Institutions supporting SMEs

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Numerous institutions offer various forms of support for the creation and development of small and medium-sized enterprises. Here is a selection of the most important ones in Switzerland, in particular those receiving funds from the Confederation and the cantons.

Setting up a company is an exciting experience, but it can also be a risky one. Several institutions provide support for the creation and development of SMEs in Switzerland. They offer a wide range of services, such as assistance in setting up a company, provision of key economic information, financing of sustainable projects, support for internationalization, etc.

Selection criteria

In order to be listed on this page, organizations and initiatives that support* creators and managers of SMEs and start-ups must meet the following criteria:

  • The institutions must offer their services in at least two national languages or in one national language plus English.
  • Institutions supported by the Confederation and/or the cantons are given priority. Examples include associations, foundations, NGOs, umbrella organizations and institutes. 
  • The services offered by these institutions should not be used for promotional purposes, but should provide added value to SME founders and entrepreneurs.
  • The offer must fulfill a certain quality level (state of the art). This means that the website of the offer must correspond to the current or the latest state of technical development.

*Please note that the SME Portal team selects from among existing support offers and therefore there is no guarantee that an institution will appear on this page.

Institutions supporting SMEs

  • ahead Zurich
    ahead is the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center in Zurich. As an independent advisory centre, they support start-ups and SMEs on their path to success.
  • Creapole SA (in French)
    Our team supports individuals in setting up their own businesses and helps organisations and companies become more future-proof, sustainable and resilient. We are also actively involved in exchange and networking.
  • economiesuisse
    Economiesuisse is the umbrella organization of Swiss companies. It represents the interests of its members at a political level and provides a wealth of information on current economic issues.
  • Entreprendre.ch (in French)
    Start your business in Switzerland with entreprendre.ch.
  • Expert Directory
    Database managed by the organization Switzerland Global Enterprise, which lists export and internationalization specialists.
  • Fasoon.ch
    A low-cost online business creation portal, with targeted advice at each stage of a company's development.
  • GastroSuisse (in German, French and Italian)
    GastroSuisse, the national association of the hotel and restaurant industry, supports the industry's development with innovative products and services.
  • Growth Initiative for SMEs
    Created by the Swiss Economic Forum, this initiative supports growth companies in the areas of strategy, financing and risk management.
  • Gryps.ch
    Gryps, the online portal for SMEs - guide, advice, comparison of offers. Big companies have internal specialists, small companies have Gryps.
  • Innosuisse - Swiss Innovation Agency
    Innosuisse promotes innovation in Switzerland and provides financial and consulting services according to the stage of development and the objectives of each company.
  • Institute for Young Business Enterprises (IFJ)
    The Institute for Young Business Enterprises provides entrepreneurship courses to project leaders and then accompanies them in the practical launch of their start-up.
  • Jurata
    Jurata is an online service that provides entrepreneurs with free advice and, for a small fee, supports them in setting up and changing their businesses – including notarisation and entry in the commercial register.
  • KMU Next (in German)
    Specialized support program for business takeovers, whether intra-family or with third parties.
  • KMU-HSG: Swiss Research Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship
    The University of St. Gallen Institute is dedicated to the promotion of SMEs through teaching, further education, research and the promotion of practices.
  • NewCo.ch
    NewCo is an online service that supports entrepreneurs in Switzerland with the incorporation or modification of companies. The platform handles all notarial procedures as well as registration in the Commercial Register.
  • recordwise.ch (in German)
    Online company foundation: Matthias Gisler of recordwise GmbH is registered in the register of attorneys and notaries of the Canton of St. Gallen and is authorized to certify company foundations and commercial register changes.
  • RUZ – Das Unternehmerzentrum (in German, French and Italian)
    The Raiffeisen Group's Entrepreneurs’ Center is a platform for advice, networking and events for small and medium-sized businesses in industry and trade.
  • SEF.Growth.ch
    Aimed at young companies, this program focuses on growth strategies through various resources.
  • SME Ratgeber (in German)
    Information site offering a series of checklists and specialized articles on economic themes from the everyday life of a company.
  • Startbox Zurich (in German and French)
    The digital guide to founding your company in the Canton of Zurich: From the idea to company formation and beyond – instructions, tools and helpful information.
  • Startups.ch
    The online platform offers, among other things, personal interviews and information about its partners who support company start-up costs.
  • Startupticker.ch
    This information site for entrepreneurs and project leaders relays news about the business world and Swiss companies.
  • Switzerland Global Enterprise - Centre of Excellence for Swiss Foreign Trade Promotion (S-GE)
    The official organization responsible for promoting exports and Switzerland as a business location supports SMEs in their internationalization.
  • Technology Fund
    An organization that provides loans to Swiss companies whose products result in a sustainable reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Unternehmerschule (in German)
    The business school provides entrepreneurs with concrete answers and practical tools for their operational challenges.
  • venture kick
    Coaching, financial support and networking program for promising university and college entrepreneurs.
  • Venturelab
    Venturelab supports and accompanies start-ups with international development potential.