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    The KMO-portefeuille in 2026: what changes for SME digitalisation in Flanders

    Weslley Botelho10 min read
    Team of a Flemish SME reviewing figures and a digitalisation plan around a table

    In 2026, the KMO-portefeuille remains the most accessible support for Flemish SMEs investing in their digital skills. But a reform in force since 1 February 2026 changed the rules: advice (advies) is no longer subsidised, except for cybersecurity. Here is what is still funded, and how.

    Updated July 2026 — current scheme. Since 1 February 2026, within the KMO-portefeuille, the advice service is discontinued, except for cybersecurity advice trajectories. The conditions and eligible themes of the training service remain unchanged.

    The quick answer

    The KMO-portefeuille (kmo-portefeuille) is the Flemish scheme that reimburses part of your training and — since February 2026 — your cybersecurity advice. A small enterprise receives 30% (20% for a medium enterprise), raised to 45% (35%) for cybersecurity, with a cap of €7,500 per year. Applications are filed via e-loketondernemers or the VLAIO app. Note: website development or automation as such are not eligible.

    30% / 20%
    training — small / medium
    45% / 35%
    cybersecurity — small / medium
    7.500 €
    cap per year
    VLAIO
    e-loketondernemers

    Simulate your subsidy now

    Enter the cost of your training or cybersecurity trajectory and your company profile to instantly estimate your subsidy and net cost.

    KMO-portefeuille Simulator 2026

    Estimate your training or cybersecurity subsidy

    Your situation

    Subsidy rate30%
    Estimated subsidy900 €
    Your net cost2 100 €

    Indicative estimate based on VLAIO 2026 parameters (small 30% / medium 20%, cybersecurity 45% / 35%, cap €7,500/year). The actual amount depends on the validation of your file by VLAIO.

    What changes since 1 February 2026

    Until 31 January 2026, the KMO-portefeuille subsidised both training and advice across all themes. Since 1 February 2026, advice is no longer subsidised, unless it concerns cybersecurity. Training, however, remains fully eligible.

    ServiceUntil 31/01/2026Since 01/02/2026
    Training (opleiding)All themesAll themes (unchanged)
    Advice (advies)All themesCybersecurity only

    Rates and cap in 2026

    The amount of support depends on the size of your company and the theme. The absolute cap is €7,500 of subsidy per year, per company.

    Company sizeTraining (standard)Cybersecurity
    Small enterprise (< 50 FTE)30%45%
    Medium enterprise (< 250 FTE)20%35%
    Annual cap€7,500 / year
    Size reminder: a small enterprise has fewer than 50 FTE and turnover or balance sheet ≤ €10 million; a medium enterprise fewer than 250 FTE and turnover ≤ €50 million (or balance sheet ≤ €43 million). The minimum project amount is €100 for training and €500 for advice.

    What is eligible — and what is not

    Eligible

    • Training under the 'digitalisation' theme (AI, hardware, software, online applications, cybersecurity) and other themes (strategy, skills, sustainability, innovation, etc.)
    • Cybersecurity advice (legal advice on data security, internal security policy, etc.) — at the increased rate of 45% / 35%

    Not eligible

    • IT development trajectories (website creation, software development, automation)
    • IT implementation trajectories without prior written advice
    • Helpdesk costs and maintenance contracts
    Key point for SMEs: building your website or automating your processes does not go through the KMO-portefeuille. It funds upskilling (training) and cybersecurity. For the development project itself, you need to look at other schemes (VLAIO or federal). We help you identify the right setup.

    Beyond training: cybersecurity verbetertrajecten

    If cybersecurity is your priority, VLAIO offers a separate and more generous scheme: the 'cybersecurity verbetertrajecten'. An accredited provider concretely strengthens your company's security. VLAIO subsidises 50% of the cost of this external guidance for SMEs and social-economy enterprises (35% for non-SMEs subject to the NIS2 directive), for trajectories between €7,100 and €39,000 excl. VAT.

    The step-by-step process

    1. Choose an eligible service

    Select a training course (all themes) or cybersecurity advice from a registered provider. Check the minimum amount: €100 (training) or €500 (advice).

    2. Submit the application

    File your application via e-loketondernemers or the VLAIO app. The increased cybersecurity rate applies automatically when you select the 'cybersecurity' theme.

    3. Pay and get reimbursed

    You pay your share into a KMO-portefeuille account, the Region adds the subsidy, then the provider is paid. Combined 'de minimis' aid remains capped at €300,000 over three years.

    How we help you

    At Botelho Solutions, we combine concrete digitalisation with grant guidance. We scope your website, task automation or AI agents project, then identify the schemes that actually apply to your situation in Flanders — KMO-portefeuille for training and cybersecurity, other schemes for development. Book a free call to review your options.

    Frequently asked questions

    Got a digitalisation project in mind?

    Let's take 45 minutes to scope your project, check your grant eligibility and define a concrete action plan.