Strategic Transformation Support
Companies in Flanders can apply for a strategic transformation grant (STS) for a strategic transformation project. The mandatory condition is at least 1 million euros in investments and 100,000 euros in training costs (the thresholds are higher still for medium-sized and large companies) over a period of up to 3 years.
A contribution to the economic fabric of Flanders
The transformation project must make a significant contribution to strengthening the economic fabric of Flanders. Think for example of building a new office building or a new factory linked to a strategic transformation.
The base support amounts to 8% for investments and 20% for training and is limited to a maximum of 500,000 euros per applying company and per calendar year. In addition, at Venture Campus we also look at the possibility of additional support (a maximum of 2% extra support for investments and 5% for training). A project is assessed against certain criteria, including innovation, quality of management, impact for the company, internationalisation and sustainability within Flanders.
Venture Campus writes the Strategic Transformation Support (STS) file from A to Z. We apply a fixed and variable fee (success fee). The threshold for applying for an STS file is high. For innovative companies there are more accessible programmes, such as Vlaio development projects (innovation grant via Vlaio), the SME growth grant, Horizon Europe grants (via the EU) and grants for training and HR (via the European Social Fund - ESF).
1 million euros
Maximum grant amount for STS projects.
8% to 20% support
Investments can be supported up to 8%, training up to 20%.
10 years
Venture Campus has 10 years of experience in obtaining this kind of grants.
60 days
The lead time between submission and approval averages 2 months.
Focus on what matters, we take care of the rest
A free grant scan!
More than 10 years of experience in providing grant advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is Strategic Transformation Support (STS) and who is it for?+
STS supports companies in Flanders carrying out a strategic transformation project that makes an important contribution to the region's economic fabric — for example a new factory or a new office building tied to a strategic shift. It is meant for substantial investment tracks firmly anchored in Flanders, not for smaller or purely routine investments.
What thresholds must my project meet for STS?+
An STS project requires at least €1 million in investments and €100,000 in training costs over a period of up to three years. For medium-sized and large companies those thresholds are higher still. STS is therefore the most demanding instrument in our range; for smaller tracks there are more accessible alternatives.
How much support can I get through STS?+
Base support is 8% for investments and 20% for training, with a maximum of €500,000 per company per calendar year. On top of that we look at the possibility of additional support — up to 2% extra for investments and 5% extra for training — depending on how your project scores against the criteria.
On what criteria is an STS file assessed?+
A project is assessed on, among other things, innovation, management quality, impact for the company, internationalisation and sustainability within Flanders. The emphasis is on strategic added value and the anchoring of the activity in the region. We write the file from A to Z and position your project sharply against these criteria.
My project does not meet the STS thresholds — what alternatives are there?+
Several, depending on your profile. For innovative development there is the VLAIO R&D grant; for growth the SME growth subsidy; for international innovation Horizon Europe; and for training and HR the European Social Fund (ESF). We look, without obligation, at which instrument — or combination — best fits your investment plans.