minimum intervention per training course/application : € 500.
Maximum number of grants : 5 training courses subsidised per calendar year.
Find all useful information on the website of the Brussels Regional Public Service BRUSSELS ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT.
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CYBERSECURITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTSThe cybersecurity improvement trajectories support SMEs and bespoke companies in Flanders in improving their cybersecurity. During such a trajectory, one of eight recognised service providers helps improve a company's security.Bild
For whom ?
Each package is aimed at SMEs and social enterprises that want to take steps towards better cybersecurity.
For what ?
Cybersecurity improvement projects subsidise the purchase of external advice and guidance from service providers recognised by VLAIO.
With what benefits ?
The VLAIO subsidy covers 50% of the cost of the project.
Find all useful information on the website of the Flemish Government Agency for Innovation & Enterprise VLAIO.
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INCREASED SUPPORT PERCENTAGE FOR CYBERSECURITY WITHIN THE SME PORTFOLIOThinking of investing in cybersecurity? The return on investment is all yours and your company's! But the investment? You don't do that alone! Find out here what financial support can help you do this. Also find out about interesting advice and guidance programmes offered by the VLAIO Network. Do you want to train your staff on cybersecurity? Or are you looking for quality advice on drawing up a cybersecurity plan? Since recently, you can call on the SME portfolio for more limited cybersecurity courses. As a small or medium-sized enterprise, you get a higher support percentage for buying advice and training on cybersecurity.Bild
For whom ?
Flemish SMEs or practitioners of liberal professions.
For what ?
For purchasing services that improve the quality of your business. Specifically, training and consultancy services that help you with your company's cybersecurity plan.
With what benefits ?
For cybersecurity, small enterprises get a higher intervention of 45%. Medium-sized enterprises: 35%. Up to a maximum of €7,500 per year.
Find all useful information on the website of the Flemish Government Agency for Innovation & Enterprise VLAIO.
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COMPANY VOUCHERS - DIGITAL RECOVERY - DIAGNOSISDo you want to sell your products or services securely online? Do you already have an e-commerce system to improve? Are you looking to secure your tools and protect your data? The "Digital Recovery - Diagnosis" voucher allows you to work with a consultant to establish an initial audit of your company's situation. This first step allows you to analyse your needs in relation to your current situation.Bild
For whom ?
You can benefit from this voucher if :
- You are a "natural person", "legal person" or an ASBL with an economic vocation (subject to VAT, employing at least 1 person under an employment contract, whose activity is the supply of goods or services and with less than 50% public funding (excluding employment aid))
- You are an SME, i.e. a company employing fewer than 250 people and with an annual turnover of less than €50 million or a balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million.
- You carry out an economic activity, registered with the Crossroads Bank of Enterprises (CBE).
- Your main place of business is located in Wallonia.
- Your activity does not fall within a sector excluded on the basis of the de minimis regulation (i.e. fishing, aquaculture, primary production of agricultural products).
You must use a certified service provider.
For what ?
The "Digital Recovery - Diagnosis" voucher allows you to work with a consultant to establish an initial audit of your company's situation. The eligible costs are :
- carrying out a digital maturity diagnosis (max. 1 day): examining the current situation and analysing needs in terms of e-commerce and digital positioning;
- carrying out a cybersecurity diagnosis (max. 1 day): examining the current situation and analysing needs in terms of securing tools and protecting data.
With what benefits ?
The Walloon Region finances the service up to 90% of the costs excluding VAT.
The rest of the costs and the VAT are to be paid by the company.
The cost of the services is subject to a daily ceiling set at 950 euros per day excluding VAT
Find all useful information on the website Chèques-Entreprise.
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COMPANY VOUCHERS - DIGITAL RECOVERY – STRATEGIC ACTION PLANHas an initial diagnosis enabled you to identify areas for improvement in your digital strategy? The "Digital Recovery - Strategic Action Plan" voucher allows you to go further. Draw up an action plan with a consultant to rethink your digital positioning (communication plan, referencing, etc.), design or improve your e-commerce in conjunction with digital applications (invoicing, stock management) or study the security of your tools.Bild
For whom ?
You can benefit from this cheque if :
- You are a "natural person", "legal person" or an ASBL with an economic vocation (subject to VAT, employing at least 1 person under an employment contract, whose activity is the supply of goods or services and with less than 50% public funding (excluding employment aid)).
- You are an SME, i.e. a company with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than €50 million or a balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million.
- You carry out an economic activity, registered with the Crossroads Bank of Enterprises (CBE).
- Your main place of business is located in Wallonia.
- Your activity does not fall within a sector excluded on the basis of the de minimis regulation (i.e. fishing, aquaculture, primary production of agricultural products).
You must use a certified service provider.
For what ?
The "Digital Recovery - Diagnosis" voucher allows you to work with a consultant to establish an initial audit of your company's situation. The eligible costs are :
- carrying out a digital maturity diagnosis (max. 1 day): examining the current situation and analysing needs in terms of e-commerce and digital positioning;
- carrying out a cybersecurity diagnosis (max. 1 day): examining the current situation and analysing needs in terms of securing tools and protecting data.
With what benefits ?
The Walloon Region finances the service up to 90% of the costs excluding VAT.
The rest of the costs and the VAT are to be paid by the company.
Public intervention is subject to a daily ceiling set at 950 euros per day of service and allows for a maximum of 6 days of service.
- In the context of the design of an initial strategy, the maximum is set at 3 days.
- In the context of strengthening an existing strategy, the maximum is set at 2 days.
The project may cover a maximum of 2 of the 3 areas of intervention, namely:
- a digital positioning strategy.
- an e-commerce project.
- a cybersecurity policy.
Find all useful information on the website Chèques-Entreprise.
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COMPANY VOUCHERS - CYBERSECURITYImagine: your website is hacked, your customer list stolen, your e-mail addresses stolen, your Facebook page out of control... Unfortunately, this is not science fiction: two thirds of Belgian companies have already been confronted with cybercrime. The Cyber Security Cheque allows you to get help from a specialist to carry out an audit or diagnosis of your company's cyber security situation. This consultant, or another one, can then take over to implement the actions recommended in the cybersecurity audit or diagnosis.Bild
For whom ?
You can benefit from this voucher if :
- You are an SME, i.e. a company with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than €50 million or a balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million.
- Your activity does not fall within a sector:
- Excluded on the basis of the de minimis regulation (i.e. fishing, aquaculture, primary production of agricultural products).
- Excluded on the basis of the following NACE codes: 61.10 - 61.20 - 61.30 - 62.01 - 62.02 - 62.03 and 62.09
You must use a certified service provider.
For what ?
The "cybersecurity cheque" help you define and support the implementation of a cybersecurity policy in your company through costs relating to:
- carrying out an audit/diagnosis of the company's cybersecurity situation up to the preparation of specifications or a label based on existing cybersecurity processes
- support services aimed at monitoring the implementation of a cybersecurity policy to meet the needs identified in the context of the cybersecurity audit or diagnosis.
With what benefits ?
Wallonia finances the service up to 75% of the costs excluding VAT.
The rest of the costs and the VAT are to be paid by the company.
Find all useful information on the website Chèques-Entreprise.
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COMPANY VOUCHERS – DIGITAL MATURITYDo you want to develop or update your digital processes? The Digital Maturity Voucher allows you to get help from a professional to draw up an inventory of your digital maturity, establish a plan for implementing your company's digital processes (IT infrastructure, information flows, production processes, new work organisation via digital technology, etc.), draw up specifications with you and support you in monitoring the implementation of the digital plan.Bild
For whom ?
You can benefit from this cheque if :
- You are a "natural person" or "legal person" carrying out an economic activity, registered with the Banque-Carrefour des Entreprises (BCE) and whose main place of business is located in Wallonia. As a company, you must be an SME, i.e. a company that employs fewer than 250 people and has an annual turnover of less than 50 million euros or a balance sheet total not exceeding 43 million euros.
- Your activity does not fall within a sector:
- Excluded on the basis of the de minimis regulation (i.e. fishing, aquaculture, primary production of agricultural products).
- Excluded on the basis of the following NACE codes: 61.10 - 61.20 - 61.30 - 62.01 - 62.02 - 62.03 and 62.09
You must use a certified service provider.
For what ?
The "digital maturity voucher" includes all services relating to :
- carrying out an audit or diagnosis of the company's needs in terms of developing its digital maturity.
- support services aimed at monitoring the implementation of an action plan to meet the needs identified in the audit or diagnosis of digital maturity.
With what benefits ?
The Walloon Region finances the service up to 75% of the costs excluding VAT.
The rest of the costs and the VAT are to be paid by the company.
Find all useful information on the website Chèques-Entreprise.
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TRAINING VOUCHERSThe training voucher allows you to benefit from financial aid to train your workers in one of the approved training centers. Worth 30 euros, it corresponds to 1 hour of training per worker. There are also two other types of training vouchers: the Language Training Voucher, which focuses on language learning, and the Eco-climate Training Voucher, which focuses on environmental issues.Bild
For whom ?
- employees or temporary workers of an SME which has a maximum of 250 employees and has its main place of business in French-speaking Wallonia
- self-employed persons on a principal, complementary basis (for at least 6 months);
- assisting spouses;
- have a turnover of maximum 50 million euros OR a balance sheet of less than 43 million euros;
- be an autonomous company;
- be trained in its sector of activity;
have a declared and up-to-date address in the Crossroads Bank of Enterprises.
The following are excluded: people on a Training-Integration Plan (PFI - during a training period), students, apprentices and trainees in companies.
Note that the SME must have a maximum of 250 employees
For what ?
The training cheque allows companies to benefit from financial aid to train their workers in one of the approved training centers.
With what benefits ?
Wallonia covers part of the costs of general training for workers.
The training courses taken take place during the normal working day. One day of training is worth a maximum of 7 hours per worker, with the exception of immersion language training, for which a maximum of 10 hours of training can be counted per worker.
One cheque can be used to finance one hour of training per worker with a training operator approved by the Walloon Region.
A cheque has a face value of 30 euros and finances one hour of training. The employer pays 15 euros and the Walloon Region 15 euros.
The number of vouchers that the company can obtain per year varies according to its size (number of full-time equivalents according to the NSSO
Find all useful information on the website of the Public Service of Wallonia EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING.
National Coordination Centre for investments in cybersecurity
Find also the list of EU Investment Programmes on the page of the National Coordination Centre. The new work programmes have been adopted by the European Commission for both Digital Europe Programme and Horizon Europe, but also the European Defence Fund. All of them include allocations for cyber security projects.