Back-to-work season is also a good moment to revisit priorities. A clear idea, a sharp pitch, a realistic financial plan, proper administrative setup, and a solid network: these are the essentials for launching or relaunching a business in Brussels.
Every back-to-work season brings its share of new initiatives. In 2024, nearly 15,700 new entrepreneurs started their journey in Brussels, a 31.5% increase compared to 2023, according to the Starter Atlas 2024 by GraydonCreditsafe, UCM, and UNIZO. Behind these numbers lies plenty of enthusiasm, but also many early closures due to lack of preparation. So, what should you pack in your entrepreneurial toolkit to move forward without stumbling?
Start with the essentials
The first step is the idea. Not a magic formula, but a clear promise, expressed in one sentence and aimed at a defined audience. As Beci highlights in its support programs, too many projects fail not due to a lack of talent, but because the market hasn’t been properly tested. Validating your idea means listening to future clients, collecting feedback, and adjusting it. For instance, Beci offers the Pimento Map to help new entrepreneurs quickly identify the strengths and weaknesses of their project and fine-tune it before taking the plunge.
Next comes the pitch. Being able to present your project in two minutes, whether to an investor or a curious neighbor, forces you to clarify your thinking. Incubators and professional associations often recommend preparing two versions: a punchy “elevator pitch” (a short version) and a longer more detailed one.
Finally, mindset matters. Creating means embracing uncertainty and staying curious. Jotting down ideas daily, staying open to feedback, and paying attention to market changes are habits that help you move forward. In many cases, mental agility outweighs having large capital.
Get organized and stay compliant
Before seeking funding, you need at least a basic financial roadmap. What are the needs, fixed costs, and break-even point? The plan doesn’t need to be long, but it must be clear. Funding options are diverse: personal contributions, crowdfunding, microloans, private investors, bank loans, or regional grants. The SPF Economy reminds entrepreneurs that multiple levers exist, to be combined depending on the size and pace of the project. For smaller ventures, microStart, for example, offers microloans up to €25,000 with tailored support.
Next is administrative compliance. Not the most thrilling part, but likely the most crucial to avoid unpleasant surprises. Steps include choosing a legal structure, registering with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises via an accredited desk such as Partena Professional, affiliating with a social security fund, and, if applicable, registering for VAT. The federal portal belgium.be, as well as the SPF Economy website, provide step-by-step guidance to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Build a network and plan for the unexpected
Planning for the unexpected means knowing which support systems are available in case of trouble. In 2024, Brussels saw a 15% increase in bankruptcies, with over 27,000 jobs lost, according to the latest report from the Centre for Companies in Difficulty (in French: Centre des Entreprises en difficulté or CEd Relance). Nobody sets out expecting failure, but it’s wise to anticipate challenges. In 2024, CEd Relance handled nearly 900 cases, providing diagnostics, creditor mediation, and recovery training.
Your network also matters. Beci organizes community gatherings: breakfasts, workshops, and events such as Good Morning 500, Talent Talks, or the Inspirational Scale-up Night (see page 23), which help entrepreneurs connect with peers and experts.
Finally, keeping an eye on trends - digitalization, sustainability, internationalization - helps you stay ahead. Beci, for instance, offers coaching, themed workshops, and targeted programs to adapt and anticipate market shifts.
The Bag is Packed
Behind the myth of the solitary founder lies a backpack full of essentials. A bit of method, a solid network, the right tools, and the humility to ask for advice, that’s what separates a good idea from a sustainable business. Back-to-work season is the perfect time to check that everything is in place and step forward confidently.
Meet other entrepreneurs and expand your network at Good Morning 500, Beci’s Thursday morning gathering!