As of 15 October 2026, the budget for the SME portfolio (kmo-portefeuille) has been fully used up. This means you can no longer submit new applications for support, not even for training courses that only start in 2027.

Already have an application in progress? It remains valid. Planning a forklift, aerial work platform or VCA training course? You can still take it, just without support from the SME portfolio. Below, we explain what this means for you in practice.

In short

• Since 15 October 2026, you can no longer apply for the SME portfolio. The budget has run out.
• From 1 January 2027, the SME portfolio will be discontinued for good.
• Applications already in progress can still be completed up to and including 31 December 2027.
• Training costs incurred as part of your professional activity remain tax-deductible.
• You can still take your training course. An expired certificate is still a risk, with or without a subsidy.

Why can I no longer apply for the SME portfolio?

The Flemish Government decided to discontinue the SME portfolio (in Dutch) from 1 January 2027, or earlier if the annual budget ran out. On 15 October 2026, the budget was fully used up (in Dutch). Since then, VLAIO no longer accepts new applications.

I have registered for a course but have not applied for support yet. Can I still do so?

No. A registration without a submitted application for support is no longer eligible. Your registration itself does remain valid.

Do you have questions about your registration, or would you like to discuss your planning? Get in touch with us.

What happens to my application in progress?

Applications in progress will not be cancelled. According to VLAIO (in Dutch), SMEs with an application in progress can still complete it up to and including 31 December 2027.

A submitted application does not mean your training invoice will be paid automatically. Make sure you follow up on your file yourself:

1. Pay your own contribution on time. The amount must be in your SME portfolio account no later than 30 calendar days after your application.
2. Pay your training invoice through the SME portfolio. You need to enter the payment order on the platform yourself. Heli Safety Academy’s registration number is DV.O208224.

See VLAIO’s official procedure (in Dutch).

Can I still take a training course without the SME portfolio?

Yes. You can still have your employees trained; the course is simply no longer subsidised through the SME portfolio.

Training costs incurred as part of a professional activity do remain tax-deductible. Ask your accountant what this means for your business.

Heli Safety Academy offers forklift, aerial work platform and VCA training, along with a range of other safety training courses.

Which of my employees’ certificates expire in 2027?

The end of the subsidy does not make valid certificates any less important. In the Heli Safety Academy customer portal, you can see your employees’ certificates and which ones are about to expire, so you can plan renewals in good time.

Plan your training in good time

Working safely takes both knowledge and practice. Check now who will need a training course or renewal next year, and book it in good time.

View the training calendar or ask us for help choosing the right course.

You can reach Heli Safety Academy at hsa@heli.be or on +32 9 368 80 40.

Information checked on 16 October 2026, based on VLAIO’s announcement of 15 October 2026 (in Dutch).