In 2025, CEd Relance supported 817 Brussels-based companies facing financial, administrative, or legal difficulties. In a challenging economic climate, the center reaffirmed its crucial role as a frontline resource.
According to Statbel, 11,665 bankruptcies were registered in Belgium in 2025, 5.4% more than in 2024. This significant figure underscores the persistent vulnerability of many businesses. In Brussels, where the economic fabric relies heavily on freelancers, micro-enterprises, and SMEs, the pressure quickly mounts: dwindling cash flow, mounting expenses, and payment delays ultimately disrupt operations.
Difficulties rarely begin with a major shock; they develop gradually, until it becomes difficult to move forward alone. This is where CEd Relance intervenes. Led by Beci and supported by the Brussels-Capital Region, the Centre for Businesses in Difficulty (CEd Relance) supports entrepreneurs before bankruptcy becomes the only option.
2025 Review
Every Tuesday afternoon and Thursday morning, free consultations allow entrepreneurs to take stock of their situation with a multidisciplinary team of experts. The goal is not only to address an immediate crisis, but also to understand the root causes of difficulties in order to plan for recovery, restructuring, or, when necessary, a more structured exit strategy.
In 2025, 817 cases were handled, including individual and group consultations, as well as meetings with the CEd Relance coordinator. In addition, nearly 4,500 phone calls and approximately 1,000 emails were received regarding legal, accounting, or administrative matters.
The profile of the businesses supported remains consistent with that observed in previous years: primarily small businesses, often with fewer than 20 employees, with a strong representation of limited liability companies (SRLs) and self-employed individuals. Difficulties also recur regularly: late payments, tax and social security debts, tensions with suppliers, rising costs, administrative burdens, and a lack of clarity regarding available support.
The center also observes that approximately 20% of entrepreneurs encounter language difficulties in understanding certain administrative documents, which further complicates day-to-day operations.
Prevention is better than cure
The 2025 report from CEd Relance confirms it once again: the earlier support arrives, the more solutions are available. Beci has been emphasizing this preventative approach for several years. Beyond crisis consultations, the center also offers a series of "Prevention/Recovery" training courses, with practical workshops on accounting, taxation, subsidies, cost management, and judicial reorganization procedures. The goal is to help entrepreneurs identify warning signs before the situation deteriorates.
CEd Relance also acts as a liaison with the entire Brussels ecosystem. In 2025, 232 cases were transferred to partners such as Reload Yourself, Revival, Oasis, and Un Pass dans l’Impasse. This represents 33% of the cases received, a 50% increase compared to 2024. This growth demonstrates that support pathways are becoming more structured. Some businesses require longer-term support, while others need more in-depth strategic or legal guidance. When business continuity is no longer possible, the center also assists with the procedures related to judicial reorganization or bankruptcy proceedings.
A satisfaction rate exceeding 90%
Key takeaways
2025 was also a challenging year for the operation of the program. A lack of budgetary visibility for several months hampered some projects and limited the launch of new initiatives, particularly in the area of prevention. Despite this, Beci maintained its core missions: welcoming, listening to, guiding, and supporting entrepreneurs when they need it most.
The CEd Relance program also continues its proactive work: enhanced communication, practical workshops, a presence within the Brussels entrepreneurial ecosystem, and collaborations with hub.brussels, local economic development offices, social welfare centers (CPAS), and the Business Court.
The satisfaction rate remains above 90%, according to the latest CEd Relance report, demonstrating that the service continues to be relevant for those who use it.
