The Local Economy Office of Schaerbeek

The Local Economy Office of Schaerbeek (GEL Schaerbeek) is an association established in 2001 by its president, Etienne Noël, with support from the Brussels-Capital Region and the Municipality of Schaerbeek. As a member of the regional network of public Business Centers (Brucenter) and the Local Economy Offices coordinated by hub.brussels, GEL Schaerbeek is dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs and businesses at various stages of development. For aspiring entrepreneurs, GEL Schaerbeek offers free, personalized support throughout the business creation process. This includes listening to project ideas, developing and analyzing project coherence, assisting in the creation of business plans, identifying financing options and public aids, obtaining the Actiris Independent Starter Grant (€4,000), selecting appropriate legal structures, and providing advice on independent status and company management. Additionally, the office aids in integrating economic transition concepts—environmental, social, and economic—into new businesses, promoting sustainable and circular economy principles. Existing businesses can benefit from GEL Schaerbeek's free services, which address various challenges such as cash flow management, issues related to VAT, social security contributions, business model adjustments, digitalization needs, and guidance on sustainable practices in the current economic transition context. The office also assists in obtaining regional economic subsidies and offers management advice to support and encourage the economic transition of established enterprises. GEL Schaerbeek organizes monthly sessions on regional economic subsidies and support for businesses facing difficulties. These sessions provide individualized reviews of available regional economic subsidies and assist in initiating administrative procedures if eligibility criteria are met. The sessions also help assess the professional situation and explore solutions to challenges such as partner relations, commercial conflicts, cash flow problems, personnel issues, payment difficulties, and liquidation assistance. In partnership with the Social Counter, CPAS, and the Municipality of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, GEL Schaerbeek offers a weekly consultation every Monday morning for entrepreneurs based in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert. This service addresses topics related to business development or difficulties and is available by appointment. GEL Schaerbeek is located at 44 Rue des Palais, 1030 Schaerbeek, Belgium. The office provides private offices, coworking spaces, and meeting rooms for rent. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the secretariat at +32 (0)2 215 73 29 (available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) or via email at [email protected] .