Up to 20,000 euros coronavirus support per enterprise in Brussels

Regional support for companies who had to close doors due to Covid-19

The coronavirus has hit hard many business sectors and Brussels is no exception. The economic crisis caused by the measures against the spread of the virus is without precedent, claim the regional authority.

Now, a few months after the disease first started spreading and after the first social isolation measures were introduced, the regional government is taking actions to support the economy. Enterprises in selected sectors can now claim up to 20,000 euros financial assistance.

On 16 April 2020, the Government of Brussels Capital region announced additional measures to support some enterprises that have suffered the most from the lockdown in Belgium. The formalities on how to claim the funding are yet to be defined, however.

Currently, only merchants, catering establishments, etc. who have been forced to close, can request a COVID-19 premium. More information will follow shortly for the other affected sectors.

COVID-19 support in Brussels

Enterprises (independent or companies) of less than 50 full-time equivalents (FTEs) which have an operating headquarters in the Brussels-Capital Region, working in a sector of selected activities (trade, catering establishments) can apply for the COVID-19 premium.

The business must have an economic and commercial purpose. Public enterprises (or considered as such) cannot benefit from this scheme and there is another support scheme available for social integration enterprises.

Benefits of up to EUR 4,000 per operating office located in the Brussels-Capital Region, with a maximum of EUR 20,000 per enterprise can also be claimed. Enterprises can submit only one request.

Applications must be submitted no later than 1 June 2020.  You can see the full eligibility criteria and more details on the website of the Brussels Economy and Employment Service.

The lockdown in Belgium has been extended until at least 3 May. What is more, big outdoor events were cancelled until the end of August. The country has 41,889 confirmed cases of COVID-19 but reportedly the peak in the number of deaths has already passed.