setting up,establishinganddevelopingbusinesses support organisations Economic Promotion Office forEconomicAffairs (SPECo)

© Stephan Engler

© Nestlé CONTENTS ......

1. Economic promotion of 6. Export, internationalisation, the canton of 4 promotion of industries and 1.1 Office for Economic Affairs (SPECo) 5 technologies 32 1.2 Vaud Foreign Direct Investment Agency 6.1 Export support 32 (DEV) 5 6.2 Promotion of industries 1.3 Regional economic development and technologies 33 associations 6 1.4 Vaud.ch, international portal for 7. Online information for SMEs the promotion of the canton of Vaud 8 and start-ups 35 1.5 SME & start-up breakfasts 8 7.1 Economic information and statistics 35 7.2 Busines directories 35 2. Financing institutions 10 7.3 Professional associations 2.1 Financial incentives of the Office and groupings 35 for Economic Affairs (SPECo) 10 7.4 Starting a business 36 2.2 Connecting investors and businesses 11 7.5 Image promotion and 2.3 Seed capital and development capital 12 foreign direct investment 37 2.4 Microcredit 15 7.6 Transferring a company 37 2.5 Loan guarantees 16 7.7 Taxation of enterprises 37 7.8 Intellectual property 38 3. Technology transfer and 7.9 Continuing education 38 collaboration with research 7.10 European research programmes 39 institutions 18 7.11 Labour market 39 3.1 Technology transfer 18 7.12 Social insurance and pensions 39 3.2 Collaboration with research institutions 7.13 Sustainable development 39 for R&D projects 20

4. Infrastructure, sites and premises 22 4.1 Strategic sites 22 4.2 Technology parks and incubators 24

5. Coaching, support and advice 29 5.1 Coaching 29 5.2 Support and advice 31 1. Economic promotion of the canton of Vaud 4 1. Economic promotion of the canton of Vaud 5 ......

1.1 Office for Economic Affairs 1.2 Vaud Foreign Direct Investment (Speco) Agency (DEV)

The Office for Economic Affairs (SPECo) has DEV is the Foreign Direct Investment Agency been tasked with providing support to start-ups tasked by the Department of Economy of the and SMEs in the canton of Vaud, focusing on State of Vaud with supporting foreign enterprises those operating in industry, production-related become established in the canton. services and leading-edge technologies. The services provided by the DEV are highly di- SPECo actively supports the initiators of private verse, covering everything from finding facilities and public projects with its involvement and the and sites to obtaining work permits, answering financial incentives and advice it provides. SPECo tax questions, connecting businesses and finding also acts as a first point of contact for business business partners. people looking for help in their dealings with the cantonal administration. Finally, SPECo directs DEV is the Vaud arm of the GREATER entrepreneurs with specific interests towards BERNE area (GGBa), the agency tasked The Economic Promotion of the canton of Vaud is It brings together the following three major organisations capable of meeting their needs (ad- with canvassing and acquiring companies in here to help the business community in any pro- players: vice, financing, technical support, and so on). western (Berne, Fribourg, Vaud, ject to set up, develop or establish an enterprise. Geneva, Neuchâtel and ). The Office for Economic Affairs (SPECo) www.ggba-switzerland.ch Globally, the Economic Promotion aims to: The Vaud Foreign Direct Investment Agency (DEV) provide initial information for people looking The regional economic development to set up their own business, associations facilitate the establishment of foreign enter- prises in the canton, These players rely on a network of partners of- provide information on processes involving fering services in various fields including: raising the public administration, financing, technology transfer, innovation, sites guide enterprises searching for sites and and premises, advice and coaching, export, in- Vaud Foreign Direct Investment Agency (DEV) premises, ternationalisation and industrial promotion. Those Office for Economic Affairs (SPECo) World Trade Center direct towards public and private financing are presented in chapters 2 to 6 of this brochure. Economic Promotion Av. de Gratta-Paille 2 and advisory organisations, Rue Caroline 11 PO Box 19 make available financial assistance for starting CH-1014 CH-1000 Lausanne 30 up, establishing and developing enterprises, Phone: + 41 (0)21 316 58 20 Phone: + 41 (0)21 644 00 60 promote the image of the canton in the Fax: + 41 (0)21 316 61 52 Fax: + 41 (0)21 644 00 79 business community in Switzerland and E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] abroad. Internet: www.vd.ch/promotion-economique Internet: www.dev.ch 1. Economic promotion of the canton of Vaud 6 1. Economic promotion of the canton of Vaud 7 ......

1.3 rEgional economic 1 Lausanne region 6 , development associations Lausanne Région and region Phone: + 41 (0)21 613 73 33 Association de la Région Cossonay The regional economic development associations with specific interests towards organisations E-mail: [email protected] Aubonne Morges (ARCAM) are local platforms helping companies settle and capable of meeting their needs. Internet: www.lausanne-region.ch Phone: + 41 (0)21 862 22 75 thrive in the region. Their members are private E-mail: [email protected] players and the municipalities that provide most of The activities of the regional economic develop- 2 Gros-de-Vaud region Internet: www.arcam-vd.ch their financing. ment associations are coordinated by the Vaud Association de la région du Gros-de-Vaud Economic Development Coordination Agency (ARGdV) 7 region These local structures provide information servi- (CODEV). Phone: + 41 (0)21 881 22 37 Conseil régional du district de Nyon ces, guidance, advice and support in the fields of www.codev.ch (currently in French only) E-mail: [email protected] (Région Nyon) economic promotion and the creation and develop- Internet: www.gros-de-vaud.ch Phone: + 41 (0)22 361 23 24 ment of enterprises. Their role is to assist business There are a total of 10 regional economic develop- E-mail: [email protected] people in their dealings with the cantonal and muni- ment associations, each of which performs out its 3 -Vevey region Internet: www.regionyon.ch cipal authorities as well as to direct entrepreneurs activities within a specific geographical area: Association pour la promotion économique de la région Montreux-Vevey (PROMOVE) 8 Northen Vaud region Phone: + 41 (0)21 963 48 48 Association pour le Développement E-mail: [email protected] du Nord Vaudois (ADNV) régions économiques vaudoises Internet: www.promove.ch Phone: + 41 (0)24 425 55 21 E-mail: [email protected] Payerne 4 aigle region (Chablais) Internet: www.adnv.ch AigleRegion 9 Vallée de Joux region Yverdon Phone: + 41 (0)24 466 37 24 10 8 E-mail: [email protected] Association pour le développement ADNV COREB Internet: www.chablais.ch des activités économiques de la Vallée de Joux (ADAEV) 2 5 pays-d’Enhaut region Phone: + 41 (0)21 845 90 91 9 ARGdV ARCAM Pays-d’Enhaut Région E-mail: [email protected] ADAEV 6 Lausanne Phone: + 41 (0)26 924 72 80 Internet: www.valleedejoux.ch 1 Région Morges E-mail: [email protected] Lausanne PROMOVE 5 7 3 Internet: www.pays-denhaut.ch 10 payerne, Vevey Pays-d’Enhaut Région Région and region (Broye) Nyon Nyon Communauté régionale de la Broye (COREB) Aigle 4 Phone: + 41 (0)26 663 90 80

AigleRegion E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.coreb.ch 1. Economic promotion of the canton of Vaud 8 1. Economic promotion of the canton of Vaud 9 ......

Phases of company financing and support organisations

Venture capital (p.14)

Loan Guarantees Cooperative (Cautionnement romand) (p.16) Loan guarantees of the Office for Economic Affairs (SELT) (p.16)

Financial incentives of the Office for Economic Affairs (SELT) (p.10) CapitalProximité (p.11) Business Angels (p.15) Investment foundations and funds supporting Swiss / Vaud companies (p.14)

1.4 Vaud.ch, international portal 1.5 SME & start-up breakfasts for the promotion of the Regional develpment funds (p.12) canton of Vaud SME and start-up breakfasts are organised by the Office for Economic Affairs (SPECo) in conjunc- tion with its partners of the economic promotion net- Foundation forTechnological work. They are generally held once a month with Innovation (p.12) Volume of activity a view to: venture kick (p.13) Need for financing Start-up awards (p.13) Working in conjunction with the main partners pro- Presenting topics of direct interest to SMEs moting the economy and tourism in the canton of and business start-ups Microcredit (p.15) Vaud, the Office for Economic Affairs (SPECo) has Publicising testimonials from companies with set up an internet portal that presents the canton, experience in the topic concerned its principal assets (education, technology, busi- Giving SMEs and start-ups the opportunity to ness, lifestyle, health, sport) and services intended ask questions of specialists in the field for enterprises in the process of creation, develop- Promoting networking and discussions ment or establishment as well as institutions and Start-up Development Maturity individuals wishing to establish themselves in the www.petitsdejeuners-vaud.ch canton. (currently in French only) www.vaud.ch 2. Financing INSTITUTIONS 10 2. Financing INSTITUTIONS 11 ......

2.1 financial incentives of the 2.2 cONNEcting investors and Economic promotion (SPECo) businesSes

The Office for Economic Affairs (SPECo) provides amount of financial incentives is Sfr 100,000 for CapitalProximité Swiss national platform connecting inves- direct financial incentives for specific business a period of 5 years. Companies which are active tors and start-ups projects. This financial assistance is intended to in the fields of R&D and/or industrial production support the creation and establishment of enter- can normally benefit from these financial incen- CTI Invest - The Swiss Venture Platform prises as well as the development of Vaud-based tives. Information by SPECo or on the website www.cti-invest.ch SMEs and start-ups looking to innovate, expand www.vd.ch/promotion-economique (currently in international operations. The maximum cumulative French only). +41 (0)21 349 25 90 Innovation support [email protected] Acquiring intellectual property rights Grant, max. 50% or Sfr 5,000 www.capitalproximite.ch

Developing new products Grant, max. 50% or Sfr 30,000 Developing or improving plant Mission Obtaining certification or homologation To bring together investors and enterprises look- ing for finance, no matter which sector they Commercialisation and internationalisation operate in (connection platform). support Attending exhibitions or business conventions Grant, max. 50% or Sfr 5,000 Services Provision of a database containing the stan- Market analysis Grant, max. 50% or Sfr 30,000 dardised profiles of investors and businesses New business opportunities Presentation to investors of anonymous company profiles (anonymity is maintained Investment support until the point when investors and entrepre- Loan guarantees Guarantee, max. 50% of the bank loan and 33% neurs wish to meet) of the project costs between Sfr 500,000 and Sfr Provision of a network of professional advi- 5,000,000 sors who run financial organisations Accompanying the parties towards the finali- Partial coverage of bank interest Grant, max. 50% of the bank interest for 6 years sation of their relations

Training support Training of technical or scientific staff Grant, max. 50% of the gross income of the em- ployee, max. Sfr 15,000 per employee

Sustainable development training Grant, max. 50% of the training cost between Sfr 1,000 and Sfr 3,000 2. Financing INSTITUTIONS 12 2. Financing INSTITUTIONS 13 ......

2.3 Seed capital and venture kick Start-up awards development capital (list not exhaustive)

Foundation for Technological Regional development funds Coup de Pouce and Coup de Coeur prize Innovation (FIT) awarded by the Dr. René Liechti Foundation Lausanne regional development fund www.fondation-liechti.ch www.lausanne-region.ch (under “Promotion Economique” / currently InnoKick - HEIG-VD Start-up Game in French only) +41 (0)21 533 09 82 www.innokick.ch [email protected] Northern Vaud regional innovation fund www.venturekick.ch W.A. De Vigier Foundation prize www.adnv.ch www.devigier.ch ...... fondation (under Companies and Individuals) pour l'innovation technologique Mission Venture Award Broye regional development fund To finance the rapid development of commercial www.venture.ch +41 (0)21 613 35 35 www.coreb.ch/fdr ideas stemming from research. [email protected] (currently in French only) PERL Trophy www.fondation-fit.ch Services www.lausanneregion.ch Pays-d’Enhaut regional development fund Funds of Sfr 10 million (FER): Project financing in three selective stages up STARTUP.CH Award Mission www.pays-denhaut.ch to an amount of Sfr 130,000 over a period www.startups.ch To support the development of innovative techno- (under “Entreprendre / Aides financières” of nine months at most: logical projects carried out in collaboration with a currently in French only) • 1st stage: structuring and design of the Strategis - Entrepreneurship Award university or research center in French-speaking business idea (Sfr 10,000) www.prixstrategis.ch Switzerland. R&D projects financing from Federal • 2nd stage: development of the business Innovation Promotion Agency (CTI) plan (Sfr 20,000) Swiss Economic Award Services • 3rd stage: design and methodical develop- www.swisseconomic.ch/award Allocation of start-up loans without interest Co-financing for R&D projects run jointly by ment of the business plan, then first com- (Sfr 100,000 a year, renewable no more enterprises and research institutions (up to mercial trials (Sfr 100,000) Swiss Technology Award than twice) 50% of the total cost of the project) Support and professional follow-up of the www.swisstechnology-award.ch Provision of a professional support team for www.kti-cti.ch projects financed leading edge technology companies (under Project Promotion) Access to the FIT network of contacts

fondation pour l'innovation

...... technologique 2. Financing INSTITUTIONS 14 2. Financing INSTITUTIONS 15 ......

Investment foundations and funds Endeavour Vision supporting Swiss / Vaud companies www.endeavourvision.com Business Angels Networks 2.4 MicrocrEdit (list not exhaustive) Global Life Science Ventures (list not exhaustive) www.glsv-vc.com Microcrédit Solidaire Suisse ABTell Management Index Ventures A3 Angels www.abtell.ch www.indexventures.com www.a3angels.ch Dimension Investissements Initiative Capital Romandie (Défi Gestion) BioValley Business Angels Club (BioBAC) www.dimension-investissements.ch www.defigestion.ch www.biobac.weebly.com Climat Cent Foundation (financing for Invision Private Equity BrainToVentures environmental projects) www.invision.ch www.b-to-v.com +41 (0)21 646 94 93 www.stiftungklimarappen.ch Jade Invest Business Angels Suisse (BAS) [email protected] Gebert Rüf Foundation www.jade-invest.ch www.businessangels.ch www.microcredit-solidaire.ch www.grstiftung.ch KM Capital Partners Go Beyond (currently in French, German and Italian only) Hasler Foundation www.kmcapitalpartners.com www.go-beyond.biz www.haslerstiftung.ch Novartis Venture Funds Mountain Club Mission Volkswirtschaft Foundation www.venturefund.novartis.com www.mountain-club.ag To assist people looking to start up a small enter- www.volkswirtschaft-stiftung.ch OneLife Advisors StartAngels Network prise based in Switzerland but who do not have Sandoz Foundation www.onelife.ch www.startangels.ch access to bank loans for that purpose. www.sandozfondation.ch Polytech Ventures (seed capital fund) Verve Capital Partners Renaissance PME (Vinci Capital) www.polytechventures.ch www.investiere.ch Services www.renaissance-pme.ch Redalpine Advice and assistance for projects aimed at www.redalpine.com starting up or reviving a small business Venture and seed capital SVC Ltd. for Risk Capital for SMEs Analysis of the projects presented by volun- (list not exhaustive) www.svc-capital-risque.ch teer professional experts Swiss Private Equity & Corporate Finance Financing in the form of microloans up to Aravis Association (SECA) Sfr 30,000, at preferential rates and with www.aravis.ch www.seca.ch adapted terms of repayment BioMedPartners Valley Road Capital Personal assistance, especially in the start-up www.biomedvc.com www.valleyroadcapital.com phase BlueOcean Ventures Vinci Capital www.blueocean-ventures.com www.vincicapital.ch BSI Health Capital VI Partners www.healthcapital.ch www.ventureincubator.ch Debiomanagement www.debio.com Emerald Technology Ventures www.emerald-ventures.com 2. Financing INSTITUTIONS 16 2. Financing INSTITUTIONS 17 ......

2.5 Loan guarantees

The Office for Economic Affairs (SPECo) and the Loan Guarantees Cooperative (Cautionnement romand) can provide financial guarantees for any enterprise.

OfficeService for de Economic l'économie, Affairs (SPECo) OfficeService for de Economic l'économie, Affairs (SPECo) Economicdu logement Promotion et du tourisme (SELT) Economicdu logement Promotion et du tourisme (SELT)

Target group Industrial production-related Industrial, craft or commercial amount The amount of the loan guar- The loan guarantee can businesses enterprises antee can be up to 50% of be for an amount of up to the loans granted, but no Sfr 500,000. It can cover up more than one third of the to 100% of the bank loan. Type of project Industrial projects requiring in- Any project involving business total cost of the investments. vestment associated with the start-up, development, revival It is granted for a period of no development of a new product, or succession (financing for ma- The loan guarantee can be more than 10 years, depen- infrastructure or production fa- chinery, plant, equipment, stock, granted for a maximum ding on the project. cilities, and helping to create or working capital, etc). period of 10 years. preserve jobs. It can normally amount to between Sfr 500,000 and Sfr 5,000,000.

Conditions The guarantee relates to an The guarantee relates to a investment loan granted by loan granted by a bank. an establishment subject to contact Office for Economic Affairs Vaud branch of the “Loi fédérale sur les The applicant must demon- (SPECo) Cautionnement romand: banques et caisses d’épargne”. strate managerial capacity. Economic Promotion +41 (0)21 316 58 20 Loan Guarantees Cooperative The funds themselves cover Submission of a business [email protected] (CVC - Coopérative vaudoise de a fair portion of the project (at plan and account statements. www.vd.ch/promotion-economique promotion du cautionnement) least 1/3). +41 (0)21 721 11 81 [email protected] Submission of a business www.cautionnementromand.ch plan and account statements. 3 Technology transfer and collaboration with research 3 Technology transfer and collaboration with research institutions 18 institutions 19 ......

3.1 tEchnology transfer

HEIG-VD / Center for Engineering and Services EPFL / Industrial Relations CHUV-UNIL / Pactt Technology Transfer Technology Transfer (CeTT) Technical support for SMEs and public au- Office (SRI) thorities, accompanying them in their applied research innovation and development pro- jects for new technologies; also methods and services (finance & controlling, marketing & communication, logistics, quality, etc) Provision of services (measuring, tests, pro- totyping, expertise, consulting, etc.) +41 (0)24 557 28 00 Protection, management and commercial +41 (0)21 314 59 72 [email protected] exploitation of HEIG-VD intellectual property +41 (0)21 693 70 23 [email protected] www.cett.ch (patents, licences, technology and know-how http://sri.epfl.ch/ www.pactt.ch transfer) Access to public funds to finance applied Mission research projects Mission Mission To provide technical support to companies and Coaching (start-up) and contract assistance To promote the transfer of technologies and in- To promote the transfer of technologies and in- manage cooperation projects between the Vaud novations from the Swiss Federal Institute of novations from Lausanne University Hospital University of Management and Engineering Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) to industry. (CHUV) and the University of Lausanne (UNIL) (HEIG-VD) and SMEs or public authorities. to industry. Services Devising strategies to commercially exploit Services the results of research Services Management of the intellectual Protection and management of EPFL intel- property of Lausanne University Hospital lectual property (CHUV) and the University of Lausanne Negotiation of cooperation and techno- Drafting and management of contracts logy transfer agreements (research, licence, consulting, confidentiality Encouraging the creation of start-ups (in agreements, etc.) conjunction with the Science Park Ecublens) Management of the portfolio of innovations available for partnership opportunities © Alain H erzog / E PF L 3 Technology transfer and collaboration with research 3 Technology transfer and collaboration with research institutions 20 institutions 21 ......

3.2 cOLLABOration with research CTI - Federal Innovation Promotion Services institutions for R&D projects Agency Co-financing for R&D projects run jointly by enterprises and research institutions (up to Vaud Association for the Promotion of Inno- Alliance - Industrial liaison programme linking 50% of the total cost of the project) vations and Technologies (AIT) enterprises and research institutions in western Participation in international R&D pro- Switzerland grammes (mostly at the European level) with a view to facilitating access and participation for Swiss partners

+41 (0)31 322 24 40 [email protected] +41 (0)21 316 63 79 +41 (0)21 693 35 75 www.kti-cti.ch [email protected] [email protected] www.ait-vd.ch www.alliance-tt.ch Mission To encourage R&D projects initiated by enter- Mission Mission prises and realised in collaboration with research To promote collaboration between small and me- To develop synergies and R&D projects between institutions based in Switzerland. Its promotional dium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the research companies, universities and research centers in activities concentrate primarily on the following institutes, and guide the SMEs in their strategy western Switzerland. sectors: life sciences, engineering, micro and and innovation projects. nanotechnologies, and materials sciences. Services Services Network of technical advisors who examine Innovation projects and connecting SMEs enterprises to identify needs and translate with suitable partners in a skills network them into concrete projects Assistance with project organisation and Location of partners in university laboratories financing (optimisation of production proces- and research centers ses and equipment, development of new Dissemination of technical information and products, etc.) organisation of topical conferences European platform for technological coopera- The AIT is the Vaud branch of platinn, the network tion: Enterprise Europe Network of business innovation coaches active throughout (www.alliance-tt.ch/CRI) western Switzerland (www.platinn.ch, see page 30). 4. Infrastructure, sites and premises 22 4. Infrastructure, sites and premises 23 ......

4.1 STRATEGIC SITES Technology parks, business centres and incubators

For a number of years, the canton of Vaud has ADNV actively pursued a policy of developing strate- Yverdon Gare Lac, Montagny - Chamard, A pSE and Innovation Center (EPFL) F Cleantech Center - (p.26) gic sites. There are 49 such locations situated Grandson Poissine, Chavornay, Vallorbe, Parc Ecublens (p.24) throughout the region, dedicated to commercial Scientifique et Technologique d’Yverdon (Y-Parc), G SwissMedia Centers - activities and accommodation. Some of these Orbe Sud, Sainte-Croix. B Y-Parc - Yverdon (p.24) Electronic Media Centers sites provide premises that are furnished, ap- Lausanne & Vevey (p.27) proved, and quick and easy for companies to ADAEV C Biopôle - Epalinges (p.25) occupy. Vallée de Joux. H ateliers de la ville de Renens D aéropôle - Payerne (p.25) Renens (p.27) If you require any information regarding these Lausanne Région strategic sites or the availability of sites and prem- La Sauge, Le Rionzi, Beaulieu, Bourdonnette E Microwelding Technology Center ises in the canton of Vaud, you can contact the - En Dorigny, Les Cèdres, Arc-en-Ciel - Pont Ste-Croix (p.26) regional economic development associations (see Bleu, Malley, Vernie - Crissier, Ley - Outre, Val- page 6, www.codev.ch). laire - , Biopôle Vennes, Parc Scientifique d’Ecublens (PSE). The Vaud Economic Development Agency (DEV) Strategic sites in the canton also provides a database of available sites and Oron D Payerne premises for foreign companies wishing to estab- Palézieux Gare (contact by the municipality). E lish themselves in the canton of Vaud (www.dev.ch). Yverdon ARCAM F B Littoral Parc, Morges Ouest, Morges Gare, Morg- COREB List of strategic sites by region es Est, Eclépens. ADNV ARGdV AigleRegion Région Nyon Villeneuve Gare, Les Fourches, Aigle Rhône, Gare, - Nyon, - Nyon, Lausanne ADAEV Aigle Centre, Bex. Nyon - Gravette, Nyon Gare, Asse - Mondre - H Région ARCAM C Vuarpillière, Gland - Vich, - Mont-sur-Rolle. A Morges COREB G Lausanne PROMOVE Région Avenches, Payerne Centre, Moudon, Payerne PROMOVE Pays-d’Enhaut Nyon G Vevey Aéropôle. Vevey Centre, St-Légier-La-Chiésaz. Région

Nyon ARGdV Aclens - Vufflens, Venoge Parc, Daillens. Aigle AigleRegion 4. Infrastructure, sites and premises 24 4. Infrastructure, sites and premises 25 ......

4.2 tECHNOLOGY PARKS Y-Parc - Yverdon Science and Broye Aeropôle Biopôle AND INCUBATORS Technology Park (PST)

Ecublens Science Park (PSE) - EPFL

+41 (0)21 693 46 65 +41 (0)24 524 10 10 [email protected] [email protected] +41 (0)26 663 90 80 +41 (0)21 651 90 00 www.parc-scientifique.ch www.y-parc.ch [email protected] [email protected] www.aeropole.ch www.biopole.ch Target group Target group Company divisions, young SMEs, university and Companies (start-ups, SMEs or multinationals) Target group Target group industrial spin-offs, and start-ups looking for syn- with R&D activities and/or industrial production. Companies and high value added activities in the Companies and high value added activities in the ergies with university institutes. field of aeronautics and related activities. field of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medi- Facilities cal technology. Facilities 52 hectares of building land, of which 25 Facilities PSE: 10,000sqm of available floorspace hectares still for sale More than 40 hectares of fully equipped sites Facilities for companies and 3,000sqm of common 20,000sqm of office space to let (electricity, gas, fibre optic, running and waste 80,000sqm of flexible building or office space areas (conference and presentation rooms, Services provided: welcome desk, reception, water) immediately surrounding Payerne airfield tailored to the needs of the tenant, including: restaurant) telephone service, secretarial office, account- • Aéropôle I: 15 hectares with direct access • a building with 3,000qm of administrative Quarter de l’Innovation: around 30,000sqm ing, assistance with administration and to the airstrip, reserved for enterprises space for multinationals’ R&D centres coaching (platinn network) involved in aviation and aeronautics • a building with 4,500sqm of laboratory Services provided: administrative support, Access to the skills and services of the • Aéropôle II: 25 hectares without direct space (12 fully equipped modules) coaching and advice on company manage- HEIG-VD and the services of the CeTT for access to the airstrip, for related activities • a building with 4,000sqm of office space ment and strategy, network of finance partners technology transfer (industry or services) and 1,800sqm of laboratory space under Military and civil airfield, 2,900 metre runway, construction (available from 2012) Incubator services Incubator services instrument flying services, customs controls Multifunctional conference rooms Le Garage: “open space” work areas com- Y-START: 400sqm of floorspace available for persons and merchandise Experience in project management and prising up to four workplaces (800sqm from 2012) for HEIG-VD spin-offs, construction for life sciences Conference rooms, telephone / Internet con- companies with strong HEIG-VD connections Reception, installation, upkeep and technical nections or based in the PST maintenance services Free coaching services “Open space” areas and private offices (from Coaching (platinn network) Period of six months, renewable 20sqm) Conference rooms, restaurant, telephone / Incubator services The coaches working on the PSE site are part of Internet Business incubator of 1,000sqm under reali- the platinn network (see page 30). Maximum period of two years sation 4. Infrastructure, sites and premises 26 4. Infrastructure, sites and premises 27 ......

Orbe Cleantech Center Sainte-Croix Microwelding Ateliers de la Ville de Renens SwissMedia Centers - Electronic (TecOrbe) Technology Center media centers

+41 (0)24 557 73 60 +41 (0)21 632 71 50 +41 (0)21 925 80 30 +41 (0)21 318 75 10 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.technopole1450.ch www.ateliersvdr.ch www.swissmedia-center.ch www.tecorbe.ch Target group Target group Target group Target group Companies active in the field of microwelding and Young companies operating in the field of visual Companies operating in the fields of information SMEs working in the field of energy and environ- related technologies. communications, graphic design and architecture. and communication technologies and multimedia. mental technologies, specifically start-ups. Facilities Facilities Facilities Facilities Area of 10,000sqm comprising four Seven workshops from 52 to 90sqm with Vevey: around 2,000sqm available for around Around 3,000sqm of office and workshop 1,600sqm buildings (three more under con- telephone / Internet 30 companies space (further construction is planned) set up struction) Contracts without long-term commitments or Lausanne: around 1,000sqm available for in line with tenant requirements 180sqm showroom, classroom, auditorium security deposit 12-15 companies Conference room and industrial demonstration and conference room Conference room, reception and exhibition Conference rooms hall for pilot projects Services provided: office and logistical sup- hall, restaurant Services provided: administrative and Services provided: promotion and distribution port, coaching (platinn network), R&D Provision of various services, advice and logistical services, coaching (platinn net- assistance (attendance at conferences and advice, promotion and distribution assistance coaching (platinn network) work), promotion and distribution assistance trade fairs), company management and High-level training courses in the field of Training courses in new multimedia technologies financial advice, coaching (platinn network) microwelding (diploma recognized both Incubator services National and international commercial promo- Option of participating in business consor- nationally and internationally 10 units of 20sqm separated by light parti- tion (involvement in European programmes tiums in conjunction with the network set up tions and equipped with an office, two chairs, and professional events) by Granit Incubator services a cupboard and telephony / Internet (possible 8-12 units from 50 to 100sqm to combine more than one unit) Incubator services Incubator services Period of two years, renewable Short-term contract, one-month notice pe- Vevey: 450sqm, 12 incubation modules and Around 400sqm of floorspace available riod, no security deposit 4-5 companies Logistical support: reception, secretarial Period of six months, renewable once office, telephony, accounting 4. Infrastructure, sites and premises 28 5. COaching, Support AND Advice 29 ......

5.1 Coaching

Genilem venturelab

+41 (0)21 613 35 61 +41 (0)21 533 09 80 [email protected] [email protected] www.genilem.ch www.venturelab.ch

Mission Mission © E PF L To support and advise start-ups in innovative To stimulate the creation of small businesses in fields. Switzerland by offering practice-orientated train- ing courses intended to sensitize students and Other useful websites Specialist websites for locating Services promote start-ups with strong potential growth. sites and premises Initial (free) advice and personalized support Vaud property association (list not exhaustive) for three years from selection, covering the Services www.cvi.ch (currently in French only) commercial, financial and human aspects of Organisation of events aimed at sensitizing Vaud Federation of Entrepreneurs www.immobiliervaudois.ch the enterprise university students to entrepreneurial issues www.fve.ch (currently in French only) Without active support: project diagnostic Organisation of various training courses for Vaud architect association (Interassar) www.homegate.ch and help in drawing up a business plan the most promising projects www.vd.interessar.ch Provision of training courses in subjects like Communication of specific measures and Lignum Vaud (wood promotion association) www.immoscout24.ch starting your own business and selling tech- concepts relating to the management of www.lignum-vaud.ch niques growth Swiss engineer and architect association, www.immostreet.ch Provision of tools for business start-ups: Provision of tools and knowledge bases for Vaud section (SIAVD) “entrepreneur chequebook” (specialist skills the creation of businesses www.siavd.ch www.swissimmo.ch at preferential rates), guide to financing Access to a national network of experts spe- Swiss association of real estate professionals Communication and contact platform with the cialising in the creation of businesses (USPI Vaud) regional economic players www.uspi-vaud.ch 5. COaching, Support AND Advice 30 5. COaching, Support AND Advice 31 ...... platinn - Business innovation platform Programme CTI - Start-up 5.2 Support and advice for western Switzerland Vaud Chamber of Commerce and Centre Patronal Industry (CVCI)

+41 (0)21 613 35 35 +41 (0)21 796 33 00 +41 (0)26 347 48 48 +41 (0)31 324 04 35 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.cvci.ch www.centrepatronal.ch www.platinn.ch www.ctistartup.ch Mission Mission Mission To provide member-companies with services of To assist, inform and advise leaders in the private To provide coaching and strategic consulting The CTI Start-up programme offers help from assistance on their operations and complement- sector (company directors, professional group- services to both start-ups and small and me- federal government for creating and developing ing the services generally available on the market. ings, associations). dium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a view to start-ups with potentially strong growth by provid- strengthening their system of innovation. ing entrepreneurs with a dedicated programme of Services Services support and coaching. Export assistance (ATA, proof of origin, Busi- Social welfare funds (AVS/AI/APG/AC, child Services ness Network Switzerland) benefits) and professional pension schemes Network of business coaches active across Legal support and advice (company law, (2nd pillar) the whole western Switzerland labour law, social insurance, contracts, tax- Interprofessional pension funds Coaching organisation: developing and ation, work permits) Legal support and advice (company law, enhancing the organisation, resources and Guide “Setting up your own company” Economy - economic information and statistics labour law, social welfare, contracts, taxation, processes Social welfare funds (AVS/AI/APG/AC, child work permits) Business coaching: developing business Written jointly by BCV and the Vaud Chamber of benefits) and professional pension schemes Telephone hotline and legal intelligence for all models Commerce and Industry (CVCI), this guide pro- (2nd pillar) aspects of labour law Cooperation coaching: organising and imple- vides practical information, advice and tools to Commercial mediation and arbitration (the Administrative functions (accounting, personnel) menting cooperation projects help you set up a company in the best possible CVCI has drawn up its own internal and inter- for professional groupings and associations conditions. national conciliation and arbitration guidelines) Organisation of training courses The AIT (Vaud Association of Innovation and SWISSFIRMS promotional portal (www.romandieformation.ch) Technology) is the Vaud branch of platinn (see The guide can be obtained free of charge from (www.swissfirms.ch) Production of economic and legal publications page 20). BCV (www.bvc.ch/creation) or the CVCI (www. Production of economic and legal publications covering business creation and management cvci.ch, under “Services / Création”, currently in covering business creation and management Assistance in setting up and managing a The coaches working at the Science Park Ecu- French only). Provision of infrastructure (offices, meeting business blens (PSE, see page 24) are part of the platinn rooms, equipment) Provision of infrastructure (offices, meeting network. rooms, equipment) 6. Export, internationalisation, promotion 6. Export, internationalisation, promotion OF industries and technologies 32 OF industries and technologies 33 ......

6.1 Export support 6.2 promotion of industries ANd technologies OSEC - Business Network Switzerland SERV – Swiss Export Risk Insurance Office for the Promotion of Industries Programme of events and Technologies (OPI) For a number of years, the Office for Economic Af- fairs of the canton of Vaud (SPECo) has pursued an international policy of promoting industries and +41 (0)21 613 35 70 +41 (0)21 613 3584 technologies, notably through organisations that [email protected] [email protected] industries give opportunity to companies to participate col- www.osec.ch www.serv-ch.com technologies lectively in events in Switzerland and abroad. +41 (0)22 304 40 40 Mission Mission [email protected] Within this framework, SPECo publishes an an- To promote exports, foreign direct investment and To insure exports of Swiss companies against www.opi.ch nual programme of fairs, exhibitions, congresses, Switzerland as a place to do business. economic and political risks. business conventions and economic missions that Mission are open to any Vaud-based company that is in- Services Services To promote the development of the terested. Information and advice for enterprises to help Insurance and guarantees for the entire region by developing and promoting industrial en- them in their commercial development procedure of an export transaction, from the terprises and new technologies. The programme can be obtained directly from projects abroad production financing to the complete pay- SPECo or from www.vaud.ch/en. Creation of networks of businesses, specialist ment of the service rendered (supplier credit, Services service providers and public and private orga- pre-shipment risk, contract bond and confis- Internet portal for industry, directory of nisations throughout the world (Swiss cation risk insurance / counter guarantee) companies Business Hubs) Coverage of exports of consumer and capital Logistical support for enterprises 4 export platforms: goods as well as of services Organisation of conferences and seminars Medtech Switzerland Complementary services to the private market Setting up of shared stands at trade fairs in www.medtech-switzerland.ch and flexible solutions adapted to each com- Switzerland and abroad cleantech Switzerland pany Support for international marketing activities www.cleantech-switzerland.ch Establishing contacts with partners (business, Swiss Health technology) www.osec.ch ingenious Switzerland www.ingenious-switzerland.ch 6. Export, internationalisation, promotion OF industries and technologies 34 7. Online information for SMEs and start-ups 35 ......

BioAlps - Lake Geneva Life Science Cluster In their respective fields, these sector promotion 7.1 Economic Information ZEFIX - Central index of commercial platforms pursue their mission and offer their ser- ANd statistics enterprises vices in the same way. www.zefix.admin.ch SECO - Economic situation +41 (0)22 304 40 40 Mission www.seco-admin.ch (currently in French, ARESO - Directory of business resources in [email protected] To promote companies and research institutions German and Italian only) western Switzerland www.bioalps.org in western Switzerland active in the field of activi- www.areso.ch (currently in French only) ties of each platform. Conjoncture vaudoise - Economic Micronarc - Micro-nanotech Cluster statistics and analyses RET - Directory of technical companies of Western Switzerland Services www.conjoncturevaudoise.ch (currently in (industrial subcontractors) Organisation of company stands and pres- French only) www.le-ret.ch ences at professional events in Switzerland and abroad SOGC - Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce SWISSFIRMS - Database of companies Organisation of economic and scientific www.fosc.ch that are members of a Swiss Chamber of +41 (0)32 720 09 00 events in the region Commerce and Industry [email protected] Establishing networks of companies, institu- FSO - Federal Statistical Office www.swissfirms.ch www.micronarc.ch tions and other partners (national statistics) Provision of a database of companies and www.statistique.admin.ch microtech companies search engine Alp ICT - Lake Geneva ICT Cluster institutions in western Switzerland www.microtech-search.ch SCRIS - Vaud cantonal statistical service Useful adresses www.vd.ch/scris (currently in French only) Life science companies search engine www.-lifescience-search.com CVCI - Information on exporting economiesuisse - Umbrella organisation for www.cvci.ch (currently in French only) Swiss businesses - documentation on impor- 7.3 professional associations +41 (0)22 304 40 40 tant economic policy issues ANd groupings [email protected] SwissMedia - Multimedia technologies www.economiesuisse.ch www.alpict.ch promotion Swiss Biotech Association www.swissmedia.ch SIX Swiss Exchange - Information on the www.swissbiotech.org CleantechAlps - Cleantech Cluster (currently in French only) Swiss financial center of Western Switzerland www.six-swiss-exchange.com medical Cluster Swiss Biotech Association www.medical-cluster.ch www.swissbiotech.org 7.2 Business Directories microTech Industry Canton of Vaud commercial register www.swissmicrotechnology.com +41 (0)27 606 88 60 www.vd.ch/rc (currently in French only) [email protected] Energie-cluster www.cleantech-alps.com Vaud business directory www.energie-cluster.ch www.vd.ch (currently in French only) (under “thèmes / entreprises”) 7. Online information for SMEs and start-ups 36 7. Online information for SMEs and start-ups 37 ......

SwissMedia - Swiss ICT and Multimedia GRI - IT Industry Association of western CVCI - General information on the LAKE GENEVA REGION - Platform Association Switzerland website of the Vaud Chamber promoting the Lake Geneva region www.swissmedia.ch (currently in French only) www.gri.ch (currently in French only) of Commerce and Industry www.lake-geneva-region.org GESO - The Group of electronics of western www.cvci.ch (currently in French only) SwissBanking - Swiss Bankers Association Switzerland OSEC - Business Network Switzerland www.swissbanking.org www.gesonet.ch (currently in French only) BCV - General information on the www.osec.ch website of BCV OVCF - Vaud section of the fiduciary FVE - Federation of Vaud Entrepreneurs www.bcv.ch/creation 7.6 transferring a company association www.fve.ch (currently in French only) (currently in French only) www.ovcf.ch (currently in French only) CVCI - Useful information and advice ANV - Association of Vaud Notaries CTI START-UP - Federal support for on the website of the Vaud Chamber Eco-net www.notaires.ch starting up high-tech enterprises of Commerce and Industry www.eco-net.ch (currently in French only) www.ctistartup.ch www.cvci.ch (currently in French only)

CVCI - Vaud Chamber of Commerce and USF - Swiss Fiduciary Association SWISSBUsineSS24 - Swiss marketplace rELEVE PME - Communication platform Industry - Vaud Section www.swissbusiness24.ch dedicated to corporate succession and the ww.cvci.ch (currently in French only) www.usf-vd.ch (currently in French only) (currently in French and German only) transfer of companies www.relevepme.ch Centre patronal - Employers’ association 7.4 Starting a business SMEs & Company founders Association www.centrepatronal.ch www.pme-cevd.ch CAPITALPROXIMITE - Platform bringing VENTURELAB - National portal for (currently in French only) together private investors and enterprises Vaud Banks Association entrepreneurs and start-ups www.capitalproximite.ch www.banques-finance-vaud.ch www.venturelab.ch (currently in French, Online processes and legal advice on (currently in French only) (currently in French only) German and Italian only) company creation www.ma-societe.ch 7.7 tAxation of enterprises SMEs & Company founders Association GENILEM - Coaching programme for www.pme-cevd.ch (currently in French only) company creation 7.5 image promotion and ACI - General information on the website of www.genilem.ch (currently in French only) foreign direct investment the cantonal tax administration GIM-CH - Swiss Mechanical www.vd.ch/impots (currently in French only) Industry Association SECO - National portal for SMEs and online VAUD.CH - International portal for the www.gim-ch.ch (currently in French only) “office” for company creation promotion of the canton of Vaud SPECo - Information on tax holiday options www.pmeinfo.ch / www.startbiz.ch www.vaud.ch in the canton of Vaud GRPM - The Group of Defense and Security (currently in French, German and Italian www.vaud.ch (under services/companies) Equipment Manufacturers and Subcontrac- only) DEV - Vaud Foreign Direct Investment tors of western Switzerland Agency AFC - General information on the website www.grpm.ch SECO - Information on national SME policy www.dev.ch of the Swiss Federal Tax Administration www.seco.admin.ch (currently in French, (direct taxation, VAT, anticipatory tax, etc.) German and Italian only) www.estv.admin.ch (currently in French, German and Italian only) 7. Online information for SMEs and start-ups 38 7. Online information for SMEs and start-ups 39 ......

7.8 iNtelectual property HEIG-VD - Vaud University of Applied Sci- ARIAQ (training in the fields of life sciences SASH - Social Insurance Office of the ences in Business and Engineering - pharma, biotech, medtech - and sustainable canton of Vaud IPI - Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual www.postformation.ch development) www.vd.ch/assurances-sociales Property (currently in French only) www.ariaq.ch (currently in French only) www.ipi.ch / www.ip-search.ch (currently in French only) IMD - International Institute for Management 7.13 Sustainable development OMPI - World Intellectual Property Development 7.10 European research Organization www.imd.org prograMmes Öbu - Association for the promotion of sus- www.wipo.int tainable development in companies IDHEAP - Swiss Graduate School of Public EURESEARCH - Information on www.oebu.ch 7.9 cONtinuing education Administration EU research programmes (currently in French and German only) www.idheap.ch www.euresearch.ch CEFCO - Western Switzerland Continuous Philias - Foundation for the promotion of Training Center HECVSanté - Vaud University of Applied Sci- EUREKA - R&D programme for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) www.cefco.ch (currently in French only) ences in Healthcare industrial enterprises www.philias.org (currently in French and http://postgrade.hecvsante.ch www.eurekanetwork.org German only) Romandie Formation (Centre patronal) (currently in French only) www.romandieformation.ch 7.11 Labour market Actares - Shareholders for a Sustainable (currently in French only) MoT - Executive MBA in Management of Economy Technology SDE - Information and services from the www.actares.ch SwissUni - Swiss University Continuing www.epfl.ch/mot Vaud Labour Office (support for hiring Education unemployment people, requests for resi- www.swissuni.ch CRPM - Management Training Center dence permits and work permits, collective www.crpm.ch bargaining agreements and standard Vaud centers of education and professional contracts, procedure in the event of mass development FSRM - Swiss Foundation for Research in redundancy, etc.) www.vd.ch/formation (under “Formation Microtechnology (microtechnology and preci- www.vd.ch/emploi (currently in French only) professionnelle / Etablissements” / currently sion engineering training) in French only) www.fsrm.ch FOM - Federal Office for Migration www.etrangers.ch (only limited information Vaud universities SANU Foundation (sustainable development available in English) www.vd.ch/formation (under “Enseignement training) supérieur / Liste des institutions” / currently www.sanu.ch 7.12 Social insurance and pensions in French only) (currently in French and German only) OFAS - Swiss SMEs social insurance guide UNIL-EPFL - University and Swiss Federal www.ofas.admin.ch (only limited information Institute of Technology of Lausanne available in English) www.formation-continue-unil-epfl.ch Office for Economic Affairs (SPECo) Economic Promotion Rue Caroline 11 CH - 1014 Lausanne

Phone: +41 (0)21 316 58 20 Fax: +41 (0)21 316 61 52 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.vd.ch/promotion-economique