The Walloon Government has adopted, at first reading, the preliminary draft decree reforming the Business Vouchers.
Objective: a simpler, more modern and more transparent system to support entrepreneurship.
Major improvements:
- A single, modernised digital platform to submit applications, track beneficiaries' progress and secure payments.
- Clarified aid categories: training, strategic advice and support.
- Stronger oversight of service providers with the creation of Professional Advice Centres (responsible for assessing, accrediting and monitoring providers), harmonised criteria and evaluation mechanisms via the single platform.
- Stabilised governance with a committee responsible for coordinating the system, strategic monitoring and consistency with all relevant public stakeholders.
- Modernised controls with graduated penalties and recovery mechanisms in the event of breaches (administrative fines, suspension measures, withdrawal or recovery of aid).
“With this reform, we are putting entrepreneurs at the heart of our priorities. Simpler, more effective aid to boost innovation and growth in Wallonia, while ensuring rigorous management of public funds. We want to give SMEs a clear, digitalised and secure framework that gives them the confidence to invest, train and grow. This is how we are helping our economy meet tomorrow's challenges and strengthening Walloon competitiveness,” concludes Pierre-Yves Jeholet.