The "KMO-Portefeuille" (SME portfolio) is one of the measures of the Flemish Government to promote companies. As an Authorised Service Provider for the KMO-Portefeuille, your customers (SMEs and independent, qualified professionals) can obtain subsidies for training and advice.
Since the end of 2013, VLAO has introduced a new method for recognition as an authorised service provider. At present, new authorisations are only granted according to a unique method: audit by an authorised auditing firm as per the SME Portfolio standard.
Various types of supporting services for SMEs are eligible for subsidies, sub-divided into three pillars : training and advice.
With more targeted support to specific domains, the Flemish government wants to promote the economy, and a new authorisation method was required for this.
Your business will be promoted since you are included as an authorised service provider for the SME portfolio in the database for VLAIO (Flanders' Agency for Innovation & Entrepreneurship) and your customers will receive more subsidies.
The Flemish regulatory framework is based on the European regulatory framework, the Ministerial Decree for implementing the decree of the Flemish Government of 19th December 2008 to provide support to small and medium-sized enterprises for business promotion services (modified on 30 March 2016).
For more information: www.vlaio.be
During a KMO-Portefeuille audit, the working of a candidate service provider is checked against the standard. The following basic requirements are considered: the operations, proof of experience, customer satisfaction, knowledge of KMO-Portefeuille, integrity and domain/pillar-specific skills and requirements. The requirements of the SME portfolio standard are assessed based on how they are organised and the extent to which they can demonstrate their application of the same.
This service is primarily intended for companies active in training and advice.
Ask your question directly to the specialised team within your sector.