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A to Z of foreign trade 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
On SECO's SME portal you will find useful information and links on the most important topics relating to foreign trade, such as administration and customs formalities for import and export, setting up a branch or subsidiary abroad and limiting risks.
- Type of service offered:
Information
- Aimed at:
Companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Advice on all aspects of financing an accommodation business or property 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
The Swiss Association for Hotel Credit (SGH) provides advice on investment and financing issues relating to the accommodation industry. For example, it advises on compliance with the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Immovable Property by Foreign Non-Residents (ANRA) or the Second Homes Act (SHA). In addition, the SGH can provide you with company valuations or a feasibility check of business plans.
- Type of service offered:
Advisory mandates
- Aimed at:
Private sector (bankers, hoteliers, investors) and public-sector bodies (Confederation, cantons, communes)
Advice on investing in Switzerland 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
Is your company planning to settle in Switzerland? The S-GE specialists can answer your questions on the individual factors affecting your choice of location in more detail and advise you of the advantages and specific conditions. They are very familiar with the concerns and needs of internationally active companies and understand the Swiss business environment, and will network you with other offices if necessary.
- Type of support:
Consultancy, networking, mediation
- Type of service offered:
Free services
- Aimed at:
Foreign companies
Bank loan guarantees 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
Is your SME sustainable in the long term, but the banks are seeking financial guarantees? The loan guarantee organisations supported by the Confederation give you easier access to bank loans of up to CHF 1 million. There are currently three regional guarantee cooperatives in Switzerland, as well as a national one specifically for women.
- Type of support:
Facilitated access to bank loans
- Aimed at:
Companies in Switzerland, company founders
Events: All you need to know about exports 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
Increase your knowledge of target countries, focus sectors and current export topics in a series of events and webinars. Learn new and essential facts about export, get inspired by business opportunities, exchange ideas with experts and expand your network.
- Type of support:
Information, advice and networking
- Type of service offered:
Free and chargeable events
- Aimed at:
Swiss companies
Everything you need to know about setting up a company 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
SECO's SME portal offers checklists and detailed information on setting up a company. The practical overview allows you to compare the different legal forms and weigh up their advantages and disadvantages. You will also learn how to choose the appropriate legal form, conduct a market analysis, draw up a business plan and register your company in the commercial register.
- Type of support:
Information
- Aimed at:
Persons founding a company in Switzerland; there is a separate section for foreign nationals
Find the right financing solution for your regional development project 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
The Confederation offers many different financial support options for regional development projects. Project managers can find simple and targeted information on the various funding opportunities for their projects at regiosuisse.ch. The interactive tool was created jointly by the four federal offices SECO, ARE, FOAG and FOEN.
- Type of service offered:
Information
- Aimed at:
Individuals, associations and companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein active in regional development
Get an SGH loan towards your hotel project 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
Do you have an investment project for an accommodation business? The Swiss Association for Hotel Credit SGH can help, providing loans for all aspects of your project from acquisition through new construction or replacement construction to the complete renovation of an accommodation business. These loans are designed to close any gaps that may arise between equity, bank financing and other sources of financing.
- Type of service offered:
Interest-bearing and repayable loan
- Aimed at:
Accommodation businesses (including rental establishments) in Swiss tourist areas and spa resorts
- Service/scope:
CHF 100,000 to CHF 6 million, max. 40% of the company value, exceptions possible
- Conditions:
Accommodation business has at least 15 rooms or 30 beds, see further conditions here
Guaranteeing liquidity for exporters: Insurance for banks and other financial services providers 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
Would you like to offer your Swiss customers favourable export financing and support them in financing their production? Swiss Export Risk Insurance SERV offers a range of products for financial institutions.
- Service offered:
Insurance
- Open to:
Swiss companies; further requirements can be found here
Innotour: Funding innovation and cooperation projects in tourism 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
Are you looking for financial support for your idea for tourism in Switzerland? SECO supports intercompany projects which develop new products or new business opportunities; optimise services, increase efficiency; or optimise education and training.
- Type of service offered:
One-off start-up financing
- Amount available:
max. 50% of the eligible project costs
- Aimed at:
Tourist industry, regions, communes, networks, associations, as well as educational and research institutions in Switzerland
- Conditions:
Generally projects with a national focus
Regional or local projects must meet the criteria of the federal model project.
No payments for individual companies
No financial support towards infrastructure, operating costs, advertising measures alone or individual events
Minimising export risks: Insurance for exporters 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
Swiss Export Risk Insurance SERV provides surety of payment for your export business by insuring against political or del credere risk. It also allows you to offer your foreign customers attractive payment terms and to find suitable banks for your business in your target country.
- Service offered:
Insurance
- Open to:
Swiss companies, see further conditions here
Overview of federal and cantonal online services 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
Over 940 online federal and cantonal services facilitate the daily work of SMEs. Businesses can save time in accessing information, obtaining licences and handling transactions with the public administration on single online platform. Federal services and those of each canton are listed separately.
- Type of support:
All necessary information at a glance
- Aimed at:
Businesses in Switzerland
Practical tips for managing your company 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
On SECO's SME portal you can find essential information on running your business in the best possible way, from tools for your marketing strategy through practical tips on using social media to information on how to make your IT infrastructure more secure, or the certifications and ISO standards your company needs as proof of quality. You can also find out how to protect your innovations or logo from misuse and what you need to consider when setting up a webshop.
- Type of support:
Information
- Aimed at:
Companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Regulations and useful information about human resources management 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
The right employees in the right place: Human resource planning is a crucial success factor, especially for SMEs. On SECO's SME portal you will find regulations and useful information about human resources management, on topics such as recruitment, performance appraisals, job notification requirements and social insurance. The portal also gives an overview of Swiss labour law and recommendations on health and safety at work.
- Type of support:
Information
- Aimed at:
Companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Support in expanding your business abroad 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
Are you looking to sell your products or services abroad? Are you planning to expand your international business? Or are you looking for a suitable business partner abroad? From consulting to support in the target market: S-GE has branch offices in 31 countries and a national and international partner network to help you in the internationalisation process.
- Type of support:
Information, advice, analyses, searches
- Type of service offered:
Free and chargeable services
- Aimed at:
Swiss companies
Support in founding a business 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
Whether you're setting up a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company (GmbH) or a public limited company (AG), EasyGov makes the process simple and easy. Via the online desk you can record your company in the commercial register, and register for VAT and accident insurance and with the OASI compensation office.
- Type of support:
Registering a new company online, information
- Aimed at:
Persons setting up a business
- Type of service offered:
Access to online platform free of charge (excl. any administrative fees)
- NB:
Registration required
Take care of official business independently of opening hours 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
EasyGov makes administrative procedures for businesses simple, fast and efficient. Numerous official services can be processed digitally with the Confederation and the cantons via the online desk. For example, you can register your company in the commercial register, file a debt collection request or register foreign workers. 24/7, 365 days a year.
- Type of support:
Online desk, Information
- Aimed at:
Companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein
- Type of service offered:
Access to platform free of charge (excl. any administrative fees)
- NB:
Registration required
Tips on company succession or liquidation 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
Are you looking for a successor for your business? Or are you planning to liquidate your company? On SECO's SME portal you'll find an overview of the different ways of transferring a company, various methods of calculating a company's value and tips on financing the succession. The website also describes the steps that need to be taken to liquidate a company.
- Type of support:
Information
- Aimed at:
Companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Tourism Forum Switzerland – Dialogue and coordination platform 299.8337985688 Punkte Prio 1
The Tourism Forum Switzerland (TFS) brings together the tourism sector, federal and cantonal tourism authorities and academia to exchange ideas and exploit potential synergies. In addition, the TFS helps to publicise new ideas and successful strategies in tourism. Expand your knowledge at the webinars held throughout the year on a range of different topics or exchange ideas with other members of the tourist industry. You can also take part in the workshops and discussion panels at the TFS Annual Event in November (by invitation only).
- Type of service offered:
Information, networking (events)
- Aimed at:
Tourist industry in Switzerland
- Conditions for participation:
Webinars are open to everyone; annual event by invitation only
Switzerland Innovation 299.8289587809 Punkte Prio 1
Locating your business in the Swiss Innovation Park
If your company is driven by innovation and keen to work with Swiss universities to develop new marketable products or services, then with the help of Switzerland Innovation you can find the right Swiss innovation park for you to collaborate successfully with local universities, research institutes and other companies.
- Type of support
Information, advice, networking, matchmaking
- Services offered
Range of free services, rental of lab space, clean rooms, offices, event facilities and co-working spaces
- Target audience
Innovative businesses
A look at other regional development projects 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
Gain inspiration from existing projects in the regiosuisse project database and develop your own regional development project. The database contains more than 3,000 projects, organised into 15 topics and supported by 10 different funding programmes, among them the New Regional Policy (NRP)
- Type of service offered:
Information
- Aimed at:
Individuals, associations and companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein active in regional development
Analyse your ideal target markets with the GoGlobal Cockpit 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
The GoGlobal Cockpit supports companies that want to expand abroad with products, software or services. The interactive online platform helps you plan where best to expand, what new opportunities there are in your target country and how to export your products.
- Type of support:
Information and advice, also via chat or in a personal conversation
- Services offered:
Access to the platform free of charge; registration required
- Aimed at:
Swiss companies
Apply for tax relief from the cantons 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
Tax relief on direct federal tax is available for regional development projects. The federal government thus helps to boost the competitiveness of individual regions and supports their value creation. You can apply to the local canton for tax relief under regional policy; the contact details of the cantonal economic development offices can be found on our website.
- Type of support:
Contact with Cantonal Economic Development Agency; advice and support with application process
- Aimed at:
Industrial companies seeking to create new jobs or reframe existing ones in structurally weak areas
Coaching programme: Make your hotel business fit for the future 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
HotellerieSuisse and SECO help accommodation businesses to prepare for future challenges. A coach supports you e.g. in financial planning, process optimisation, repositioning and sustainability. New solutions help you to increase your competitiveness. This is aimed particularly at SMEs in which the management is involved in operational activities. Coaching is funded from the New Regional Policy (NRP).
- Type of service offered:
Coaching services
- Aimed at:
Small and medium-sized individual businesses in the Swiss accommodation sector; further criteria can be found here.
- Main areas:
Restructuring and financial planning, process optimisation (digitalisation, resources, costs), repositioning and sustainability, employer branding, market exit / reorientation
- Service/scope:
Five days of coaching @ CHF 160/hour. Additional costs as well as a one-off payment of CHF 1,240 for a status review and programme costs are charged to the companies (One-off payment met by HotellerieSuisse for members).
- Further information:
You do not have to be a member of HotellerieSuisse
Commit to sustainability – with the Swisstainable programme 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
As a member of the programme, you can offer your guests from Switzerland and abroad a sustainable travel experience. Your business may already be certified, or you may want it to have a more sustainable future; either way, the Swisstainable label shows that your business is making a positive contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda. The joint PR campaign between Switzerland Tourism and the tourism industry raises awareness of their long-term sustainability strategy.
- Type of service offered:
Programme
- Aimed at:
Swiss tourism businesses and organisations
Everything you need to know about finance, taxes and risk management 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
SECO's SME portal provides an overview of the different sources of funding, shows how you can organise your company's accounts and gives tips on what can be deducted for tax purposes. In addition, you will learn on the online platform how you can safely manage your company with careful risk management even in times of crisis.
- Type of support:
Information
- Aimed at:
Companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Expand your knowledge of regional development and engage in networking 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
The regiosuisse website offers a wide range of information on instruments, offers and services relating to regional development in Switzerland. Stakeholders can expand their knowledge of regional development, exchange ideas with other professionals and engage in networking.
- Type of service offered:
Information, agenda, training, special topics, tools, networking
- Aimed at:
Individuals, associations and companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein active in regional development
Extensive support in organising your event in Switzerland 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
Are you looking to organise a conference or seminar? Are you looking for a hotel that you can use exclusively for your event? Do you need inspiration for a suitable fringe programme? Why not contact the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau, whose specialists will support you in organising your exceptional event anywhere in Switzerland, link you to the right contacts and find individual solutions with you.
- Type of support:
Event marketing, investment protection agreement/support
- Aimed at:
Event organisers in Switzerland and abroad
Find regional development experts 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
In regiosuisse's database of experts you will find the contact details of the persons responsible at federal, cantonal and regional level for the New Regional Policy (NRP), for the EU's cross-border cooperation programme Interreg, for agglomeration policy and for policy on rural and mountain areas. Contacts can be searched by level, group or canton, making it easier for you to access the right person.
- Type of service offered:
Information
- Aimed at:
Individuals, associations and companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein active in regional development
Getting started in regional development: How to launch and implement a project 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
Are you a creative personality looking to move forward the development of your region? Perhaps you already have a specific idea, or are just starting out; either way, get inspired by projects that are already going ahead, and find out whether and how a project is eligible for support. On the regional development platform regiosuisse.ch you will find tools for every step of your regional development project, from initial idea to implementation.
- Type of service offered:
Information, investment protection agreement, networking, funding
- Aimed at:
Individuals, associations and companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein active in regional development
Information on setting up a business in Switzerland 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
Is your company considering setting up a branch in Switzerland? Would you like to get an idea of the environment and of the advantages of doing business in Switzerland? S-GE provides comprehensive information on Switzerland as a location for your company.
- Type of support:
Information
- Type of service offered:
Free services
- Aimed at:
Foreign companies
International large-scale infrastructure projects 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
Simplified access for Swiss exporters to large-scale infrastructure projects worldwide
Team Switzerland Infrastructure acts as a service provider for Swiss exporters, foreign EPCs and authorities. Team Switzerland Infrastructure identifies international infrastructure projects and business opportunities, connects Swiss companies with key players from the federal government, the private sector and the export promotion instruments as well as international financing institutions, and offers customized financial services. Team Switzerland Infrastructure is made up of the federal offices SECO, DETEC and FDFA, the export promotion instruments Switzerland Global Enterprise and the Swiss Export Risk Insurance SERV as well as the industry associations Swissrail, Swissmem and suisse.ing.
Team Switzerland Infrastructure
Major international projects for Swiss SMEs | SERV
Infrastructure projects: opportunities for Swiss SMEs | S-GE
- Type of support:
Investment protection agreement, networking, funding
- Open to:
Swiss companies
Launch a cross-border project – with Interreg 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
Would you like to initiate a project that reaches beyond Switzerland's borders? The EU's Interreg programmes, in which Switzerland participates under the New Regional Policy (NRP), support cross-border regional development projects. Although Swiss project partners cannot benefit from EU funding, they are able to apply for federal and/or cantonal funding. Switzerland participates in ten programmes, which have different topics, application procedures and selection criteria.
- Type of support:
Money / Non-repayable loan
- Service/scope:
Varies depending on the programme
- Conditions for participation:
Contribution made to at least one of the specific objectives of the respective Interreg programme; partners from at least two states, one of which must be in the EU; innovative; long-term own financial contribution made
- Exclusion criteria:
Projects run by individual companies; non-cross-border projects; projects whose impact is not in the programme area; projects unsuitable for the strategy
Learn from others and join the discussion at the Innotour Transfer Workshops 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
Get inspired by exemplary projects – for example on building culture or ecological sustainability – and build up your knowledge first-hand. Half-day Walk the Talk workshops take place two or three times a year, at which a focused discussion on a specific topic is held. The aim is to promote the exchange of experiences and knowledge gained from projects, share important findings and allow as many people as possible to benefit.
- Type of service offered:
Information, exchange
- Aimed at:
Anyone interested
- Conditions for participation:
Public event, registration required, limited number of participants
Market research: Find out about the needs of your guests and get help making those important marketing decisions 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
Switzerland Tourism's market research platform gives you access to data-based information on the needs of tourists in Switzerland. Here you will find a range of analyses, studies and statistics such as accommodation figures or the results of the largest national guest survey.
- Type of service offered:
Information, consultancy, ST marketing impact analysis
- Aimed at:
Members of Switzerland Tourism
Marketing cooperation with Switzerland Tourism: Attracting attention worldwide 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
Switzerland Tourism (ST) has a local presence in the most important source markets for tourism in Switzerland. The numerous activities and platforms in the markets are open to you as a partner of ST, and you have opportunities for promoting your product with ST under the Swiss label. This is an easy way to have a presence in the source markets of your choice.
- Type of support:
Marketing cooperation
- Service/scope:
Market presence
- Aimed at:
Companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Online search for permit requirements and regulations for professions in Switzerland 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
Are you looking to engage in a professional activity in Switzerland and you do not know whether a permit is required by the Confederation, canton or commune? The permit database will help you. Information is available in German, French, Italian and English.
- Type of support:
Information, addresses
- Aimed at:
Professionals looking to become self-employed in Switzerland
Regional Innovation Systems (RIS) - Coaching and Networking 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
The six regional innovation systems offer a range of services to promote SMEs' competitiveness and innovative capacity in Switzerland. The services include networking events, coaching, and thematic platforms. Moreover, RIS work as a hub while regrouping services offered by other public and private agencies active in innovation and referring SMEs to these where appropriate.
- Type of service offered:
Information, advice and networking
- Aimed at:
SMEs and start-ups in Switzerland
- Service/scope:
Varies depending on the coaching programme
- Length:
Coaching programmes last as long as necessary, max. four years
Regional monitoring: Tailored facts and figures 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
Would you like to know how jobs and unemployment are developing in your region? Or where population and income are increasing and decreasing? Regiosuisse regional monitoring services measure trends in the regional economy in Switzerland. You can also compile your own monitoring report or commission a special assessment of your region.
- Type of service offered:
Information on a range of topics or individual reports
- Aimed at:
Individuals, associations and companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein active in regional development
Support with presentation in export markets 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
The Trade Fair and Project Committee (TFPC) awards grants to associations and organisations to attend trade fairs or to run projects in export markets worldwide. The TFPC supports around 90 projects each year, thereby helping well over 1,000 companies to expand their export business.
- Type of support:
Co-financing
- Amount available:
Up to one third of the total costs
- Aimed at:
Associations, chambers of commerce, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) and other organisers; no support for individual companies
- Submission deadlines:
End of January, end of May and end of September
Take part in Switzerland Tourism events 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
Switzerland Tourism runs a number of events for members, partners and the entire tourism industry. Gain an overview of the tourism landscape and learn more about the main events at which you can present your product, network with others from the tourism industry or find out about the latest trends.
- Type of service offered:
Overview, information
- Aimed at:
Swiss tourism businesses and organisations
Turn your commune into a smart village! 199.8337985688 Punkte Prio 2
Get in touch for an initial consultation if your commune wants to make better use of the potential of digitalisation. Together with the Swiss Centre for Mountain Regions (SAB), SECO has launched the Smart Villages/Smart Regions programme, from which around 40 mountain communities can benefit. In consultation with the local people, the communes draw up specific measures to improve the quality of life locally and reduce resource consumption with the help of digitalisation.
- Type of service offered:
Financing, consulting
- Aimed at:
Communes within the perimeter of the federal NRP pilot measure for mountain regions (overview in German) that have not already undergone a comparable process
- Service/scope:
Max. CHF 10,000 for the design of participatory processes
- Amount contributed by commune:
CHF 5,000
Benefit from SGH's unique combination of financial knowledge and tourism expertise 99.8337985688 Punkte Prio 3
The Swiss Association for Hotel Credit SGH shares its knowledge on investment, financing and related strategic issues as well as on funding instruments for the accommodation industry at events, awards, workshops, presentations and lectures. The SGH can provide you with valuable information and further links. For example, you will learn what needs to go in a business plan or which exemptions apply under the Second Homes Act. The SGH can also answer any specific questions you may have about a project.
- Type of service offered:
Information and enquiries
- Aimed at:
Players in the national and international accommodation business, federal government, cantons, communes and banks
Customs tariffs and regulations for other countries 99.8337985688 Punkte Prio 3
Do you export abroad and would you or your customers in the destination country like to know the amount of import duties levied? Or would you like to know which import regulations apply in the destination country? The customs database provides straightforward information on lists of goods, customs tariffs, import formalities and rules of origin in over 135 countries.
- Type of support:
Information
- Type of service offered:
Free access to database; Registration required
- Aimed at:
all Swiss and Liechtenstein companies