Soon on stage

To give recognition to an export company, a foreign investor and a startup that make Flanders shine far beyond its borders: such is the aim of the first edition of the Flanders International Business Awards on 20 September 2023. Registrations for ‘Exporter of the Year’, ‘Foreign Investor of the Year’ and ‘Startup of the Year’ are open until 31 May 2023.

With the Export Lion Awards (21 editions), which crowned exceptional export companies from Flanders, and the Foreign Investment Trophy (10 editions) for remarkable foreign direct investments in the region, the Flanders International Business Awards have two illustrious predecessors. But from now on FIT wants to honor exporters, investors and startups via one competition, because together they strongly determine the dynamics of Flanders’ economy. 

FIT wants to make its one-of-a-kind global network even more accessible to Flanders’ internationalizing business environment. This network identifies synergies and connects Flanders’ ecosystems with ecosystems worldwide in ever-smarter ways. 

Starting today, companies can compete for an award by registering in one of the three categories. After registrations close on 31 May 2023, the professional jury will select three nominees with strong international credentials in each category. This means companies with a proven robust strategy, collaborating beyond company walls and borders, and having already experienced the strengthening power of FIT. 

In early September, the nine nominees will defend their candidacy before a final jury of business leaders and economic experts. 

The denouement will follow on 20 September in the iconic Skyhall at Brussels Airport during an exciting awards ceremony that has insights, entertainment and inspiration at its core. There, Flanders’ Minister-President Jan Jambon and FIT CEO Joy Donné will announce the Exporter of the Year, Foreign Investor of the Year and Startup of the Year.