The WBDM Fashion Programme is designed to support fashion designers in their efforts to expand internationally. It aims to encourage diversity, innovation and creativity in the fashion sector and to promote the presence of Belgian brands on the international stage.

What does the Fashion Programme offer?

In 2027, WBDM is offering brands based in the Walloon Region or in Brussels:

• 5 grants (1 x €35,000, 2 x €20,000 and 2 x €10,000) designed to boost their international strategy;
• 6 coaching and consultancy grants of €4,000 to receive support from experts.

How can the grants be used?

The financial support may, amongst other things – but not exclusively – be used to:

• support promotion abroad: selected designers and brands can take part in renowned international events such as trade fairs, fashion shows and fashion weeks.
• support the search for opportunities: designers can engage agents and industry experts to guide them in identifying opportunities in specific markets.
• strengthening international business skills: consultancy sessions with experts help designers develop professional skills in business management for international expansion, marketing and negotiation.

Selection process

Applicants to the programme are assessed on the basis of their brand’s international development strategy, taking into account the quality of their designs and their commercial potential. An international panel of fashion industry experts is responsible for selecting the most promising brands.

Inspiring success stories

Over the years, the Fashion Programme has supported numerous brands in their international expansion. Some have strengthened their commercial presence abroad, whilst others have raised their profile in the international press, developed their digital strategy or even won major awards.

Discover the stories and testimonials of brands supported by WBDM, such as Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, SARAHLEVY, Façon Jacmin, IMPREVU and Jean-Paul Lespagnard, and see how the Fashion Programme has been a real catalyst for their growth.

Further reading

• 10 years of the Fashion Programme: what support should be provided to brands in 2026?
  Find out how the programme has evolved to meet the new challenges of the internationalisation of fashion brands and what lessons have been learnt from ten years of support.
• The fascinating journey of WBDM: what lessons can we take from two decades of fashion?
  A look back at twenty years of initiatives supporting fashion designers and businesses in Wallonia and Brussels, through the sector’s developments, the successes achieved and the most significant projects.
• Discover the success stories of the Fashion Programme’s beneficiaries.