Start a business in Geneva

4. Obtain aid to start your business

There is a network of organizations in Geneva to help entrepreneurs develop their projects. These organizations offer advice, coaching, funding assistance, encouragement of innovation and R&D, promotion and networking.

The Business Portal of the Office cantonal de l'économie et de l'innovation (OCEI) is an information service dedicated to matters relating to the creation, soft landing and development of businesses in Geneva.
It also provides information on initiatives supporting the economic fabric, as well as on the various events and training courses organised by the OCEI.

Coaching, coaching and incubators

  • Genilem (incubator, innovation, life sciences, start-up)
  • FONGIT (incubator, ICT, tech fintech innovation, start-up)
  • OPI (industry, consulting, promotion)

Financing

  • FAE (financing, bonding, industry, enterprise, trade)
  • Fondetec (financing, loans, premises, start-up, start-up, company, trade)

Support for innovation

Networking and other services

Depending on your company's sector of activity, you can also use thematic promotion platforms: BioAlps for life sciences, Alp ICT for communication and information technologies or Micronarc for micro and nanotechnologies, Creatives + for creatives industries and CleantechAlps in Cleantech.

There are many other private economic development assistance structures that are not listed on this page.

You can also use private funding sources, such as banks, foundations, business angels or crowdfunding.

Last updated
5 March 2026

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