setting up a company?

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1 You are on the path to setting up a company? innovating? going international? Three agencies to take you forward! agency for Innovation by Science and Technology Enterprise Flanders

2 Dear Entrepreneur, This is not news to you: creating a sound, innovative, international business is not a bed of roses. Whether you are just starting, or you are a veteran at it; whether you are funding your venture with your own resources or with the help of a bank; whether you are aiming for massive growth or technical breakthroughs, a lot is expected of you. It requires the best of you to come to fruition: a large amount of energy, the will to constantly deliver improvements and innovations, a sharp look and an open mind. But, do you know that the Flemish government, too, values your efforts? And wants to support you fully every step of the way? You can call on the services of three agencies, each dealing with the different stages in which your enterprise finds itself: Agentschap Ondernemen (Enterprise Flanders) for anything to do with making enterprises stronger; The Flemish agency for Innovation by Science and Technology (IWT) for anything relating to development and innovation; Flanders Investment & Trade for anything to do with internationalisation. Do you require additional financing? If so, we can direct you to the investment company PMV (LRM also in Limburg). Afraid you might again be knocking on the wrong door? No need to fret. We will gladly refer you. Don t hesitate to use our services. We are here for you. And what s more: we are happy to take you forward! Good luck!

3 You want to start up a business? Welcome to Agentschap Ondernemen, the driving force behind bigger and stronger entrepreneurship in Flanders. Which questions can you ask us? How does the government support the start of a venture? How do I find a suitable location? Which authorisations do I need and where can I get them? Where can I go to finance my projects? How do I take my business to the next level? What can you expect from us? Information and advice on the existing government measures: on how to start up and establish a venture; on the necessary authorisations; on the legislation you are required to know. We offer you instruments enabling you to get to work directly, such as the grant database or the start compass. For complex questions, we provide you with an account manager or refer you to other services where you can find further help. We gladly guide you so that you can clear the hurdles towards growth in matters of energy, environment, ICT, processes, or intellectual property. Grants for training and advice in matters of investments, company sites or industrial buildings, restrictions in public works, or ecological investments. Where can you find out more about us? Go to Or drop into one of our provincial offices. We will be happy to take you forward! Enterprise Flanders

4 You want to innovate? Welcome to IWT, the agency for Innovation by Science and Technology. We help Flemish companies turn their innovation projects into successes. Which questions can you ask us? If I want to innovate: how do I go about it? How does the government support my research and development efforts? How do I protect my intellectual property? How can I collaborate with others, to innovate together? How do I find the right partners to innovate together? What can you expect from us? Information and advice: on the process of innovation, on your ideas and projects, on suitable partners for your projects, on cooperation with the academic world. At a later stage we can help you achieve innovation or technology transfers on a European scale. Or we refer you to other contact points in our wide network, where you can find specific technical or technological expertise to help you further. Grants for innovation projects carried out by your company, whether or not in cooperation with a university, college or other research institution. We are also the national contact point for European support programs. Where can you find out more about us? Go to Or drop into one of our provincial innovation centres. We will be happy to take you forward! agency for Innovation by Science and Technology

5 You want your business to go international? Welcome to Flanders Investment & Trade, the Flemish agency for International Enterprise. We guide, support and stimulate Flemish companies as they take their business to the world. Which questions can you ask us? Is my company ready to export? How do I find suitable partners in my target market? Who are my competitors in my target market? How do I take part in a trade fair for the first time? How do I find a good operating base to tackle a certain market? What can you expect from us? Information and advice: on your company s chances to go international, on foreign markets and sectors, on international market approach strategies. In this respect, our International Enterprise advisers are your first point of contact; they will offer you customised guidance. And you can of course always contact our vast foreign network. A wide range of seminars, group business trips and collective stands at trade fairs. We also organise meetings with foreign investors and individual on-the-spot visits. Grants for prospecting and business trips, participation to trade fairs abroad, equipment goods, technical translations and renting office space abroad. Where can you find out more about us? Go to Or drop into one of our provincial offices. We will be happy to take you forward!

6 You are on the path to setting up a company, innovating or going international. And what do you have with you? Indeed, our contact details: Agentschap Ondernemen (Enterprise Flanders) Koning Albert II-laan 35 bus Brussels (Belgium) T +32 (0) info@agentschapondernemen.be IWT Koning Albert II-laan 35 bus Brussels (Belgium) T +32 (0) info@iwt.be Flanders Investment & Trade Gaucheretstraat Brussels (Belgium) T +32 (0) info@fitagency.com We are happy to take you forward! You can turn to these organisations for additional financing: PMV Oude Graanmarkt 63, 1000 Brussels (Belgium) T +32 (0) info@pmv.eu LRM Kempische Steenweg 555, 3500 Hasselt (Belgium) T +32 (0) info@lrm.be