The SME portfolio: discover the possibilities
Are you a self-employed person in the Flemish Region and do you want to improve your business? Then the SME portfolio might be for you! Through the SME portfolio, you receive financial support to follow training or advice that helps your business grow and professionalise. This subsidy from the Flemish government helps SMEs and the liberal professions strengthen their business strategy. Whether you have a small business or want to sharpen your skills as a self-employed person – it offers you an accessible way to invest in the growth and professionalisation of your business.
In this article you'll discover everything you need to know about this and how you can benefit from it. Keep reading to discover how you can benefit from it.
What is the SME portfolio?
The SME portfolio is a grant from the Flemish government that provides SMEs with financial assistance for training and advice. The aim is to support entrepreneurs in their growth, innovation, and digitalisation. This contribution is exclusive of VAT and helps you to pay a registered service provider for training or advice that aligns with your professional activity or business strategy.
Who is eligible for the SME portfolio?
This is intended for:
Small businesses
Enterprise with fewer than 50 employees and a turnover or balance sheet total of no more than 10 million euros.
Medium-sized enterprises
Enterprise with a maximum of 250 employees and a turnover of up to 50 million euros or a balance sheet total of up to 43 million euros.
Freelance professions
These are self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs with a recognised professional activity. Think of doctors, lawyers or architects.
It is also important that your business is located in Flanders and registered in the KBO.
Terms and conditions for SMEs and the self-employed
To receive support, you must meet a number of important criteria. These are listed below:
Based in the Flemish RegionThe main activity of your business must be located in Flanders.
OccupationThe subsidy is exclusively intended for activities that fall within your profession. Therefore, you cannot use it for just anything.
Service providerYou must work with a registered service provider recognised by the agency Innovate & Enterprise, as it acts as the administrative authority.
Own contributionYou pay a portion of the costs yourself, depending on the support percentage.
Exceptions and exclusions
Not all activities are eligible for funding. Costs such as catering, travel expenses, or activities not directly aimed at improving your business will not be subsidised. Companies operating in the private sector but not based in Flanders cannot make use of this either.
What subsidies does the SME portfolio offer?
It offers subsidies for two main areas:
Financial support for training
This allows you to retrain an employee or yourself in job-specific competencies.
Financial support for advice
This advice should focus on improving your business, for example, in business strategy, digitalisation or financial literacy.
Financial support for training
Training courses subsidised via the SME portfolio must be provided by a registered service provider. The aim of the training is to improve the exercise of your profession or to strengthen your business. This includes courses on digitalisation, leadership or innovative technologies.
Financial support for advice
Do you need professional advice to improve your business strategy, marketing, or financial planning? Through the SME portfolio, you can submit a grant application for advice that has a direct impact on your business. Do you need help with the online application for this? Don't hesitate to contact us for advice!
How does the SME portfolio work in practice?
The operation of the SME portfolio is quite simple and accessible to everyone:
RegistrationYou register your company via the Innovate & Enterprise agency's online platform.
Choosing a service providerSelect a registered service provider offering training or advice.
Submit grant applicationSubmit your application within 14 days of the agreement with the service provider being concluded.
Pay own contributionYou pay your share online via the platform.
Receive a subsidyThe government pays its contribution directly to the service provider concerned.
Application procedure
To receive support via the SME Co-investment Fund, follow these steps:
Sign inGo to the website of the agency Innovate & Enterprise and log in with your e-ID or Itsme.
Submit applicationFill in the details of the service provider and the training or advice.
ReviewYour application is being assessed for eligibility.
ApprovalUpon approval, you will pay your share and the subsidy will be disbursed.
Conditions for subsidy via the SME portfolio
You must comply with these conditions:
The project must be substantively relevant to your company.
The service provider must be registered with the Flemish government.
You must submit the application in good time and pay the personal contribution.
What are the advantages of the SME portfolio?
The SME portfolio offers numerous advantages for entrepreneurs:
Cost savings for your SMEThanks to the grant, you will pay a lower amount for training or advice.
Stimulus for growth and professionalisationThis financial support encourages entrepreneurs to invest in their future.
Cost savings for your SME
One of the biggest advantages of the SME portfolio is the financial saving it offers. By making use of this subsidy, you only pay a portion of the costs of training or advice. The remaining amount is paid directly by the Flemish government to the service provider. This makes investing in the professionalisation of your business affordable, even for small businesses with a limited budget.
Stimulus for growth and professionalisation
The SME portfolio is not only financial aid, but also an incentive for entrepreneurs to continue growing.
This also contributes to a better competitive position and a sustainable future for your business. Furthermore, the subsidy encourages entrepreneurs to invest strategically in areas such as innovation, marketing, and financial literacy.
Tips for a strong application
Would you like to be sure that your application for the SME digital voucher scheme will be approved? If so, be sure to follow the tips below:
Choose a recognised service providerCheck the official SME Portfolio website to see if your chosen service provider is registered. Without registration, you cannot receive a subsidy.
Please be thorough in your request.Ensure all information regarding the training or advice is correct and complete. State how the project will substantively improve your business. Ensure these costs are eligible for support via the SME digital voucher scheme.
Submit your application on timeRemember that you must submit your application within 14 days of entering into an agreement with the service provider.
Pay your own contributionThe subsidy process will only start after you have paid your share online via the SME portfolio platform.
Do you need help with this, or are you unsure how to submit the application? Contact us and we'll be happy to assist you.
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