Background information

The Brussels Region launched these financial support measures to businesses as part of its “Shifting Economy” strategy to accelerate the transition toward sustainability and social inclusion. The 2024 reform incentivises companies to adopt exemplary practices in areas like carbon neutrality, biodiversity protection, and quality employment. By offering up to 45% more financial aid to such businesses, the region ensures that public funds support sustainable and socially responsible economic development. The approach intends to target systemic challenges while encouraging companies to align with Brussels’ long-term environmental and social objectives.

Content of measure

The Brussels Region’s reform of regional aid provides increased financial support to businesses demonstrating exemplary social or environmental practices. Managed by Brussels Economy and Employment, the initiative offers companies up to 45% more financial aid (compared to the previous financial aids scheme), funded through an annual budget of €30 million.

It aims to support around 4,000 businesses annually in launching, transforming, or enhancing their operations.

Eligible companies include those contributing to environmental goals like carbon neutrality, recycling, or biodiversity protection, or to social objectives such as quality employment, diversity, and good governance. Businesses can qualify by earning recognized labels (e.g., Ecodynamic, GoodFood, Bcorp) or winning regional project calls (e.g., Women in Business, BeCircular). Employing marginalized workers or training job seekers also qualifies.

Support tools are available to help companies transition, including a free self-diagnostic platform provided by hub.brussels to assess environmental, social, and governance performance.

By 2030, only exemplary businesses will be eligible for aid, aligning with the Brussels Region’s broader goal of full economic decarbonization by 2050.

For guidance on meeting eligibility, businesses can access resources on the Brussels Economy and Employment website.

Use of measure

No data available (yet)

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Applies to all businesses	Does not apply to citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
Local / regional government	Regional funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Unknown	Unknown
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Unknown
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

BECI provides information and guidance on their website to the platform. BECI is jointly organised by EO VBO-FEB, so they are at least indirectly involved.

Views and reactions

No public statements by social partners.

Sources

• 19 March 2024: BECI (www.beci.be)