Are you looking for a unique opportunity to develop your project in the design sector on the global scene ?
Wallonie-Bruxelles Design Mode is calling on designers, design studios and/or companies to offer 15 personalized coaching grants.
Apply before 25.02.2025.
15 grants
In 2025, WBI, through WBDM agency, is offering up to 15 grants for personalized support with a professional coach or expert. This support is aimed at designers and design companies seeking advice on (re)structuring their business and/or (re)defining their international strategy.
This assistance takes the form of a grant of up to €4,000 to cover the consultant’s fees.
Who is eligible?
To participate, candidates must meet the following conditions:
- be a designer / studio / design company (object, space, furniture, product, etc.) – (for fashion, see our Fashion Programme) ;
- have a head office, subsidiary or branch in Wallonia or Brussels;
- have commercialized products/services in a local market;
- have an international development project.
The companies selected will contribute to the international influence of Belgian design.
What coaching missions?
The aim of these grants is to act as a springboard for designers to revise and/or implement their international development and visibility strategy, for example by :
- International visibility and promotion: coaching sessions can include advice on preparing presences at international events, understanding trends and maximizing visibility.
- International networking: prospecting for contacts, partners and other established designers worldwide.
- Adapting products to the international market: grants can support designers in adapting their creations to the specific requirements and tastes of international markets. This could include advice on design, material quality, product size and other aspects relevant to the expectations of target markets.
- International communication support: advising on best practices for intercultural communication, optimizing content for international SEO, adapting branding for different audiences, and developing a PR strategy to secure articles in international media.
Selection criteria
Applications must stand out for their originality and professionalism, and demonstrate the potential needed to break into the international scene.
Applications will be analyzed on the basis of the following criteria:
- consistency of approach and quality of projects,
- international development and visibility,
- motivation for receiving the assistance requested.
Particular attention will be paid to efforts made/planned in terms of sustainable development, without this being a selection criterion.
Selection committee
Two days of meetings between the WBDM team and the pre-selected designers will be organized to select the winners.
Dates to remember
- 14.02.2025: information session (online)
- 25.02.2025: call closes
- 11 & 13.03.2025: selection committee
- end of March: announcement of winners and start of coaching missions
- 30.11.2025: end of coaching sessions and administrative tasks