In 2026, the most important digitalization grant for Brussels-based SMEs is the Digitalization Grant (Prime Digitalisation). This scheme by Brussels Economy and Employment funds between 25 and 70% of your digitalization services: website creation or redesign, process automation, cybersecurity and more. A real driver of growth and competitiveness for your business.
Update March 2026 – current system
This article describes the Digitalization Grant as applied since the decree of February 22, 2024 in the Brussels-Capital Region, still in force as of January 13, 2026. Key parameters confirmed: base rate of 25%, surcharges up to 70%, cap of €10,000 per calendar year, minimum €500 per subsidized assignment, maximum 2 subsidized assignments per year, external consulting assignment over maximum 6 months.
What grant is available for creating a website in Brussels in 2026?
Question: “What grants are available for creating a website in Brussels in 2026?”
Direct answer: the main funding source for a website in Brussels is the Digitalization Grant. It reimburses between 25 and 70% of your consulting fees to create or improve a showcase or e-commerce website, with a cap of €10,000 per year for SMEs with operational headquarters in the Brussels-Capital Region. The application is submitted online via the MyBEE platform.
The 2026 Digitalization Grant: digital transformation services
The Digitalization Grant is the main source of assistance for website creation or redesign projects in Brussels in 2026. This scheme, in force since the decree of February 22, 2024, replaces the former Web Grant and offers broader coverage to support the digital transformation of businesses. Each digitalization project benefits from a structured approach to ensure effective implementation of your digital transition.
Legal nature, mission and purpose
The grant is a regional subsidy managed by Brussels Economy and Employment via the MyBEE platform. Its objective is to support the digital transformation of Brussels-based SMEs by co-financing external consulting assignments. This public intervention aims to accelerate digital maturity and innovation within Belgian businesses.
Key points for 2026:
- Grant of 25% to 70% of eligible expenses
- Annual cap of €10,000 per beneficiary
- Minimum €500 per subsidized assignment
- Maximum 2 subsidized assignments per year
- Maximum assignment duration: 6 months
Brussels Digitalization Grant Simulator
Before diving into the details of rates and surcharges, use our simulator to get an instant estimate of your Digitalization Grant amount. Enter the cost of your project, the number of assignments, and your company profile — the calculation is immediate.
This estimate is indicative and based on the 2026 Digitalization Grant parameters. The actual amount depends on validation of your application by Brussels Economy and Employment.
Detailed coverage amounts and rates in 2026
Base rate and surcharges in Brussels
The subsidy rate is not fixed: it varies depending on your company’s profile and can reach 70% thanks to cumulative surcharges. Note: in Wallonia, separate schemes exist (such as business vouchers), but the procedures and conditions differ. The Walloon voucher system is not interchangeable with the Brussels Digitalization Grant.
Base rate: 25%
All eligible companies receive a base subsidy rate of 25% on eligible expenses. Note that this rate can be significantly increased depending on your company profile.
Applicable surcharges:
Surcharge criterion | Surcharge | Potential rate |
|---|---|---|
Startup company (registered < 4 years) | + 10% | 35% |
Certified social enterprise | + 10% | 35% |
Recognized circular economy company | + 10% | 35% |
Combination of all 3 surcharges | + 30% | 55% |
Note: Some sources mention a base rate of 40% for specific projects, but the official 2026 text indicates a base rate of 25% with targeted surcharges.
Ceilings and limits for 2026
Absolute annual ceiling: €10,000
Regardless of the subsidy rate, you cannot receive more than €10,000 in grants per calendar year. Your application must accurately reflect the amounts requested.
Minimum per assignment: €500
Each consulting assignment must represent at least €500 in eligible expenses to be subsidized. A well-prepared application facilitates verification and the grant decision.
Maximum number of assignments: 2 per year
You can benefit from a maximum of 2 subsidized consulting assignments per calendar year. This allows a complex project to be divided into several phases to optimize project delivery.
Eligible projects in 2026: what the grant actually covers
The 2026 Digitalization Grant covers a wide range of digital services, going far beyond simple showcase website creation. It’s a real transformation tool to boost your online visibility.
Website creation and development
Professional showcase websites: conception, design, development, content integration, technical SEO optimization. A well-designed site strengthens your visibility and online effectiveness.
E-commerce platforms: development of online stores, integration of payment solutions, inventory management, synchronization with accounting software. A preliminary analysis of your needs is essential.
Website redesign and technical improvement: complete redesign of existing sites, migration to new technologies, performance optimization, user experience improvement.
Advanced solutions and process digitization
Systems integration: ERP, CRM, integrated management software, data flow automation. These digitalization services strengthen control over your operations and data security.
Cybersecurity: website security solutions, vulnerability audits, implementation of data protection protocols.
Artificial intelligence and automation: applied AI projects, chatbots, business process automation, productivity tools. Innovation is at the heart of these services.
Training related to digitalization: up to 5 training courses per year can be subsidized, with the same coverage rates (25% to 55%).
What is NOT eligible
- Recurring expenses: domain names, hosting, monthly maintenance
- Computer equipment purchases: computers, servers, peripherals
- Software as such: software licenses without consulting services
- Expenses incurred before submitting the application — a common mistake to avoid
Specific eligibility requirements in 2026
Geographical and legal criteria
Operational headquarters in the Brussels-Capital Region required
Your company must have its operational headquarters in the Brussels-Capital Region (one of the 19 municipalities). The registered office must be listed with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE). Correct identification of your headquarters is crucial for application admissibility.
Economic purpose
The company must have an economic and commercial purpose. Non-profit organizations (NPOs) are generally not eligible, unless they are certified social enterprises. The definition of “enterprise” used follows EU law.
Company profile and size
Eligible categories: freelancers and self-employed workers, micro-enterprises and SMEs, medium-sized companies (under certain conditions). Note: if your operational headquarters is in Wallonia rather than Brussels, you fall under a different scheme (business vouchers) with its own conditions.
Eligible sectors of activity: commerce, catering, hospitality, professional services, real estate agencies, construction, passenger transport, research and development (NACE-BEL codes 72.110 to 72.200).
Administrative obligations
- Filing accounts on time with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises
- Compliance with de minimis thresholds (cumulative state aid)
- No uncontested tax or social security debts
Step-by-step application process (2026)
Phase 1 — Preparation and preliminary validation (critical)
Step 1.1: Identify an eligible service provider
Your service provider must have an appropriate consulting NACE VAT code, demonstrate at least 2 years of consulting activity, be independent from your company, and must not have assisted you on a subsidized assignment in the past 2 years.
Step 1.2: Obtain a detailed quote
The quote must include: precise description of services, assignment duration (max 6 months), total cost excluding and including VAT, and payment terms. The final invoice must match the initial quote.
Step 1.3: Write the project description
Clearly define the project objectives, expected added value for your company, and detailed budget estimate. This step determines the grant decision by Brussels Economy and Employment.
Phase 2 — Submitting the application online via MyBEE
Mandatory platform: MyBEE
All applications must be submitted exclusively online via MyBEE (My Crossroads Bank for Enterprises). The process is fully digital.
Critical deadline: before the assignment begins
The application must be submitted no later than the day before the assignment starts. Any expense incurred before submission is inadmissible. Pay particular attention to this point.
Processing time: 4 to 6 weeks
Allow 4 to 6 weeks to receive a decision from Brussels Economy and Employment. The notification is sent via MyBEE.
Phase 3 — Project completion and justification
On-time execution
The project must be completed within 6 months maximum after approval. Delivery must match the initial application description.
Expense justification
Upon project completion, submit via MyBEE: paid invoices, proof of payment (bank transfers, statements), detailed execution report, and service provider completion certificate.
Grant payment
Reimbursement occurs 4 to 8 weeks after validation of supporting documents. The verification process is rigorous but transparent.
Optimization strategies in Brussels: maximizing your subsidy
Smart multi-year planning
Break down complex projects
The €10,000/year cap and 2 assignments/year limit enable a phased strategy:
- Year 1: Showcase website creation (€5,000 → grant of €1,250 to €2,750)
- Year 2: E-commerce store addition (€5,000 → grant of €1,250 to €2,750)
- Year 3: CRM integration and automation (€5,000 → grant of €1,250 to €2,750)
Total over 3 years: €8,250 in potential grants for a €15,000 project, paid in 3 × €5,000. This approach maximizes your business growth while controlling costs.
Accumulation of surcharges
Concrete example: eco-responsible startup
A startup SME (registered in 2023) operating in the circular economy can achieve 25% (base) + 10% (startup) + 10% (circular) = 45% subsidy. If it’s also a certified social enterprise: 55% subsidy. A real accelerator for competitiveness and innovation.
Anticipating the transition to electronic invoicing
In 2026, structured electronic invoicing becomes mandatory for certain companies. Integrating this compliance into your web project may be eligible for the grant under the “process digitization” category. This transition is also an opportunity for broader digital transformation.
Selection of eligible service providers in 2026
Mandatory selection criteria
Your service provider must comply with the following conditions:
Criterion | 2026 Requirement | Numinam |
|---|---|---|
NACE VAT Code | Primary consulting activity (e.g. 62.020, 62.090, 70.220) | ✅ |
Seniority | Minimum 2 years of experience in the field | ✅ |
Independence | No capital or control ties with your company | ✅ |
Prior history | Must not have assisted you on a subsidized assignment in the past 2 years | ✅ |
Capacity | Proven experience in similar assignments | ✅ |
Benefits of a grant-expert service provider
Specialized agencies offer a competitive advantage: mastery of 2026 regulatory requirements, project structuring to maximize eligibility, support with MyBEE filing, and guaranteed compliance with provider eligibility criteria.
Cost vs. benefit
An expert agency may charge 10–15% more, but guarantees you receive the grant (€2,500 to €5,500 subsidy on a €10,000 project). The process efficiency is significantly improved.
