SMEs

The Lisbon Strategy provides for specific support to SMEs. Belgium is a “land of SMEs,” given that more than 99% of Belgian companies are SMEs. It is thus logical that the FPS Economy has included them among its twelve strategic priorities.

Observing the economic, legal, social, and regulatory situation of SMEs, Self-employed, and the middle classes

Stimulating and reinforcing entrepreneurship

Implementing a regulatory framework adapted to the specificities of SMEs and the self-employed

Observing the economic, legal, social, and regulatory situation of SMEs, the self-employed, and the middle classes

With the help of a socio-economic observatory targeting the specificities and needs of SMEs, the FPS Economy anticipates the effects of different economic policies on SMEs and the self-employed. This targeted monitoring is carried out by collecting internal and external sources of information, by examining documentation and by providing pertinent data. This helps identify SMEs' expectations and study any problems they encounter in order to be able to suggest solutions in support of the policies in this area.

Stimulating and reinforcing entrepreneurship

The FPS Economy has various levers at its disposal for encouraging and promoting all the aspects of entrepreneurship, thereby stimulating economic growth. It also plays the role of coordinator and key contact point for the EU in the defence of the particular interests of SMEs. Through the supervision of Business One-stop Shops and with the development of the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises, the FPS Economy is deeply involved in the Government's administrative simplification policy intended to relax the formalities and regulatory environment for starters and existing businesses.

Furthermore, given the transversal nature of questions relating to SMEs, the FPS Economy is integrating the main concerns of SMEs into all of its other policies, whether innovation, market surveillance, competition, telecommunications, regulations, external competitiveness, or statistics.

Implementing a regulatory framework adapted to the specificities of SMEs and the self-employed

Thanks to its “think small first” approach, the first question which the European Union always asks itself is what will be the consequence of any measure on the smallest industry players. Using the same logic, the FPS Economy is modernising and applying a legal regulatory framework which is suitable for the economic challenges, national priorities and European obligations of SMEs. It helps ensure a stimulating legislative framework for them, in particular regarding innovation and the creation of new activities and sustainable companies.