New entrepreneurs in Leuven can obtain up to €2,500 from the Leuven city council from September to get their businesses on track.
The premium was approved unanimously by the city council on Monday evening. The council says it is meant to help “create an attractive climate for starters by increasing entrepreneurs' chances of success.”
It will be awarded to people who started off as self-employed persons - their main occupation - no more than two years ago. Their businesses can be either companies or single-proprietor concerns.
The city expects about 10 applications for the premium every month and has approved an allocation of €145,000 in its multi-year budget. This amount can be adjusted in coming years, if necessary, it said.
The full city council voted in favour of the proposal on Monday evening. It will go into effect on 1 September.
