What do you need to take into account?

• The first golden rules for exporting

  Increase your chances of success by following a few simple tips: 10 first export tips.

• How do I find out about and prospect international markets?

  Whether your aim is to raise your profile, find partners, take part in a professional event or market your creations, there are a number of resources that can help you identify the most relevant markets, sectors and opportunities.

  Market information

  • in Wallonia: AWEX – Walloon Agency for Exports and Foreign Investment
  • in Brussels: hub.brussels
  • Wallonia-Brussels International

  Current opportunities

  • Check out the international calls for proposals and opportunities identified by WBDM;
  • Follow WBDM on social media (we post opportunities there);
  • Contact WBDM to present your project, receive personalised advice and be kept informed of our calls for applications.

  European programmes

  • Creative Europe: Resources, calls for proposals and support to access European funding in the culture, design, fashion and creative sectors.
  • EEN – Enterprise Europe Network: A European networking platform enabling designers, creators and businesses to find international commercial, technological or research partners and access new market opportunities.
  • Brussels Contact Point
  • Wallonia Contact Point
• How can I increase the international visibility of my project?

  International development isn’t just about sales. Competitions, exhibitions, residencies, publications, trade fairs and collaborations can also boost your profile, lend credibility to your work and expand your professional network.

  Opportunities identified by WBDM

  Communication

  • Download our advice sheet: ‘Communication: Why & How?’ (in French)
  • Tips for putting together a press pack
  • Contact WBDM for personalised advice or to connect with its network.

  Get support from an expert

  • Apply to WBDM for a grant for one-to-one coaching (fashion or design).
  • For fashion, apply to the Fashion Programme.
  • In the Walloon Region, benefit from the support of AWEX-accredited experts to develop your business abroad. This support covers part of the cost of a consultant of your choice, under the ‘cheques-entreprises’ scheme.
  • In the Brussels Region, apply for the consultancy grant.

  Funding the production of communication materials

  For a project based in the Walloon Region, take advantage of AWEX’s ‘communication’ support.

• Why and how should you take part in a trade fair or professional event?

  Trade fairs, exhibitions and professional events are key tools for increasing visibility, meeting buyers, finding partners and gaining a better understanding of a market. For design companies, WBDM has expertise in organising collective stands and promoting Belgian design internationally.

  Preparing for your participation

  • Every trade fair has its own specific characteristics. It is therefore essential to choose the one that best suits your product and your business development strategy. To help you, download our advice sheet ‘How to prepare for a trade fair’ (in French).
  • Contact WBDM for bespoke advice.

  Take part with WBDM

  WBDM organises regular group participations at several international design trade fairs as part of ‘Belgium is Design’, such as Maison&Objet in Paris and Milan Design Week. Other events are added from year to year; check our calendar for details.

• How can I expand my network and find partners?

  International development often depends on the ability to build a network of partners suited to your sector: buyers, agents, showrooms, publishers, manufacturers, galleries, institutions, curators, journalists, opinion leaders or partners in European projects. Institutional networks can help you with this.

  • In Wallonia: AWEX – Walloon Agency for Export and Foreign Investment
  • In Brussels: hub.brussels
  • Wallonia-Brussels International
  • EEN – Enterprise Europe Network
  • WBDM is a member of BEDA – Bureau of European Design Associations and of the EFA – European Fashion Alliance
• How can I expand my business internationally?

  Once your project is ready, there are several tools and schemes available to help you structure your business expansion abroad.

  Business development

  • see AWEX’s terms and conditions
  • see support from hub.brussels

  Protecting your creations

  • The Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) is the official body responsible for registering trade marks and designs in the Benelux.
  • The European Union Intellectual Property Office will be your point of contact for protecting designs or models within the European Union.
  • In Wallonia, you can benefit from Intellectual Property Vouchers as part of the business voucher scheme.

  Securing your operations

  Credendo

• What funding and support can I access?

  There are several schemes available to support your international development, depending on your location, your sector of activity and your level of maturity.

  Developing my prototypes

  Prototyping and research grants from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

  International mobility

  • Mobility grants from Wallonie-Bruxelles International for the creative sectors.
  • Benefit from mobility support from the European Commission via the Culture Moves Europe programme.

  WBDM programmes

  • Fashion Programme – international coaching and grants for fashion brands
  • Grants for international design coaching
  • WBDM collective initiatives: trade fairs, missions, calls for applications, promotional activities

  Financial structure

  The St’Art investment fund is aimed at the cultural and creative industries.

  Wallonia

  • AWEX
  • Business vouchers (chèques-entreprises)

  Brussels

  hub.brussels

• How can I incorporate circularity into my international expansion?

  The circular economy has become a key differentiating factor in many international markets. Principles such as eco-design, reuse, traceability, sustainability and extending the lifespan of products can enhance the appeal of your offering to buyers, distributors, specifiers and partners.

  There are several networks, resources and schemes that can help you explore these issues, identify partners or secure funding for certain initiatives.

  Networks and resources

  • Circular Wallonia: news, resources, events and the Walloon circular economy ecosystem.
  • Wallonie Design – Design & Circular Economy: resources, support, workshops, European projects and inspiring case studies for businesses and designers.
  • circlemade.brussels: a Brussels-based network of circular economy businesses promoting exchanges, partnerships and opportunities.
  • BeCircular, which offers financial support, personalised guidance and access to a network of circular entrepreneurs in Brussels.
  • The DPP: The Digital Product Passport – a development to look out for.
• How can I incorporate digitalisation into my international expansion?

  Digital technology can be a key driver for increasing visibility, boosting competitiveness and accessing new international markets. In particular, digitalisation can support international communication, e-commerce, business development, customer data management, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, customer experience, product traceability, and so on.

  Networks and resources

  • Digital Wallonia, the leading platform for Wallonia’s digital strategy, which centralises resources, events, maps of key players and support schemes related to digital transformation.
  • hub.brussels – programmes related to innovation, digitalisation and the transformation of business models.