What are the subsidies to create a website in Brussels? – Article by Amélie Viardot

Are you a startup or small to medium-sized business in Brussels looking to create a website but concerned about the costs?

Good news: there are several subsidies available that can help you cover the expenses and get your business online. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of subsidies that exist and how they can benefit your business.

From the Brussels SME website voucher to tax incentives, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of the subsidies available so you can make an informed decision. So, whether you’re starting a new business or looking to grow your existing one, read on to discover how you can leverage these subsidies to your advantage.

What is a subsidy?  

A subsidy is a financial assistance or support provided by the government or other organizations to promote a particular industry, activity, or business. Subsidies are usually designed to help reduce the cost of certain activities or investments, and are often targeted at specific groups or objectives. They can take various forms, such as grants, tax credits, interest-free loans, or other financial incentives.

The goal of subsidies is to encourage economic growth, job creation, innovation, or other positive outcomes that benefit society as a whole. Subsidies can be provided at the local, regional, or national level, and are often subject to specific eligibility criteria, application processes, and reporting requirements.

The different types of subsidies

There are several subsidies available for creating a website in Brussels that could be of interest for your business. Here are some of the types of subsidies that exist:

• The Brussels SME website voucher: This subsidy provides eligible SMBs with up to €10,000 in financial support to create or improve their website. The voucher covers 50% of the eligible expenses, such as the design, development, and hosting of the website.
• Digitalisation cheque: This subsidy is available to SMBs in Brussels that want to digitize their business operations, which includes creating or updating a website. The digitalisation cheque covers 50% of the eligible expenses, with a maximum subsidy of €4,000.
• Digitalisation support for retail and HORECA sectors: This subsidy is specifically targeted at retailers and the hotel, restaurant, and café (HORECA) sectors in Brussels. Eligible expenses include the creation or improvement of a website, as well as other digitalization-related investments. The subsidy covers 80% of the eligible expenses, with a maximum subsidy of €4,000.
• Brussels-Capital Region Innovation Fund: This fund provides financial support to innovative companies in Brussels, including those creating new digital solutions such as websites. Eligible expenses include the development, design, and implementation of the digital solution, and the subsidy can cover up to 50% of the eligible expenses.
• Tax incentives: In addition to subsidies, Brussels also offers tax incentives to encourage businesses to invest in digitalization, which includes the creation or updating of a website. The tax incentives can take various forms, such as tax credits or exemptions, and the specifics depend on the business’s circumstances.

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The benefits of subsidies

• Cost reduction: One of the primary benefits of subsidies is that they can help reduce the costs associated with starting or growing a business. For example, subsidies can cover a portion of the expenses related to creating a website, such as design, development, and hosting costs. This can be particularly valuable for startups and SMBs that may have limited financial resources.
• Increased competitiveness: By taking advantage of subsidies, businesses can invest in areas that can make them more competitive in their industry. For example, creating a website can help businesses reach a wider audience, improve their brand image, and increase their sales. By lowering the costs of these investments, subsidies can help businesses become more competitive and achieve their growth objectives.
• Access to expertise: Some subsidies may come with additional benefits, such as access to expertise or training. For example, the Brussels SME website voucher comes with free coaching sessions to help businesses develop their online strategy. This can be a valuable resource for startups and SMBs that may not have the expertise or knowledge to create a successful website.
• Support for innovation: Some subsidies may be targeted at innovative businesses or projects, such as the Brussels-Capital Region Innovation Fund. By providing financial support to innovative businesses, subsidies can help drive innovation in the local economy and position businesses for long-term success.
• Social and environmental impact: Some subsidies may be designed to promote social or environmental objectives, such as reducing carbon emissions or promoting sustainable business practices. By incentivizing businesses to pursue these objectives, subsidies can help create a positive impact on society and the environment.

Conclusion

Creating a website can be a crucial step for startups and SMBs to reach wider audiences and increase sales, but the costs can be a concern. Fortunately, Brussels offers several subsidies to help businesses cover the expenses and achieve their growth objectives.

From the Brussels SME website voucher to tax incentives and the Brussels-Capital Region Innovation Fund, these subsidies can provide cost reduction, increased competitiveness, access to expertise, support for innovation, and social and environmental impact.

By taking advantage of these subsidies, businesses can position themselves for long-term success and growth. However, it’s important to note that each subsidy has its own eligibility criteria and application process, so it’s advisable to seek professional advice before applying. With these subsidies available, startups and SMBs in Brussels can confidently invest in creating their website and achieving their business objectives.

Now that you know more about website creation, don’t hesitate to read our previous article on mobile applications: What are the subsidies to create a mobile app in Brussels?