The economic situation remained mixed at the start of 2025

A metalworker in a factory

The economic situation remained mixed at the start of 2025

(16.04.2024) Uncertainty continued to weigh on Swiss industrial activity in March. Raiffeisen Bank’s SME Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell by two points to 47.9, after coming close to the expansion threshold in February (49.9).

Record number of patents filed in 2024

Un drapeau suisse pixélisé sur fond bleu et rouge

Record number of patents filed in 2024

(09.04.2025) Switzerland boasts the highest density of inventions in the world. Nearly 10,000 patent applications were filed in 2024 – equivalent to 1,140 per million inhabitants. That’s a rate twice as high as Sweden’s (472), which holds second place in the Patent Index 2024.

Swiss exports affected by US tariff increases

A stylized US flag as a map. The border of the map is a wall.

Swiss exports affected by US tariff increases

(03.04.2025) On 3 April the Federal Council took note of the US government's announcements on the imposition of wide-ranging tariffs. These will affect all of the USA’s trading partners including Switzerland. The Federal Council will analyse the measures and their impact on Switzerland in greater detail. It is in contact with the affected industries and the US authorities. The Federal Council has instructed the EAER to begin preparatory work on a possible solution with the USA.

Fintech: the slowdown continues in 2024

Illustration d’un globe terrestre et d’éléments en lien avec les technologies vertes

Fintech: the slowdown continues in 2024

(02.04.2025) Switzerland’s financial technology sector remained flat at the end of 2024, with exactly the same number of fintech companies as the previous year (483). Meanwhile, funding also slowed, according to the IFZ FinTech Study 2025 by the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.

Pratical knowledge

All
A man in a suit adds a piece to the puzzle.

Setting up

Checklists and detailed information about setting up a business: choosing the right legal structure, steps to follow for market analysis, business plans and registration in the trade register.
A group of people sit around a table during a (work) meeting

Management

Practical tips for running a business successfully: innovation methods, marketing tools, product certification and social media presence using e-commerce.
Praktische Informationen zur Firmenübergabe und Firmenübernahme

Transferring

Tips for transferring and taking over a business: the various scenarios, the business valuation methods and setting the purchase price. The procedure to follow in the event of liquidation.
A man performs calculations using a calculator. In the foreground is a piggy bank

Finances

All you need to know about loans, leasing and factoring, traditional and alternative financing plans, economic promotion, tax relief and risk management.
import-export-banner

Foreign trade

Useful information for SMEs on foreign trade: federal customs administration and formalities for import-export, opening an establishment or a subsidiary abroad, risk control.
Men and women move into an office

Personnel

Here you will find legal provisions, relevant facts and information on staff management: recruitment, staff development, partial unemployment and social insurance, labor law, occupational safety.

Facts and Trends

All
SME facts figures Swiss Growth Policy

Facts and figures on SMEs in Switzerland

The Confederation actively supports SMEs, major players in the economy. Explanations and statistics.
teaser-digitalisation

Digitalization of SMEs in Switzerland: A key factor

Companies must adapt their operations and digitalize to remain competitive. Definitions and examples.
Tips for making one's SME 'greener' and optimising its production

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Turning to corporate social responsibility is a way for SMEs to become greener and more socially conscious and therefore optimize their production.

Online services

All

Newsletter PME

All
News and useful information for founders and entrepreneurs.

Guide to promotion activities

Manuel Kugler is the programme manager for Data and Artificial Intelligence at the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW

Manuel Kugler is the programme manager for Data and Artificial Intelligence at the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW

How Swiss SMEs are embracing artificial intelligence

Theme of the month

All

Online desk

EasyGov.swiss
EasyGov logo and link to the online desk for companies

Events

All
Events for young entrepreneurs, managers, owners and decisionmakers in SMEs.
https://www.kmu.admin.ch/content/kmu/en/home.html