FAQ

Do you have questions about obtaining grants or financing within the framework of your project? You may find the response below.

Frequently asked questions about financing

  • Who can receive financing?

  • You can find the eligibility criteria in our brochure which can be downloaded here.

  • How do I submit a request for financing to BIO?

  • Any request for BIO financing must be accompanied by a business plan that allows an initial evaluation of the project to be performed. You can find all the information relating to the procedure on our website, under the “How to apply” tab.

  • What is the process for requesting financing?

  • On our website, under the “Downloads” tab, you can find the investment process description.

  • What types of financing are provided by BIO?

  • BIO is able to grant financing in various forms – equity, quasi-equity, debt and guarantees – which can be tailored to the local situation and the needs of each project. Some types of financing can be allocated in local currency in order to eliminate exchange rate risks for client companies.

  • What levels of financing are granted by BIO?

  • You can find these amounts in our brochure which can be downloaded here.

  • What are the interest rates on loans?

  • The interest rates charged by BIO are determined on a case-by-case basis and in line with local market conditions. BIO has an additional role in that it grants long-term financing which generally is not granted by traditional commercial banks. As such, BIO ensures that it never enters into competition with local institutions, but instead supplements existing offers.

  • Within what timescale will the decision about my financing request be made?

  • The duration of the investment process between first contact and the final decision varies on a case by case basis. It depends primarily on the promptness with which you provide any potential additional information.

  • I am unable to download the check-list for business plan.

  • Please send a message to , we will send it to you immediately.

Frequently asked questions about grants

  • Is a feasibility study really essential for the success of my project?

  • A dynamic, growing private sector is essential for a healthy economy. Unfortunately, companies do not all enjoy the same degree of success. By conducting an initial in-depth analysis of their project, entrepreneurs can appreciably increase their chance of success. As such, it is recommended that a technical and financial feasibility study is carried out within the framework of the creation of a new company and also for an expansion project for an existing company. This study will allow the management team to be evaluated, the market to be analysed and the financial viability of the investment to be assessed.

  • How do I submit a request for a grant to BIO?

  • All you need to do is send the duly completed grant application form, which can be downloaded here, to . If the form is incomplete or if the required documents are not included, the request for a grant cannot be processed.

  • Who can receive a grant for a feasibility study?

  • You can find the eligibility criteria in our brochure which can be downloaded here.

  • For which costs can a grant be requested?

  • In the budget for a feasibility study, the following items may be funded:

    • Experts’, specialists’ and economists’ fees
    • Local staff costs
    • Per diems and other fixed costs such as telecommunications costs
    • Experts’ transport costs
    • Other financial costs such as auditors

    Amounts that are disproportionate or unjustified will not be included in the budget or partially reimbursed.

  • What is the process for requesting a grant?

  • On our website, under the “Downloads” tab, you can find the investment process description.

  • What is the maximum level of grant that I can receive?

  • The grant for a feasibility study is a maximum of 50% of the total cost of the study and capped at EUR 100,000 per project.

    For technical assistance, the situation is special as it only applies to portfolio companies. Each request is analysed on a case-by-case basis, according to the needs of the recipient.

  • Can I finance the remaining 50% from another institution?

  • No, BIO only provides grants for feasibility studies that are financed for 50% by the sponsor or by the future sponsor of a joint venture.

  • Can I add costs I have already incurred in my grant application?

  • No, for example costs linked to a pre-feasibility study cannot be funded.

  • What is meant by an expert’s job description?

  • The job description must be drawn up for each individual who is involved in carrying out the study and must show how the study will be set out, developed and verified. A detailed job description is crucial as it defines the following aspects:

    • The vision, objectives, tasks and scale (that you wish to achieve)
    • Role and responsibilities (who will carry out the study)
    • Resources, financial and qualitative plan (how the study will be carried out)
    • Schedule (when the objectives will be achieved)

    The job description must also include the success factors, risks and obstacles.

  • When will I be informed that my request has been accepted?

  • When the request for a grant has been approved by the Board of Directors, you will be informed immediately. You will then receive a contract proposal. A minimum of 2 months must be allowed between the request and contract negotiation. However, this depends primarily on the promptness with which you provide any potential additional information.

  • How will the grant be transferred?

  • BIO transfers grants to the sponsor and not directly to the experts. It is then up to the sponsor to pay the independent experts. The total amount is always disbursed in installments and the final one is transferred following verification and approval of the study presented by the experts.

  • I am unable to download the grant application form.

  • Please send a message to , we will send it to you immediately.

  • Unable to find the answer in this FAQ?

  • You can send a message to  or reach us by telephone at +32 (2) 778 99 99.