Self-employment: your guide to independence

Have you ever dreamed of being your own boss? Turning your vision into reality and creating something that is completely yours? Then you've come to the right place. We'll dive into the world of entrepreneurship together and discover what it really means to be self-employed.

First steps into self-employment can vary depending on your industry and individual situation, but here are some general steps that many aspiring entrepreneurs consider:

Develop a business idea

Identify a business idea that fits your interests, skills and market need.

Conduct market research

Research the market to understand the needs, competitors and opportunities in your industry.

Create a business plan

Write a detailed business plan that includes your business goals, financial projections and customer acquisition and retention strategies.

Choose legal form

Decide whether you want to set up a sole proprietorship, a limited company, an AG or another legal form. In Switzerland, there are various ways to set up a company:

Sole proprietorship: Simple and quick, no capital contribution, personal liability

GmbH: Limited liability, minimum capital of CHF 20,000

AG: For larger companies, minimum capital of CHF 100,000, limited liability of shareholders

General partnership: For teams, personal and unlimited liability of all partners

Limited partnership: Similar to a general partnership, but with limited liability for limited partners

Co-operative: For common goals, requires at least seven members

Association: For non-commercial, non-profit activities

Secure financing

Consider how you will finance your business, e.g. through equity, loans, investors or grants.

Register business name and brand

Choose a suitable business name and check whether it is still available. Register your trade mark if necessary.

Fulfil legal requirements

Comply with all legal and tax requirements, such as business registration, tax number and insurance.

Set up business premises

If you need physical premises, find a suitable location and set up your business.

Develop marketing and sales strategies

Plan how you will promote and sell your products or services, including online marketing and social media.

Open business accounts

Open business accounts to ensure the financial separation of personal and business finances.

Organise bookkeeping and taxes

Keep your bookkeeping up to date and ensure proper tax administration

Acquire customers

Start acquiring customers, whether through networking, recommendations or targeted marketing campaigns.

Plan business growth today

Think about how you want to expand and develop your business in the long term.

The first steps are often the hardest. But don't worry, you're not alone. There are many ways to start a business. You can start small, with a simple idea and a laptop from your kitchen table. Or you can use co-working spaces to network with like-minded people. Make a plan, set yourself goals and tackle them step by step.

Master the challenges

Yes, there will be challenges. You may struggle with funding issues, legal hurdles or building a customer base. But don't let that discourage you. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn. Use your network, find mentors and be open to feedback.

The advantages of self-employment

Imagine being able to work on something you really care about every day. You make the decisions and shape your business according to your ideas. Self-employment gives you the freedom to go your own way and turn your passion into a career.

Start-up culture and entrepreneurial spirit

A lively start-up scene is thriving in Switzerland, characterised by bold ideas and constant development. Here, your courage is rewarded. It's a world where innovative ideas meet enthusiasm and the entrepreneurial spirit is omnipresent. Whether in collaborative workspaces, presentation events or innovation centres, you'll meet like-minded people who want to challenge the status quo and make a difference. This environment inspires and motivates anyone with a desire to go beyond the familiar.

Self-employment is a path with inevitable complications, but the courage to overcome them is the key to success. In Switzerland, where there is a strong startup culture and support, founders find a robust environment to tackle these challenges.