Public aid for financing
The proper use of "capital" is essential for the productivity of an economic system. Easy access to corporate financing and having framework conditions which promote competition in financial markets are important elements of policies for economic growth and are sound economic policy in general.
The Confederation, first and foremost, focuses its efforts on creating favorable framework conditions. Its support for corporate financing is secondary.
Cantons also have the requisite economic political authority to set up financing programs for companies. Usually they exercise this authority by offering a broad spectrum of financing options for companies and start-ups. SECO recorded these cantonal options as part of a survey and listed them in its report of 29 March 2017, entitled ‘Fast-growing start-ups in Switzerland’. Cantonal economic promotion measures are aimed at guiding young entrepreneurs in their search for cantonal aid.
Addresses of local economic development
There are also measures at the federal level to make it easier for companies to obtain credits or loans such as the SME guarantee system, the Swiss Hotel Credit Company or technology funds. These instruments are also available for start-ups. The Confederation possesses other support mechanisms, including:
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Technology Fund
Companies producing innovative products aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions can receive support for their guarantee. Below, the steps to follow.
The SSF assists with financing start-ups in developing countries
Thanks to the SECO Start-up Fund (SSF), the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs enables Swiss investors to finance start-ups in various regions around the world. Here are the main access conditions.
Innosuisse: A federal agency promoting innovation
The Confederation actively supports innovation in companies through Innosuisse, the Swiss innovation agency.
Guarantees: Access to financing
Getting a bank loan is not always easy. The Confederation supports various guarantee cooperatives that are useful for SMEs.
The Eurostars program provides support to SMEs
Eurostars is aimed at small and medium-sized innovative companies, i.e. those developing a process, a service or a product that is very different from anything they have done before.
Tax relief and regional policy
The federal government can grant tax relief on direct federal tax within the framework of regional policy. The target group for this tax relief covers projects of industrial companies that create new jobs or reorganise existing ones in structurally weak areas (areas of application). The areas of application cover around 10% of the Swiss population (see map).
Support for starting a self-employed activity
Unemployment insurance supports people who wish to start a business under a self-employed scheme.
Hotel loans to offset fluctuations
The Confederation supports SMEs in the tourism sector through the Société suisse de crédit hotelier, which grants loans with advantageous terms.