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.
- The SECO Start-up Fund (SSF) offers loans covering up to two thirds of the investment costs in the target country; up to twice the amount contributed by the borrowers/investors, with a cap of CHF 500'000 (all three criteria must be met). Repayment is over 7 years.
- The following are eligible for SSF loans: investors domiciled in Switzerland, who have a good reputation and would like to finance the start-up of a business or its first expansion phase (as long as it has been in existence for a maximum of six years), in one of the developing or transition countries deemed priority by the SECO. The fund website mentioned below provides a list of States.
- Successful applications correspond to private sector investment projects, which have a measurable impact in terms of development. For example, they involve long-term jobs, transfer of expertise, etc. They also need to be commercially viable and comply with recognized social and environmental standards.
- Terms and conditions of loans and procedure