Flemish start-ups will not be stopped by corona
2021 was another top year for starting entrepreneurs in Belgium. The Brussels Region has registered a growth of 3.5 percent in the number of starters in 2021 compared to 2020. This is a modest development, compared to the growth in the number of starters in Flanders (8.8 percent). With 11,673 establishments, Brussels has not yet reached the 12,687 establishments of 2019 (pre-crisis level), according to UNIZO, the entrepreneurs’ organization of Flanders and Brussels (Belgium) in a press release.
In Flanders, the number of starters who took the plunge increased by no less than 8.8 percent compared to 2020, to a total of 71,320. An absolute record. “If you really dream of owning your own business, you will clearly not let anyone stop you,” said Anton Van Assche, coordinator of UNIZO Brussels. This is also confirmed by a UNIZO survey. political development 54 percent that the crisis had no influence on their decision to start. 15 percent even saw an opportunity in the crisis.
When we compare the figures with the other provinces, we note the increase in all provinces in Flemish Brabant. It remains unclear for the time being whether this increase in Flemish Brabant is some kind of compensation for the decrease in Brussels, which can be deduced from the absolute figures. A decrease of 1014 starters (2019 compared to 2021) in Brussels over a short period to an increase of 1,879 starters in Flemish Brabant.
Corona crisis
A possible, non-corona-related explanation is the difference in the location regulations between Brussels and Flanders. A ‘company management’ certificate is (still) mandatory in Brussels and not (anymore) in Flanders. It could happen that without a number of starters certificate business management have moved to Flemish Brabant.
The corona is of course difficult for this analysis, especially with regard to the long-term effects of evolutions. For UNIZO Brussels it is a start to further promote the advantages of doing business in Brussels. New credit options such as the ‘Open up’ and ‘Rise up’ starter loans from finance.brus are improving the attractiveness. But a diversified and well-framed coaching offer for the widest possible group of starters is also essential. Well-endowed starters are the future of a healthy company in the economic transition envisioned by the Brussels Government.