1. Data everywhere BUT quick, objective decisions

SMEs account for 98% of the Belgian economy, with the vast majority employing fewer than 10 people. And yet, many of them are still encountering difficulties when it comes to digitalization. The SME Barometer 2025 (Moore Belgium & OECCBB) shows that companies that automate their administrative tasks gain in efficiency and make savings. What’s more, digitalization is becoming a real lever for strategic decision-making and sustainable performance.

Why? Because even with six employees and a limited range of products and services, an SME faces the same fundamental challenges as a large company: cost and margin management, customer and supplier management, performance-based decision-making – now under the added pressure of mandatory electronic invoicing.

Data already exists, but all too often it’s scattered, invisible or locked away in day-to-day operations. The right tools make this information visible, structured and usable by decision-makers.

It may sound complex, but with the right tools and partners, digitalization can be kept simple, pragmatic and scalable. Thanks to modular solutions like Odoo, SMEs can digitize at their own pace, concentrating on what really creates value.

👉 Good news: Information Way is now an Odoo Ready Partner, helping SMEs transform their operational data into clear insights and informed decisions.

Find out more: Information Way

2. Inflation slows, but economic growth remains weak

The year 2026 begins with inflation down sharply to 1.1%, its lowest level since November 2023, according to Statbel. This decline is mainly due to falling energy prices, with energy inflation at -9.24% in January, while food inflation is down to 0.44%, reflecting a stabilization in the cost of living for households.

On the growth front, the Belgian economy remained weak in 2025 (+1%), with a sluggish final quarter (+0.2%), according to the National Bank of Belgium, reported by L’Echo. This dynamic will continue into 2026, in a comparable European context, with the European Commission forecasting eurozone growth of around 1.2% in 2026, in an environment marked by cautious investment. While services and construction continue to underpin activity, industry remains under pressure.

Despite the slowdown in headline inflation, underlying pressures persist. Core inflation remains high at 2.54%, while services inflation has reached 4.32%, reflecting sustained pressures in labor-intensive sectors. While consumer confidence remains relatively solid, service business confidence deteriorated towards the end of the year, which could weigh on activity in early 2026.

👉 What this means for businesses

The fall in inflation and energy costs brings some relief, but 2026 promises above all to be a year of stabilization, requiring prudent financial management and rigorous performance management.

Find out more: Consumer price index | Statbel

3. SME manager: do you have a succession plan?

For many SME managers, particularly those in family businesses, handing over the business remains one of the most sensitive decisions – and one that is often put off. It’s not just a financial or legal issue, but also one of family dynamics, emotions and the transmission of values, with a direct impact on the business.

The Belgian reality is clear: a significant proportion of SME managers are over 55, and the next generation no longer automatically takes over. Career paths are diversifying, aspirations are changing and continuity can no longer be assumed.

The figures speak for themselves: over 70% of SME managers fail to pass on their business, mainly due to a lack of foresight (Lechos.be). All too often, the transfer is approached too late, in a hurry or under unfavorable conditions.

In response to this challenge, Wallonie Entreprendre has launched Wetransmission.be, a platform dedicated to business transfers and takeovers in Wallonia. Its ambition is clear: to bring together sellers and buyers, while structuring and securing a process often perceived as complex or risky.

👉 As an active partner and expert on WE Cession & Acquisition, Financial WayaccompaniesSME managers from initial reflection to valuation, governance and execution – so they can anticipate rather than undergo.

Find out more: Business transfer: strategic support for SMEs

4. Entrepreneurial ecosystem and startups in Belgium

Founded 11 years ago within KBC Bank & Verzekering , Start it Accelerate | @CBC continues to play a key role in strengthening the Belgian entrepreneurial ecosystem. Recently, the gas pedal launched the Start it Fund, a10 million investment fundand unveiled a new interactive map of the Belgian startup ecosystem, featuring over 1,000 supported startups across the country. These initiatives raise the profile of the ecosystem, while facilitating access to financing and long-term support.

For startups in the launch phase, applications are now open for the one-year “Start it Accelerate – Spring 2026” program, offering coaching, mentoring and access to a solid innovation network. Financial Way continues its partnership with Start it Accelerate | @CBC reaffirming its commitment to young entrepreneurs and the startup community through its financial, strategic and governance expertise.

👉 Apply to Start it Accelerate program – Spring 2026Deadline: February 16, 2026

5. Vehicle taxation: what will change from 2026?

From January 1, 2026, Belgium is implementing a significant tightening of car taxation, with the aim of discouraging CO₂-emitting vehicles and speeding up the transition to electric mobility.

From this date, new CO₂-emitting vehicles – gasoline, diesel and non-zero-emission hybrids – purchased, leased or rented will no longer be tax-deductible for both companies and the self-employed, including related costs (maintenance, insurance, fuel).

However, a transitional regime remains in place for self-employed individuals subject to personal income tax (IPP) in respect of hybrid vehicles.

Until the end of 2027, deductibility is capped at 75%, with a possible increase to 95% in 2027 for vehicles emitting 50 g CO₂/km or less. From 2028 onwards, deductibility gradually decreases (65% in 2028, 57.5% in 2029) to be abolished from 2030. This scheme does not apply to companies.

In addition, the calculation rules will be simplified from 2026 onwards, notably by eliminating the fuel coefficient and applying a single formula “per gram of CO2”. Finally, the deductibility of fossil fuels will be abolished or severely restricted, depending on the type of vehicle and its date of acquisition.

👉 What this means for businesses

2026 marks a real tipping point: tax incentives for CO₂-emitting vehicles largely disappear, making electric vehicles the most fiscally advantageous option for SMEs.

Find out more: Company cars | SPF Finances, Tax deductibility of company cars: what will change in 2026 and beyond?

Financial Way | Feb 5, 2026