Planning safety training for yourself or your employees? In 2026, you can still apply for support through the SME e-wallet (kmo-portefeuille), as long as the available government budget has not run out. Even for a training course that only starts in 2027, you can already submit an application after registering.

Forklift training, aerial work platform training or renewing a certificate: your training plan for next year deserves your attention now. Below, we answer the questions that will help you take action in time.

In brief

• From 1 January 2027, you can no longer submit new support applications for training through the SME e-wallet.
• In 2026, you can still submit applications, as long as government budget is available.
• Even for a training course in 2027, you can apply for support in 2026, right after registering.
• A small enterprise receives 30% support, a medium-sized enterprise 20%, with a ceiling of €7,500 per year.
• Heli Safety Academy's registration number is DV.O208224.

When does the SME e-wallet end?

From 1 January 2027, new support applications through the SME e-wallet will no longer be possible. The Flemish Government has decided to discontinue the scheme for training and cybersecurity advice.

In 2026, you can still submit applications as long as government budget is available. So don't wait until the end of December: the budget may run out sooner.

Can I still apply for a subsidy in 2026 for a training course in 2027?

Yes. After registering in 2026, you can apply for support for a training course that takes place in 2027. You don't have to wait until the first day of class.

For example, are you registering for an aerial work platform training in March 2027? Then submit your subsidy application right after registering, still in 2026. Your company and the training course must meet the subsidy conditions, and budget must still be available.

Registering with Heli Safety Academy is not enough: you must also submit the support application yourself.

What happens to my ongoing application after 1 January 2027?

Ongoing applications do not disappear when the scheme ends. According to VLAIO, SMEs with an ongoing support application can still complete their process up to and including 31 December 2027.

So keep track of your file and the payment. A submitted application does not mean the training invoice will be paid automatically.

How much support will I receive for a safety training course?

For a training course under the theme of job-specific competences, the standard support percentages apply:

Small enterprise	30%	€7,500
Medium-sized enterprise	20%	€7,500

This ceiling applies to your company, for all applications combined.

An example: for €1,000 in training costs, a small enterprise receives €300 in support. For a medium-sized enterprise, this is €200. This assumes that sufficient personal support budget and government budget are available.

Can I use the SME e-wallet as a self-employed person?

Yes, self-employed people and members of the liberal professions may also be eligible. So you don't need a large team.

Among other things, your company must have a branch in the Flemish Region, an acceptable legal form and an acceptable main activity. The training must contribute to the operation of your company. Check the full conditions with VLAIO.

Can I get support for forklift, aerial work platform or VCA training?

Yes, if the specific training course and your company meet the conditions. A registered training provider is a requirement, but registration does not automatically make every training course eligible.

Heli Safety Academy offers forklift, aerial work platform, VCA and other safety training courses. Want to know whether the training you've chosen is eligible? Ask us before you apply.

For job-specific competences, VLAIO uses an exhaustive list. The content of the training must match it.

Can I pay for a stand-alone exam with the SME e-wallet?

An exam without training is not eligible. A knowledge test or exam that is part of an eligible training course can be included.

For example, are you only booking a VCA exam? Then you cannot apply for support through the SME e-wallet.

How do I apply for the SME e-wallet with Heli Safety Academy?

1. Choose your training course and register. Check our training calendar.
2. Submit your application online with VLAIO. Do this in 2026, while budget is available. For the safety training concerned, select the theme job-specific competences (beroepsspecifieke competenties) and use our registration number DV.O208224.
3. Pay your own contribution on time. The amount must be in the SME e-wallet account no later than 30 calendar days after your application.
4. Pay your training invoice through the SME e-wallet. You enter the payment order on the platform yourself.

See VLAIO's official application procedure.

Do I need an invoice to apply for support?

No. You can submit your application based on your registration. So you don't have to wait for the training invoice.

The standard application period runs until no later than 14 calendar days after the start of the training. Because the scheme is ending, your application must also be submitted in 2026, while budget is available.

Which of my employees' certificates expire in 2027?

In the Heli Safety Academy customer portal, you can see your employees' certificates and which ones are expiring. That way, you can plan a renewal in time.

Check now who will need training again next year. Book the training and, if you are eligible, apply for support while it's still 2026.

Plan your training. Apply for support in time.

Working safely takes knowledge and practice. By reviewing your 2027 training plan now, you give your employees the right training in time and can still take advantage of the available support.

Check the training calendar or ask us for help choosing a training course.

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

Information checked on 14 October 2026. The availability of support depends on the remaining budget and VLAIO's conditions.