Are you looking for a unique opportunity to internationalise your project in the design sector?
Wallonie-Bruxelles Design Mode is calling on designers, studios and/or design companies to apply for 15 personalised coaching grants.
Submit your application before 22 February 2026.
15 grants
In 2026, WBI, through the WBDM agency, is offering up to 15 grants for personalised support from a professional expert. This support is aimed at designers and design companies who wish to seek advice on (re)defining their international strategy.
This assistance takes the form of a grant of up to €4,000 to cover the consultant’s fees.
Who is it for?
To participate, candidates must meet the following conditions:
- be a designer/studio/design company (objects, spaces, furniture, products, etc.) – (for fashion, see our Fashion Programme);
- have a head office, subsidiary or branch in Wallonia or Brussels;
- have marketed products/services on a local market;
- have an international development project.
The selected companies will contribute to the international reputation of Belgian design.
What coaching missions?
These grants are intended to serve as a springboard for designers to review and/or implement a strategy for international development and visibility through, for example:
- International visibility and promotion: coaching sessions may include advice on preparing for international industry events, understanding trends and maximising visibility.
- International networking: prospecting for contacts, partners and other designers established on a global scale.
- Adapting products to the international market: grants can support designers in adapting their creations to the specific requirements and tastes of international markets. This could include advice on design, material quality, product size and other relevant aspects to meet the expectations of the target markets.
- Support for international communication: advising on best practices in intercultural communication, optimising content for international SEO, adapting branding for different audiences, and developing a public relations strategy to secure coverage in international media.
Selection criteria
The selected applications must stand out for their originality and professionalism, and demonstrate the potential necessary to break through on the international scene.
Applications will be analysed based on the following criteria :
- the coherence of the approach and the quality of the projects,
- the international development and visibility project,
- the motivation to receive the requested assistance.
Particular attention will be paid to efforts made/planned in terms of sustainable development, although this is not a selection criterion.
Selection committee
Two days of meetings between the WBDM team and the pre-selected designers will be organised to select the winners.
Important dates:
- 10 February 2026: information session (online)
- 22 February 2026: closing date for applications
- 6 & 9 March 2026: selection committee
- End of March: announcement of winners and start of coaching sessions
- 30 November 2026: end of coaching sessions and administrative procedures