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?

  I would like to find out on which international market should I sell my designs.

  To understand this, WBDM, through its network, puts you in touch with:

  • a regional centre of the Wallonia Export-Investment Agency , your local branch of the Wallonia Export-Investment Agency;
  • hub.brussels, the Brussels Business Support Agency;
  • Economic and Trade Advisors from the Wallonia Export-Investment Agency and HUB Brussels, who are posted abroad to inform and advise you on foreign markets;
  • Wallonia-Brussels General Delegations of the WBI, to help you export your creative ideas.

  I am a company based in Wallonia and I want to elaborate an export strategy.

  Benefit from the support of a multilingual trainee coached and trained in international trade techniques who puts their experience at your service with the Explort programme.

  I would like to keep up-to-date with the current opportunities.

  • Consult the calls for projects and international opportunities identified by WBDM;
  • Subscribe to WBDM’s LinkedIn page where calls are published;
  • Subscribe to the WBDM newsletter;
  • Contact WBDM to present your project, get personalised advice and information about our calls for applications.
• How can I get support in developing my project internationally and/or sell my designs internationally?

  I would like to develop my brand internationally with the help of experts and according to my priorities.

  • You can apply for an individual coaching grant from WBDM (fashion or design).
  • For fashion, you can apply to the Fashion Programme.
  • In the Walloon Region, benefit from the support of experts approved by the Wallonia Export-Investment Agency to develop your business abroad. This aid makes it possible to cover part of the cost of a consultant of your choice, in the context of company cheques.
  • In the Brussels Region, request the Consultancy Bonus.

  I would like to enhance my global and/or digital strategy with a focus on international development.

  • Participate in collective workshops (fashion or design) led by experts and organised by WBDM.
  • For companies based in the Walloon Region, get a diagnosis of your digital maturity and/or receive help from an expert to set up a strategic action plan (in terms of digital maturity (e-commerce or digital positioning) and/or cybersecurity (securing tools and data protection) thanks to the chèques-entreprises.
  • Contact WBDM for personalised advice or to get in touch with its network.
• How to communicate more effectively on the international scene?

  I would like to know how to choose the right communication channels and expand my network.

  Download our tip sheet (in French) “Communication: Why & How?“

  I need advice on how to possibly adapt my designs or my communication for other countries.

  • Apply for an individual coaching grant (fashion or design) from WBDM.
  • For fashion, apply to the Fashion Programme.
  • For the Walloon Region, benefit from support from a specialised designer consultant (certified by the Wallonia Export-Investment Agency) to develop your market abroad. This aid makes it possible to cover part of the cost of a consultant choice, in the context of company cheques.
  • Contact WBDM to receive tailored advice.
• How can I get exposure among the international press?

  I would like to prepare a press kit.

  To read all of WBDM’s tips, download the tip sheet (in French) “How to make a press kit?“.

  I would like to meet the press.

  Several times a year, WBDM brings together Belgian fashion and design professionals with the international press. International journalists are invited to Belgium to meet designers from Wallonia or Brussels at representative events.

  Keep up-to-date with the possibilities published in our agenda.

• How to be present at an international exhibition / showroom?

  Which international event is right for my project?

  Each trade show has its own specific aspects. It is therefore essential to choose the one that fits your product and your business development strategy. 
  For help, download our tip sheet (in French) “How to prepare for a trade show?“

  I would like to participate in an international trade show as part of a group.

  WBDM organises recurrent group participations in 2 international design fairs in the context of Belgium is Design: Maison & Objet in Paris and Milan Design Week (Satellite and Fuorisalone).
  Other possibilities to be present are added depending on the year. Keep informed in our agenda.

  I would like to participate in an international trade show at an individual stand.

  • For a company based in Wallonia, take advantage of financial aid from the Wallonia Export-Investment Agency. Part of the costs of your attendance at a trade show can be covered.
  • If you are a company based in Brussels, you can take advantage of aid to participate in international trade shows or fairs or apply for a bonus for exhibiting at a trade fair abroad.

  How to communicate about the event?

  Download WBDM’s tip sheets (in French): “How to prepare for a trade show?” & “How to prepare a press kit?“

  Contact WBDM to receive tailored advice.

• How can I finance my international project?

  How can I finance the development of my prototypes?

  Find out about the prototyping grants and research grants of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Please note that these grants are also available for the development of your project in Belgium.

  How can I get grants for the fashion industry?

  Financial aid is available in the context of the Fashion Programme.

  How can I finance my fact-finding or prospecting trips, or my participation in an exhibition abroad?

  Take advantage of mobility grants from Wallonia-Brussels International, for the creative sector.

  I need a financial helping hand.

  For businesses, discover the financial incentives for exporting to support every step of the export process:

  • From the Wallonia Export-Investment Agency if you are based in Wallonia;
  • From Hub Brussels Internationalisation if you are based in Brussels.

  I need to reinforce the financial structure of my project.

  Apply for a loan or investments (shares in the capital). The St’Art investment fund is aimed at the cultural and creative industries.

• How can I protect my business (intellectual property) or get legal advice?

  I need a helping hand to draw up a contract for the publishing of my designs.

  Contact WBDM for a contract template.

  I would like to register my trademark or my designs.

  The Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) is the official body responsible for registering trademarks and designs in the Benelux.

  I need legal or general tax advice (applied arts).

  BeCraft organises personalised legal advice sessions for its members.

  I need legal advice on exporting.

  In the Walloon Region, you can be accompanied by lawyers specialised in foreign trade (certified by the Wallonia Export-Investment Agency) to develop your market abroad. This aid makes it possible to cover part of the cost of a consultant of your choice, in the context of company cheques.

  I need financial support in managing the intellectual property of my creations.

  Take advantage of the “Intellectual Property Cheques” from the Public Service of Wallonia.