Internationalisation Starter Pack (FIT).

Details

• URL: https://export.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com/nl/starterspakket-internationalisering
• What it is: FIT lump-sum grant for innovative Flemish SMEs that want to (for the first time) export
• Grant amount: €9,000 (one-time lump sum)
• Who it’s for (core): innovative Flemish SME with an operating base in Flanders that has never received a FIT subsidy
• Application: fully online via “My FIT” during a call period (limited number of files)
• Contact: Subsidy Desk • Subsidiedesk@fitagency.be • +32 2 504 88 64

Who is this Starter Pack for?

According to FIT, this Starter Pack is for innovative SMEs that:

• want to start exporting
• meet the EU SME definition
• have an operating base in the Flemish Region
• have never received a FIT subsidy (also not via companies linked through share capital)

Who is not eligible?

The source mentions exclusions such as:

• SMEs in situations like dissolution, discontinuation, bankruptcy or liquidation
• public authorities, associations of public authorities and companies whose share capital is >50% (directly or indirectly) owned by government
• SMEs in excluded sectors (NACE-BEL 2008; see the source page for the full list)

Key conditions (summary)

1. Never received a FIT subsidy (also not via capital-linked companies).
2. Compliant with social and tax legislation; obligations towards FIT fulfilled; and no double public funding for the same costs.
3. The project concerns the implementation of your export plan.
4. Your SME meets the measure’s criteria.

When and how to apply

• The Starter Pack can be applied for at least twice per year during a call period.
• The number of grants is limited; the call closes once the maximum is reached.
• Application is fully digital via the customer portal My FIT and only possible during the open submission period.
• You and your SME must be registered as a FIT customer.

Costs and timing (important)

• Only costs from the day after your application are eligible for support.
• After receiving a file number, you have max. 10 calendar days to complete your file; incomplete applications are not accepted after that.
• The submission date determines the file number; in the event of equal scores, the earlier submission date is prioritised.

What do you need to submit?

According to the source, a complete application includes:

• the fully completed online application form
• a presentation of the company and its activities
• a clear project description
• an implementation plan (maximum duration 9 months)
• a cost estimate (at least the grant amount)

After you apply

• Assessment by a FIT selection committee based on criteria and a scoring table (see source).
• The grant is paid out within 60 calendar days after approval (according to the page).
• Within 9 months after approval, you submit a commercial report with invoices and proof that the project was implemented.

Good to know

• Your application is assessed on your company and export plan (don’t forget to add it in My FIT).
• Documents are final once submitted (cannot be changed or removed).
• Products/services do not have to be fully finalised at the time of application, but during the project period you must be able to export.
• In the same calendar year you receive this Starter Pack, you are not eligible for other FIT support measures (according to the page).