As of 15 January 2024, proving basic business management skills is no longer a prerequisite for starting a business, whether as a self-employed individual or as a company.
However, the challenges faced by entrepreneurs remain the same. A significant number of business failures are due to inadequate preparation or a poor grasp of the financial figures. While you don't need to become an accountant, being able to understand your accountant's advice, read financial statements, set prices and monitor key performance indicators is essential. Remember, you're the one in charge of your business, not your accountant. It's up to you to take control and give yourself the means to succeed.
The good news is that, if you're in the Brussels-Capital Region, there's a wealth of resources to help you prepare including training programmes, coaching and diagnostic tools.
Whether you're unsure about VAT, social security contributions, understanding what 'gross margin' means, knowing the essential details for an invoice, or the reasons behind them, it's crucial to be informed, seek training or find the right guidance regarding these issues!
Information
- The www.1819.brussels website is a goldmine of information for anyone looking to start a business. It provides all the basic information with user-friendly explanations, practical tools, a calendar of events taking place in Brussels, a section listing all calls for projects and more.
- Additionally, the www.wikipreneurs.be website is packed with tools and practical guides covering all aspects of setting up and managing a business.
- If you're considering opening a shop in Brussels, www.analytics.brussels offers a wealth of interesting information. You can find information about what is available in the city's shopping districts, their foot traffic and customer expectations.
- The websites of business federations and business counters are also very useful sources of information.
Training
Several institutions continue to offer business management training.
- On the Dorifor website (FR), you can find a range of courses offered as social improvement or through various associations. The courses listed take place at varying times and are spread over periods ranging from two weeks to one year. Admission requirements differ from one course to another: some require a minimum diploma (with an option to take a test if no diploma is available); others assess the basic skills needed for learning through tests; and for some, no level check is carried out at registration (although an assessment during the course may help you determine if you're successfully acquiring useful knowledge).
For example, you'll find training courses offered by the Iles non-profit organisation, which also provides support for project developers, or by EFP (where you can train in dozens of professions). - microStart also offers workshops on basic business management.
- Finally, Wikipreneurs organises management bootcamps covering all the basics you need to master your figures: ps
In addition to these comprehensive courses, there are countless separate modules on a variety of subjects such as business plans, cash flow, finance, HR and communication.
Here are some examples (this list is not exhaustive - see the 1819 calendar -> also check the FR version!):
- the EFP's Passeport Réussite programme (around fifty 3-hour, practical modules covering a wide range of entrepreneurial skills)
- CED Relance training courses
- training courses organised by Smart
- Crédal's "financial" and "prepare your launch" courses
- microStart workshops (Business Model Canvas, financial planning, basic accounting)
- Ephec Entreprendre workshops
- For the food service sector, Horeca Forma Be Pro's customised programme
- For the cultural sector, C-ship's training courses
- Training courses organised by certain self-employed associations, such as UCM Formation (FR) or Unizo (NL)
- All sessions held during events such as Entrepreneurs' Week in Ixelles
- Information sessions organised by local economy offices (Dansaert, Village Partenaire...) or 1819 and microStart (sessions in English, Spanish or with Arabic or Ukrainian interpretation)
Once again, this list is far from exhaustive, so check the calendar on the 1819 website regularly.
Coaching
You can also receive coaching and guidance in creating and developing your business idea. A coach can assist you in translating your idea into figures and assessing its viability, which is not a straightforward task the first time.
There are generalist structures available, while others are more specifically tailored to young people, women, particular sectors, the transition economy, business takeovers, certain communities...
The "Who can help me?" tool on the 1819 website can help you find what you're looking for. Based on your profile, needs and industry, you can identify the programmes that best suit your requirements.
Testing your project and online tools
Before taking the plunge into entrepreneurship, it's often possible to test your project and experience the realities of the life of an entrepreneur. Consider options like business cooperatives, systems like Smart , incubators like hub.brussels' "L'auberge espagnole" and "Kokotte" among other initiatives.
Outsourcing
Sometimes, through training and coaching, you might realise that the "management" aspect of being self-employed really isn't for you. It's better to ascertain this out sooner rather than later and the good news is that there are solutions for those who dread paperwork! Business cooperatives and payrolling are good examples. While these solutions can help with some administrative tasks, you're still responsible for running your business, managing your budget, setting appropriate prices, and so on.