Are you looking for a unique opportunity to internationalise your design project?
Wallonie-Bruxelles Design Mode (WBDM) is calling on designers, design studios and/or companies to offer 15 personalised coaching grants.
15 grants
WBI, through WBDM , is offering up to 15 grants in 2024 for personalised support with a professional coach or expert. This support is aimed at designers and design companies who want advice on (re)structuring their business and/or (re)defining their international strategy.
This assistance takes the form of a grant of up to €4,000 (excluding VAT) or €4,840 (for non-taxable persons), intended to cover the consultant’s fees.
Who is eligible?
To take part, candidates must meet the following conditions:
- be a designer / studio / design company (object, space, furniture, product, etc.) – (for fashion, see our Fashion Programme) ;
- have a registered office, subsidiary or branch in Wallonia or Brussels;
- have marketed products/services on a local market;
- have an international development project.
The companies selected will contribute to the international reputation of Belgian design.
Which coaching missions?
The aim of these grants is to provide a springboard for designers to revise and/or implement an international development strategy, for example by:
- Export assistance: coaching sessions can include practical advice on international standards, logistics, trade regulations, intellectual property and other aspects essential for success in global markets.
- International network: prospecting for potential distributors, business partners and other designers established worldwide. These connections can facilitate entry into new markets, open doors for cross-border collaborations and provide valuable insights into international trends.
- 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 aspects relevant to meeting the expectations of global consumers.
- Support with international communication: thinking about online presence, social networking, marketing, etc.
Selection criteria
The applications selected must stand out for their originality and professionalism, and demonstrate the potential needed to break through on the international scene.
Applications will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:
- consistency of approach and quality of projects,
- the international development project,
- motivation for receiving the support requested.
Particular attention will be paid to the efforts made/planned in terms of sustainable development, although this will not be a selection criterion.