Name: Schaalklaar subsidy for scaling to scale-up
Funding organization: VLAIO (Flemish Agency for Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
Maximum funding: €350,000 per project
Funding rate: up to 70% of accepted project budget
Duration: up to 3 years
Objective: Support young innovative enterprises in scaling to scale-ups
Grant frequency: One-time per enterprise
Part of VLAIO's program to stimulate high-growth companies in Flanders
Legal framework: BVR bedrijfssteun voor O&I in Vlaanderen (May 12, 2017) and EU General Block Exemption Regulation (Art. 22)
Distinct from other innovation support programs
Eligible organizations: Small enterprises (kleine ondernemingen) with legal personality, including vzw's with economic activity
Company age: between 1 and 5 years at subsidy decision time
Location: Operational establishment in Flemish Region
Size: less than 50 employees, turnover or balance sheet ≤ €10 million
Founders/co-founders must hold majority (≥50.1%) ownership
Team: at least two active partners and multidisciplinary team of at least six full-time equivalents including partners
Governance: Supported by Board of Directors or Advisory Board
Must not be publicly listed, no profit distribution, no origin from merger or acquisition
Project budget minimum €500,000
Project duration between 1 and 3 years
Project plan with measurable milestones (recommended max 2 per year)
Focus on scaling activities: team building, production scaling, market development, process automation, data management
Excludes activities supported by other innovation programs (feasibility, research, development projects)
Expected outcomes include business growth and societal impact
Competent multidisciplinary team required
Investments in production capacity and IT systems allowed
Project plan with measurable milestones mandatory
Evaluation after each project phase
Minimum project budget €500,000
Maximum subsidy €350,000 covering up to 70% of accepted costs
Eligible costs: personnel, operating costs, external services, investments
Payment in installments: 50% upfront, subsequent payments upon milestone achievement, final payment after project completion
Updated project plans required for subsequent phases
Mandatory pre-registration from 24 April 2025 to 30 April 2025 (12:00)
Full application submission from 26 May 2025 to 19 August 2025 (12:00)
Project start earliest first day of month after subsidy application submission
Annual measurable milestones with evaluation after each phase
Panel advises on continuation funding after each phase
Must comply with BVR bedrijfssteun voor O&I in Vlaanderen and EU General Block Exemption Regulation
Subsidy exempt from corporate tax under article 193ter WIB 92
Non-listed small enterprises without profit distribution or merger/acquisition origin
Two-step application: mandatory pre-registration and positive advice before full application
Required documents: pre-registration template, project description, project budget, size determination, cash flow plan
Evaluation by independent expert jury with pitch sessions in September 2025
Selection based on six criteria: team quality, innovativeness, potential, approach plan, societal impact, subsidy stimulating effect
Top 15 projects funded
Focus on scaling phase distinct from other innovation supports
One-time subsidy per enterprise
Strong emphasis on innovation and societal impact
Milestone-based funding reduces risk