Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen

Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen (VLAIO) is the primary government agency in Flanders, Belgium, tasked with implementing the region's economic, innovation, and enterprise policy. Unlike traditional venture capital firms, VLAIO does not engage in equity investments but rather provides a comprehensive suite of non-dilutive financial support, advice, and networking opportunities to stimulate business growth, innovation, and internationalization within the Flemish ecosystem. Its core mission revolves around fostering a dynamic and competitive business environment for both established companies and emerging startups.

VLAIO's financial instruments primarily consist of grants, subsidies, and guarantees tailored to various stages of a company's lifecycle and specific project types. For instance, it offers significant support for research and development (R&D) projects, where companies can receive subsidies covering 25% to 50% of eligible project costs. Other notable programs include growth subsidies aimed at accelerating the expansion of promising businesses, and innovation mandates designed to support the hiring of specialized research personnel. These diverse offerings underscore VLAIO's commitment to de-risking innovation and enabling strategic investments for Flemish enterprises.

The typical "first cheque" from VLAIO, understood as an initial substantial grant for an innovation or growth project, can vary widely depending on the program and project scope. For many innovation-driven SMEs, initial project subsidies often range from approximately €50,000 ($54,000 USD) for smaller development initiatives to around €500,000 ($540,000 USD) for larger, more ambitious R&D or strategic transformation projects. While smaller subsidies like the KMO Portefeuille exist for training and advice, these larger project grants represent the agency's more significant direct financial contributions to a company's strategic objectives. VLAIO's support is crucial for companies seeking to innovate and scale without diluting their ownership.