Subsidies for creating a website in Brussels - Article by Amélie Viardot
Are you a start-up or SME in Brussels looking to create a website, but the cost of the project is holding you back?
The good news is that there are several grants available to finance your digital project!
In this article, find out about the main forms of support available, their benefits and how they can help you create your website.
From SME cheques to tax incentives, we take a look at all the solutions for reducing your digital expenditure. Whether you're just starting up or expanding, find out how to take advantage of these subsidies for websites in Brussels.
What is a subsidy?
A subsidy is financial assistance provided by the government or other bodies to promote certain industries, activities or businesses.
They aim to reduce the costs of specific projects such as creating websites or digitalising a company.
Grants can take several forms:
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Direct aid,
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Tax credits,
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Interest-free loans,
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Various financial incentives.
The aim of this aid is to stimulate growth, innovation and employment, and have a positive impact on the local economy.
Please note: each grant has its own eligibility criteria and requires a specific administrative procedure.
The different types of subsidy for creating a website
In Brussels, a number of grants are available to support the creation of websites for start-ups and SMEs.
Le Brussels SME cheque-site
Offers eligible SMEs financial support of up to €10,000 to create or improve their website. The cheque covers 50 % of eligible expenditure, such as website design, development and hosting.
Digitisation cheque
This subsidy is intended for Brussels-based SMEs wishing to digitise their business activities. This includes creating or updating a website. The digitisation cheque covers 50 % of eligible expenditure, with a maximum grant of €4,000.
Support for digitisation in the retail and HORECA sectors
This grant is specifically aimed at retailers and the hotels, restaurants and cafés (HORECA) sector in Brussels. Eligible expenditure includes the creation or improvement of a website, as well as other investments related to digitisation. The grant covers 80 % of eligible expenditure, with a maximum grant of €4,000.
Brussels-Capital Region Innovation Fund :
This fund supports innovative companies in Brussels, particularly those developing digital solutions such as websites. It can cover up to 50 % of eligible costs, including design, development and online publishing.
Tax incentives
In addition to subsidies, Brussels is also offering tax incentives to encourage businesses to invest in digitisation. Tax incentives can take different forms, such as tax credits or exemptions, and their terms and conditions depend on the company's situation.
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The benefits of subsidies
Cost reduction
Grants help to reduce the costs involved in setting up or developing a business. They can cover part of the cost of designing, developing or hosting a website. This is a major advantage for SMEs or start-ups on a limited budget.
Increased competitiveness
By reducing costs, subsidies enable companies to invest in growth drivers: website, visibility, brand image, sales, etc. They become more competitive in their market.
Access to expertise
Some grants include coaching or training. For example, the “SME website” voucher in Brussels offers useful strategic support for companies with little digital experience.
Support for innovation
Subsidies such as the Brussels Region Innovation Fund support innovative projects. This funding helps companies to innovate and establish a sustainable position in their market.
Social and environmental impact
Some grants aim to encourage sustainable practices: reducing emissions, ethics, inclusion... A helping hand to align growth and responsibility.
Conclusion
Creating a website can be a crucial step for start-ups and SMEs to reach a wider audience and increase sales. However, the costs can be a source of concern. Fortunately, Brussels offers a number of grants to help businesses cover expenses and achieve their growth objectives.
Whether it's the Brussels SME website voucher, tax incentives or the Brussels-Capital Region Innovation Fund, these subsidies help to reduce costs, increase competitiveness, provide access to expertise, support innovation and have a social and environmental impact.
By taking advantage of these grants, companies can position themselves for long-term success and growth. However, it is important to note that each grant has its own eligibility criteria and application process. It is therefore advisable to seek professional advice before applying. Thanks to these grants, start-ups and SMEs in Brussels can invest with confidence in creating their website and achieving their business goals.
Now that you know more about creating a website, don't hesitate to read our previous article on mobile applications: What subsidies are available for creating a mobile application?
