A complete public support ecosystem for your business

Setting up or growing a business in Brussels means navigating a rich ecosystem of public institutions, business networks and international organisations. The Brussels-Capital Region offers a comprehensive range of support, structured around three key areas: guidance, funding and corporate location.

At the heart of this ecosystem, hub.brussels acts as the official entry point for foreign companies looking to establish or develop their activities in Brussels. Depending on your project and needs, hub.brussels can connect you with the right public partner, expert or business network.

Guidance: helping you navigate Brussels

hub.brussels provides personalised guidance to companies exploring opportunities in Brussels. Its experts help businesses understand the local ecosystem, identify relevant support schemes, connect with partners and access new growth opportunities.

The agency also brings together two key services:

• why.brussels, the one-stop shop for foreign companies considering setting up in Brussels.
• info.hub.brussels, the central information point for anyone looking to start, grow or develop a business in the Brussels-Capital Region.

Funding: turning ambitions into growth

Brussels offers several public financing instruments to help companies start, innovate and expand.

finance&invest.brussels is the Brussels public investment company. It provides equity, loans and guarantees to startups, SMEs and social enterprises, supporting their creation, development and international expansion.

innoviris.brussels, the regional agency for research and innovation, supports companies, researchers and non-profit organisations working on innovative solutions, including projects related to technology, AI and sustainable development.

Brussels Economy and Employment (BEE) provides information, support and financial incentives to companies establishing or developing activities in Brussels, including grants and subsidies.

Corporate location: finding the right place to grow

When your business needs premises, citydev.brussels can help identify suitable solutions for your physical infrastructure needs.

From business premises to development projects, citydev.brussels offers tailored solutions designed to facilitate the establishment and expansion of companies in the Brussels-Capital Region.

Additional support for international businesses and talent

Beyond these three pillars, several organisations provide specialised support.

commissioner.brussels facilitates the arrival and establishment of international organisations and associations in Brussels. Its Expat Welcome Desk also provides free administrative assistance to expatriates settling in the region.

Actiris connects employers with local talent and helps companies recruit employees in the Brussels labour market.

visit.brussels supports international associations and event organisers through its Convention & Association Bureau, helping them establish themselves and organise international meetings and events in Brussels.

Brussels-based companies can also benefit from European opportunities. hub.brussels acts as Belgium’s National Contact Point for Horizon Europe, helping entrepreneurs and organisations identify opportunities to participate in the EU’s major research and innovation programme.

Connect with the Brussels business ecosystem

Public institutions are only one part of the support available to companies. Brussels also offers a dense network of chambers of commerce, sectoral organisations, business associations and international communities.

Chambers of commerce and international networks

BECI, the Brussels Chamber of Commerce, provides companies with opportunities to connect, exchange knowledge and develop their business network.

Bilateral chambers of commerce, representing communities from countries such as the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, China and others, also organise networking events, business meetings and cultural exchanges.

Embassies and foreign representations are another important gateway into Brussels’ international business community. Their events can provide valuable opportunities to meet companies, investors, institutions and international professionals.

Sector-specific clusters

For companies looking for sector expertise and connections, hub.brussels coordinates six sectoral clusters:

• lifetech.brussels – health and life sciences
• play.brussels – gaming and creative industries
• ecobuild.brussels – sustainable construction
• hospitality.brussels – hospitality and tourism
• software.brussels – software and digital technologies
• circlemade.brussels – circular economy

These communities bring together startups, SMEs and international companies, encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing and business development. Membership is free, subject to eligibility.

Business associations

Brussels and Belgium also benefit from a broad range of professional federations and industry associations. Organisations such as Agoria, VBO-FEB, Embuild, essenscia, Fevia, Fintech Belgium, MAD Brussels and games.brussels provide sector-specific expertise, training, networking, coaching and advocacy.

Whether you operate in technology, construction, life sciences, food, finance, fashion, design or gaming, these networks can help you understand your market and connect with the right partners.

A gateway to international markets

Brussels can also be a starting point for international expansion.

With around 11 million consumers, Belgium offers a relatively compact but highly international market. Its central location, multilingual environment and strong export orientation make Brussels a natural base for companies looking to reach European and global markets.

Through its international network, hub.brussels operates more than 34 offices around the world, managed by local teams that provide market intelligence, introductions to public and business partners, and practical support for companies exploring new markets.

Together with Belgium’s other regional agencies, FIT and AWEX, this network extends to around 72 international destinations where Belgian companies can receive support.

Once established in Brussels, companies can also take part in international trade fairs, business missions and economic missions organised with public partners.

The Belgian Economic Missions, held twice a year and led by a member of the Belgian Royal Family, offer an additional opportunity to explore new markets and meet international business partners.

From Brussels to the world

Brussels offers more than a place to establish your company. It provides access to a complete support ecosystem, combining public guidance, financing, business infrastructure, sector expertise and international connections.

Whether you are looking to set up, finance, innovate, recruit, network or expand internationally, the Brussels ecosystem provides the partners and resources to help turn your business ambitions into reality.