The VSME Medals are now an accredited means of recognition under the Brussels-Capital Region's exemplarity programme. Bruxelles Economie et Emploi granted the accreditation following a favourable opinion from the regional Exemplarity Committee.
In practice, Brussels companies that obtain a Silver or Gold VSME Medal can be recognised as "exemplary" by the Region. For businesses with an economic and commercial purpose, this status can open the door to higher regional financial support, subject to the eligibility conditions of each measure.
This article explains what the exemplarity programme is, what the accreditation changes for SMEs, and how to make use of it.
What is the Brussels exemplarity programme?
The exemplarity programme is the Region's way of rewarding companies that contribute significantly to environmental and/or social objectives. It is part of the Shifting Economy strategy, adopted by the Brussels Government in March 2022, which aims for carbon-neutral economic activity by 2050. Its legal basis is the Order of 6 July 2023 on the social and environmental exemplarity of companies.
To be recognised as exemplary, a company must contribute significantly to at least one of the following objectives, without significantly harming any of the others:
- Environmental: using resources more rationally (circular economy, energy performance, carbon neutrality), reducing environmental impact (pollutant emissions, biodiversity), or adapting to climate change.
- Social: an adequate standard of living for all, the development of quality employment, social and democratic entrepreneurship, or a more inclusive society (diversity, governance).
Companies can demonstrate exemplarity in several ways. One of them is to hold a recognition scheme or certification accredited by the Region. This is where the VSME Medals now come in.
What the accreditation means for VSME Medallists
A Silver or Gold VSME Medal is now accepted by the Region as proof of exemplarity. The accreditation does not cover the Bronze Medal, which marks the start of the ESG journey rather than a level of demonstrated contribution.
The VSME Medals appear in the official list of means of recognition published by Bruxelles Economie et Emploi. For a Medallist, this means the work already done to structure ESG data, put policies in place and pass an independent documentary audit can also count towards regional support. There is no need to start a separate process to prove the same efforts twice.
Concrete advantages for exemplary companies
Companies recognised as exemplary can access stronger financial support from the Region and its financing bodies. According to Bruxelles Economie et Emploi, the main advantages are the following.
| Support measure | Standard conditions | For exemplary companies |
|---|---|---|
| Business grants (investment, digitalisation) | Base rates | 2.5% to 45% more grant than the base rates, depending on the measure |
| finance&invest.brussels guarantee on professional loans | 50% or 65% coverage | 80% coverage |
| Proxi loan from friends and family | Standard tax advantage | A higher tax advantage for lenders, in certain cases |
The enhanced grants apply to companies with an economic and commercial purpose. Each measure keeps its own eligibility conditions, so the exemplary status increases the support available but does not replace the usual application.
Beyond the financial side, the Region encourages exemplary companies to showcase their practices to clients, prospects and employees. Being recognised by a public authority adds weight to that message.
Who can benefit?
All Brussels-based companies can be recognised as exemplary, whether they operate as a sole trader or as a legal entity. Three conditions apply:
- Be based in the Brussels-Capital Region. The programme is regional; companies elsewhere in Belgium or Europe still benefit from the VSME Medals themselves, but not from these Brussels measures.
- Hold a Silver or Gold VSME Medal (or another accredited means of recognition).
- Not fall under the exclusions set by the Region. These cover companies mainly active in gambling, tobacco, weapons and ammunition, or fossil fuels, as well as companies that deliberately breach social, tax or environmental legislation, use corruption, or rely on a financial holding based in a tax haven.
The full list of exclusions is available on the Bruxelles Economie et Emploi website.
Why this matters
This accreditation is a public endorsement of what the VSME Medals were built for: giving unlisted SMEs a credible way to turn their sustainability efforts into recognised, verifiable value.
It rests on three features of the VSME Medals:
- A European reference. Each Medal is built on the VSME standard developed by EFRAG and recommended by the European Commission for SMEs.
- An independent audit. Every Medal is awarded after a documentary verification carried out by SMT. The level is earned, not self-declared.
- An accessible cost. The VSME Medals are significantly more affordable than established schemes and pricing is scaled to company size. Public recognition therefore stays within reach of smaller companies. See our pricing page for the full details.
We thank Bruxelles Economie et Emploi and the Exemplarity Committee for their thorough review and their trust.
How to get started
If you run a Brussels SME and want to be recognised as exemplary through the VSME Medals:
- Find your current level. Complete the free VSME Medals questionnaire to position your ESG maturity.
- Prepare your Silver or Gold dossier, with the support of an accredited partner where you need it.
- Pass the independent audit and receive your Medal certificate.
- Use your Medal as proof of exemplarity when applying for regional support. The Region's exemplarity guide helps you identify the relevant measures.
Already a Silver or Gold Medallist? You can use your Medal now. For questions on the regional measures, Bruxelles Economie et Emploi can be reached at exemplarite@sprb.brussels. For questions on the VSME Medals, contact us at hello@vsme-medals.eu.