By Thomas Van Damme
The Region of Brussels-Capital is undergoing notable shifts in its economic and entrepreneurial landscape. From the rise in the number of companies and younger founders to changing patterns in employment and policy priorities such as sustainability, there are several long-term trends shaping how businesses and jobs develop in the capital. Understanding them can help entrepreneurs, jobseekers and policymakers alike.
Growing Number of Companies and Start-Ups
Since 2015, the number of VAT-liable companies in Brussels has risen from about 97,000 to over 122,700. This reflects a strong growth in business creation, with more people opting to launch their own venture. Among these, self-employed entrepreneurs continue to rise – in 2024 roughly 195,000 non-helper self-employed positions were active in Brussels. While men still occupy the majority of these roles, participation by women, particularly among younger age groups, is gradually increasing.
Young Entrepreneurs on the Rise
One in three new companies in Brussels is founded by someone under 30. The “Young Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow” (YET) initiative has been playing a key role in encouraging this trend, helping young people build confidence and skills needed to start businesses. Entrepreneurial activity among youth is becoming a realistic path, especially in a tight labour market where finding traditional first jobs can be harder.
Service Sector Dominance and Economic Transition
The Brussels economy is overwhelmingly tertiarised: over 90% of employment is in the service sector. Key sectors include financial & insurance services, scientific, technical and information services, trade and communication. Secondary sectors like industry and construction are much smaller and have seen declines in numbers of jobs over the past decade.
Alongside these structural patterns, policies are increasingly focused on sustainable and socially responsible business models. The “Shifting Economy” strategy seeks to promote local commerce, circular economy practices, e-health, creative industries, food systems and resource management. Many companies are embracing environmental and social commitments, in part because of consumer demand, but also because of policy incentives.
Job Vacancies, Skills & Policy Implications
Current data shows that job vacancies in Brussels make up about 12% of national openings. While permanent positions remain most common, temporary roles show much higher vacancy rates, notably in accommodation, food service, and hospitality sectors. Interestingly, small enterprises have fewer total vacancies than larger ones, but their vacancy rate per job is much higher. This points to labour market bottlenecks for smaller businesses.
For both policy and entrepreneurial action, several implications emerge: accessible financing and guidance are needed especially for small and young founders; matching education and training to emergent sectors (digital, sustainability, creative) is important; and maintaining regulatory and administrative environments that encourage both launch and durability of local businesses is key.
Practical Steps for Entrepreneurs & Job Seekers
Thinking about starting a business? First, explore the support services on offer: the City of Brussels provides assistance in finding suitable premises, navigating permits, and connecting with market opportunities. The Local Economy Office and pre-incubators can help turn ideas into actionable plans.
For jobseekers, aligning skills with high-demand sectors like sustainable food systems, health technologies, environmental services, and digital communication may offer better opportunities. Consider developing skills in multiple languages, digital literacy and sustainability practices, as these are increasingly valuable in Brussels’ business ecosystem.
Overall, Brussels is not static. It’s adapting: more people are launching enterprises, younger founders are stepping forward, and the economic transition is reshaping where opportunity lies. Keeping an eye on enduring trends—rather than the latest hype—offers clearer insight into where business and jobs are headed in the capital.