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Starting, taking over, restructuring a business or ceasing to trade

Starting, taking over, restructuring a business or ceasing to trade

1819, a guide at each stage of your business lifecycle 

The website 1819.brussels provides extensive information on how to start, take over, restructure your business or cease to trade.

Everyone with plans to start their own business needs to invest time preparing. As well as the need to secure financing, some administrative and legal matters also have to be taken care of. The main questions you will need to answer are as follows.

Are your plans feasible?

Clearly define your plans and get advice from business start-ups experts before you take the plunge.
To identify your strengths and weaknesses before you start, you need to draw up a business plan. This describes your business, the market, your positioning in relation to competitors, what you want to achieve and how, as well as financial analyses and forecasts.

What legal form should you opt for?

The choice of legal form depends on several criteria: the type of business, the number of people involved, the financing available, your financial commitments, and the liability you are prepared to take, among other things.

How do you draw up a financial plan?

You will have to forecast your turnover for one or more years. The financial plan enables you to determine with more or less precision whether the revenues your business is expected to generate will cover all your outgoings and even allow you to make a profit. Financers, bankers and administrations need to see your financial plan. You have a legal obligation when you start a business to draw one up and file it with a notary.

What financing is needed?

To start a new business, financial resources are of course necessary. You need to determine how much you can invest in the start-up of your business, what is referred to as your "own funds". In some cases, you will also need external funds.

In addition, you can also find out whether you are eligible for certain subsidies or other financial aid. More information on these is available under the heading "Support and subsidies" (FR/NL) of the website of Brussels Economy and Employment.

Under the heading ""Subsidies" (FR/NL) of the website 1819.brussels, you can find an overview of all regional, federal and European support measures and incentives for which you as an entrepreneur may be able to apply.

What are you legally obliged to do?

In most cases, you must have a notarised deed drawn up, with payment of formation charges, covering the costs of publication in Moniteur belge, the official journal of Belgium, and the notary’s fee. For more information see the website of the Royal Federation of Belgian Notaries (FR/NL).

For all other matters, contact a Guichet d'entreprises. Additional information is also published on the Formalities and obligations page under Setting up as self-employed or a shopkeeper on this website.

The following organisations can help you in the Brussels-Capital Region :

  • 1819
    Any questions about your business in Brussels? Contact us.
    Call 1819 from Monday to Friday from 9am to 1pm and Tuesday from 5pm à 7.30pm.
    Email : info@1819.brussels
    Online: www.1819.brussels Infopoint : Chaussée de Charleroi 110, 1060 Brussels
    Open from Monday to Friday from 1am to 5pm
  • Brussels Regional Public Service
    Brussels Economy and Employment 

    Boulevard du Jardin Botanique, 20, 1035 Brussels
    Phone: +32 (0)2 800 34 52
    Email: info.eco@sprb.brussels
    Online: werk-economie-emploi.brussels
  • hub.brussels
    Brussels Business Support Agency

    UNO
    Chaussée de Charleroi 110, 1060 Brussels
    Phone: +32 (0)2 422 00 20
    Email: info@hub.brussels
    Online: hub.brussels
  • BECI (Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industry)
    Avenue Louise, 500, 1050 Brussels
    Phone: +32 (0)2 210 01 71
    Email: info@beci.be
    Online: www.beci.be (FR/NL)
  • IPCF (Institute of Accounting Professionals and Tax Experts) 
    Avenue Legrand, 45, 1050 Brussels
    Phone: +32 (0)2 626 03 80
    Email: info@bibf.be
    Online: www.ipcf.be

 

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