Following a thorough audit, BAAKN was recognized as a registered service provider for the SME portfolio and received registration number DV.A248075.
Below, you’ll find more information about how entrepreneurs can use subsidies within the SME portfolio.
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Any SME or self-employed professional established in Flanders can obtain subsidies for training and advice.
Your business must have an acceptable legal form and primary activity. It must also operate in the private sector (government participation cannot exceed 25%).
Follow the link below to quickly find out if your business meets the European SME definition and what qualifies as an acceptable legal form and primary activity.
Extra infoThrough the SME portfolio, you can receive support for advice from BAAKN. This advice must fall within one of the following themes:
Defining the direction and structure of a business to achieve its strategic objectives.
The use of digital technologies, innovations, and data to create new activities or transform existing ones, including hardware, software, online applications, and cybersecurity.
The HR policies of a business designed to create an efficient and functional labor organization, focusing on:
• Workforce organization and processes
• Competency management
• Diversity and non-discrimination policies
• Performance evaluation policies
• Workforce planning
• Labor law compliance
For these themes, a broad interpretation is applied. Only professional competencies are subject to a strict list of eligible advice.
Written recommendations and guidance, including problem analysis, actionable advice, an implementation plan, and support during implementation.
Written recommendations and guidance, including the identification, mapping, and analysis of opportunities and solutions regarding business operations.
“Both types of advice aim to stimulate and grow your business.”
BAAKN starts with your specific question or issue and provides clear advice based on thorough analysis, presented in an implementation plan. This plan will be delivered as an organized written advice report, allowing you to review and reference it at your convenience.
You can also rely on this plan being legally compliant and in accordance with current jurisprudence.
Advisory services must have a minimum value of €500.00 (excluding VAT). The application must be submitted within 14 days of starting the collaboration.
All terms and rates are detailed in a written service agreement with BAAKN.
Non-eligible advice for SME portfolio subsidies:
Examples of non-subsidized advice:
Advice that does not qualify for subsidies can still be provided by BAAKN but will not be subsidized and is subject to the terms and rates outlined in the lawyer’s agreement.
You can request annual support up to your personal maximum or until the portfolio’s budget is exhausted. The subsidy amount depends on your business size:
Training and advice subsidy rate:
30%
Maximum subsidy:
€7,500.00
Training and advice subsidy rate:
20%
Maximum subsidy:
€7,500.00
Higher subsidy for cybersecurity
For advice and training related to cybersecurity, small businesses receive a 45% subsidy, while medium-sized businesses receive a 35% subsidy. This higher rate is applied automatically when “cybersecurity” is selected in step 2 of the application process.
Employees:
< 50 FTE*
Turnover:
<= €10,000,000
Balance sheet total:
<= €10,000,000
Employees:
< 250 FTE*
Turnover:
<= €50,000,000
Balance sheet total:
<= €43,000,000
The SME portfolio uses the data from your first application, which remains valid for the rest of the calendar year.
If your business is part of a group, ensure you review these guidelines as well.
Contact us for an appointment or more information about our services.
Filip Williotstraat 9
2600 Antwerp
Sint-Amandsesteenweg 76
2880 Bornem
