Which businesses do we support in Ghent?
Ghent is Belgium's largest student city, with a university and many colleges. Its economy is highly diversified, and services account for the largest share of employment. Ghent's tech sector has made a name for itself: the city has four unicorns, a rare number for its size. Knowledge-based companies, often spun out of the universities, are concentrated in the technology corridor to the south, along the E40. The port, part of North Sea Port, brings together about 550 companies and more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. For a French-speaking entrepreneur, one particularity stands out: regional support and administrations are Flemish and mostly work in Dutch. Federal VAT and tax rules are the same everywhere in Belgium.
In Ghent, our accountants mostly support: e-commerce, freelancers, hospitality, liberal professions and retail.
In Flanders, business support goes through the VLAIO agency and its entrepreneurs' e-loket. The KMO-portefeuille (SME portfolio) funds part of training and advisory costs, at 30% for a small business, capped at €7,500 per year. It will stop accepting applications from 1 January 2027.
The formalities are the same everywhere in Belgium: BCE registration through a business counter (guichet d'entreprises), VAT (TVA), social insurance fund. Start-up and employment grants, however, depend on your region (Flanders). Your accountant in Ghent knows them.
An accountant in Ghent who knows your trade
Trades in Ghent
Should I choose an accountant close to home?
It is not compulsory, but a local accountant knows your region's grants and can meet you. Most exchanges then happen remotely.
What grants exist for starting a business in Ghent?
In Flanders, the VLAIO agency manages business support. The KMO-portefeuille funds 30% of training and advisory costs for a small business, up to €7,500 per year. Applications go through the entrepreneurs' e-loket. This scheme will be abolished: no applications will be possible from 1 January 2027.
Are prices different in Ghent?
No. Our plans are identical across Belgium. Only your situation (legal form, number of documents, VAT regime, employees) changes the price.
How does the first meeting go?
A free 20-minute call, at the Ghent office or by video. You describe your business, and your accountant tells you what they can do for you and at what price.
Meet an accountant in Ghent
20 free minutes, at the office or by video call.