Startup association launched to improve framework conditions

There is a sense of excitement in Bern when it comes to startups. Following the founding of the parliamentary group on Startups and Entrepreneurship by National Councillors Judith Bellaiche and Andri Silberschmidt, an interest group for start-ups and innovative SMEs has now been launched.

The Swiss Entrepreneurs & Startup Association (SWESA) is committed to improving the operating conditions for innovative SMEs and startups. The association aims to represent all companies and institutions that want to protect Switzerland’s supportive economic policy framework and make it even better.

The association will work with the parliamentary group to identify important issues and bring them into the political process. At least four meetings between the SWESA board and parliamentarians will be held each year. Additional events will be organised when required.

Furthermore, the new association will ensure information and communication. The political process is often time-consuming and complex, which is why having a continuous flow of information is extremely important. The association wants to achieve transparency within its remit, keeping members informed about political developments as simply, clearly and promptly as possible. Work is also underway to find a way to enable entrepreneurs to bring their concerns directly to the table.

SWESA is also tasked with stepping up direct cooperation with SECO. Its other duties are participating in consultation procedures and monitoring relevant procedural requests and initiatives.

SWESA, which has no political affiliations, is headquartered in Bern and was founded on the initiative of the Swiss Entrepreneurs Foundation, which will provide executive management. The board is made up of well-known personalities, including Lea von Bidder (Ava), Déborah Heintze (Lunaphore Technologies), Marc Maurer (On Running) and Karim Maizar (Kellerhals Carrard). 

Entrepreneurs and other members of the start-up scene can already register their interest in membership on the Swiss Entrepreneurs Foundation website. To finance the work of the association, SWESA is dependent on membership fees. However, startups can decide for themselves how much a membership is worth to them.