SME Action Plan: Oxygen Brussels
On Thursday, the Brussels Government approved Oxygen Brussels, the action plan presented by Laurent Hublet to make life easier for SMEs and support their development. It puts into practice the fourth priority of the ‘Brussels All.In’ economic roadmap.
“Public services should serve businesses, not the other way around. We listened to them, engaged our administrations and selected the 22 most concrete measures to remove the barriers standing in the way of Brussels-based SMEs. Oxygen is a sign of confidence and a commitment to making Brussels simpler, clearer and more predictable. Our businesses need room to breathe. With Oxygen, we’re giving them that.
Comprising 22 measures, the plan aims, in particular, to simplify administrative procedures, facilitate access to public procurement and provide better support for businesses wishing to expand or transfer their activities.
Hub.info will become the go-to gateway for entrepreneurs. A one-stop shop will help them find premises. The plan also sets out measures to tackle the challenges affecting economic activity in local neighbourhoods.
Drawing on findings gathered in the field, Oxygen Brussels has been further developed in consultation with the social partners, Brupartners, the administrations and the Government as a whole. It is structured around four priorities.
1. Simplifying the business journey
The plan aims to streamline procedures, clarify deadlines and tailor administrative services to the needs of businesses. It also aims to modernise access to certain professions and ensure that businesses do not have to submit the same information multiple times.
From now on, hub.info will become the go-to gateway for entrepreneurs. A regional agent powered by artificial intelligence will answer the most frequently asked questions. Information on taxes and fees will also be clarified.
2. Helping businesses grow
This priority focuses on the review of economic aids, access to finance, support for the social economy and business succession. A one-stop shop will help businesses find premises.
3. Putting public procurement at the service of SMEs
The Region intends to make its public procurement processes more accessible to SMEs, whilst complying with the rules on competition, equal treatment and non-discrimination. Implementation of this measure is starting immediately.
4. Improving business conditions in neighbourhoods
The plan aims to address the challenges that are having a direct impact on economic activity, particularly in relation to parking, cleanliness and safety. It also provides support for Business Improvement Districts, where local businesses work together to improve their neighbourhoods. Local authorities will be involved where their areas of responsibility are concerned.
The initial measures will focus on energy connections and addressing security issues that affect economic activity.
Phased implementation
Further measures will be rolled out in two waves, following assessment, experimentation or consultation. Brulocalis will be consulted on those measures affecting local authorities. Each measure will be overseen by the relevant member(s) of the Government, who will set the timetable and monitoring indicators.
The plan will prioritise the use of existing resources. An initial progress report will be presented to the Government in early 2027.
For further information, please see the press release below.
