Capital of Europe, city on a human scale, melting pot of cultures and opportunities... Brussels attracts entrepreneurs. Here's why setting up your headquarters here makes perfect sense.
Starting a business, sure. But where? At a time when Europe's major capitals are becoming more and more attractive, Brussels is managing to stand out. A strategic crossroads, a multilingual region, the capital of Europe ... it ticks a lot of boxes for those who want to get started. And when you consider that one in two entrepreneurs is actually an expat or has an international profile (according to the FPS Economy), it's easy to see why the city is quickly becoming a hub in its own right. So what does starting a business in the capital actually look like, and what does it have that other cities don't?
Doing business in Brussels: the right reflex
Brussels is Europe without the hustle and bustle. Just a stone's throw from Paris, Amsterdam, London and Frankfurt, it offers excellent rail, road, air and port connections for rapid access to Europe's major economic centres. For internationally-oriented businesses, it couldn't be more convenient.
In addition to the connectivity, it's what happens here that really counts: European institutions, NGOs, federations, multinational headquarters... all these people meet, exchange ideas and work together. The result is a fertile ecosystem where there is no shortage of opportunities. As Beci's guide to ‘Setting up a business in Brussels’ sums it up: ‘By setting up your business in Brussels, you become part of the Brussels ecosystem, with its 42,000 legal entities within a radius of just 3 km’. And that says it all.
Here, you’re surrounded by support
Brussels moves with those who create and innovate. Here, the procedures for launching a business are fairly straightforward, the support services well-structured and the networks easily accessible. Beci, in particular, supports hundreds of Belgian and foreign businesses every year, from start-up to domiciliation and international expansion.
According to figures from the FPS Economy, the Region was home to hundreds of thousands of active businesses in 2023, a dense economic network where exchanges take place naturally. Looking for a partner, supplier or customer? Chances are, they’re just around the corner.
A city that speaks all languages
In Brussels, business is done in several languages. French-Dutch bilingualism is institutional, but English has largely established itself in business circles, and it works. Institutional bilingualism, coupled with a strong presence of international profiles, creates an open and inclusive environment. What's more, this cosmopolitan dimension facilitates the integration of talent, as well as intercultural collaboration. And then... setting up your headquarters here also means thinking about your teams. In this respect, Brussels scores well: a vibrant cultural scene, green spaces everywhere, lively neighbourhoods... It's a good place to live, and a good place to work. And that matters, especially when it comes to retaining qualified talent.
Avenue Louise, an address that speaks for itself
While some headquarters choose the outskirts for practical reasons, others opt for emblematic addresses. This is the case with Avenue Louise, one of the most representative arteries of Brussels' economic dynamism. Stretching for almost three kilometres, it connects the Palace of Justice district to the Bois de la Cambre, where everything can be found: shops, offices, institutions, and life.
It’s here, at number 500, that Beci has set up its headquarters. An address that embodies a certain idea of Brussels: prestige, dynamism and a strong connection to business. It's a lively place, where entrepreneurs meet, events are organised, business is conducted, and where you can even have breakfast every Thursday morning... in other words, it's the place to be.
So, why Brussels? Because it's a logical choice. Because it's a place where you can build, grow, meet and experiment. And above all, because it's a capital that resembles its entrepreneurs: cosmopolitan, ambitious, resilient.
More information on Beci's domicile service here