Personal Finance

Various sources of funds are available depending not only on the advancement status of your start-up (see timeline below), but also on what kind of money you are looking for.

If you are a foreigner and have declared that you are to live in Switzerland,it is possible to transfer your pension from your country to a Swiss bank in Switzerland. It is then possible to transfer the money into your business account. Also,If you have already been resident in Switzerland, it is possible to transfer your 3rd pillar into your business account.

What kind of Finance

Equity
Possible sources are:
- Entrepreneur, core team, friends and family
- Industrial and strategic investors
- Suppliers and customers
- Business angels
- Venture capitalists (V.C.)
- Investment bankers
- IPO (Initial Public Offering)
While some only offer money, others can also provide support, coaching, network or even technical knowledge. A venture capitalist may have deeper pockets but is also more demanding in terms of management skills and return on investment.

Loans
Possible sources are:
- Suppliers (trade credit or straight loans)
- Customers
- Banks
- Finance companies
- Friends and Family
- Professional investors (venture capitalists, business angels, etc.)
Loans require a repayment schedule and interest charges. They can sometimes be convertible into equity (at the lender's option) or associated with warrants.
Inorder to qualify for a business loan, such as from GE Money Bank,your Business must have been trading for at least 5 years.

Organizations or institutional support
- Grants (R&D, Marketing, Equipment, etc.)
- Contests Finding money is not difficult.
What is difficult is to get that money. This requires a detailed preparation. An extremely
solid business plan with an experienced management team are indispensable.

Finance Tips

Depending on your situation, and inorder to avoid paying interst on loans, some sole traders and partners often have part time work inorder to pay for their bills.
Advantages:
Qualify for a credit card (In Switzerland, more finance companies are happy to provide a credit card, e.g. Jelmoli, Coop, Migros offer credit cards through GE Money bank.
You will be able to claim the interest paid on credit cards or any other loan as tax deductable.