We can help with financing

Ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship? We’ll evaluate your business idea in terms of its market potential and apply for the appropriate microloan on your behalf – in a spirit of partnership and without red tape.

With Atelier Euphorie, Solongo Batdelger sews her way into the hearts of her customers – and financed her leap into self-employment with support from Ahead.
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Financial support for your business idea

Not sure if your business idea is marketable? Do you lack the funding to launch your start-up? Or are you already in business and need capital? Our advisers have founded companies themselves and will help you flesh out your project. We’ll assess your business idea and create a budget together with you. Once all the prerequisites are in place, we will submit a loan application to Zürcher Kantonalbank for you. The initial consultation (up to 60 minutes) is free. After that, it usually takes 2 to 4 more hours of consultation (at a fee of CHF 120/hr) to complete the loan application with all the necessary documents.

Independent assessment and evaluation of your business idea

Online or in-person consultation

Initial 60-minute consultation is free

Microloans up to CHF 40,000

No business plan or standard bank collateral required

Support from mentors if needed

Requirements

  • You have a promising business model and are able to set up and run a company.
  • Market opportunities exist for your products or services.
  • The legal form of the (planned) company is a sole proprietorship or limited liability company (GmbH) and it will be based in the Zurich economic area.
  • You have no outstanding debt collection proceedings or debts.
  • Repayment of the microloan is realistic based on the budget drawn up.
  • You are Swiss or have a B or C residence permit and have been in Switzerland for at least one year.

Nächste Schritte

Free information event (optional)

Initial consultation (first 60 minutes free)

Follow-up consultations (CHF 120/hr excl. VAT)

Follow-up consultations (CHF 120/hr excl. VAT)
Submit loan application

Sign up for an initital Consultation

Info-Events

All Information Events
3,000+ business models evaluated
11+ m in approved loans
1,200+ jobs created

Voices

“Due to my ongoing studies, I was in a difficult financial situation. Without Ahead Zurich, starting my own business would not have been possible. The advisory service helped me create an initial budget, which I was able to stick to thanks to the successful opening of my fitness centre.”

Lovis Michael Friess
Fitness-Center Power Akt – ProActus GmbH

“The search for a suitable loan that would provide security in case of rejection due to my innovative business idea led me to Ahead Zurich. They listened to my idea and immediately pointed out the challenges ahead. It was more than just a microloan – it was mentoring.”

Carlos Toro Florez
Toro Music Institute

FAQ

That depends on how quickly the budget and documents are ready. On average, we estimate about 6 weeks.

No. Together, we’ll create an annual budget, during which we’ll also discuss the key elements of a business plan.

The information session is free of charge, as are the first 60 minutes of our consultation. For additional services, we charge a fee of CHF 120 per hour plus VAT. Typically, 2 to 4 additional paid consultation hours are needed before submitting the loan application.

The loan agreement is made with Zürcher Kantonalbank, Ahead’s partner bank.

The microloan is provided by Zürcher Kantonalbank as an overdraft facility. This means the account balance can go into the negative up to the agreed credit limit. Interest is only charged on the actual amount used.

No later than 6 months after the loan is disbursed, the overdraft limit is gradually reduced through monthly installments. These installments are calculated to ensure that the microloan is fully repaid within 4 years of disbursement.

Yes. All business transactions (customer payments, invoices, etc.) must be processed through the business account at Zürcher Kantonalbank.

The interest rate is 5.75% per year on the actual loan amount used. This interest is charged quarterly to the business account at Zürcher Kantonalbank.

Yes, the interest rate can change during the loan term. Zürcher Kantonalbank reserves the right to adjust the rate in line with market conditions.

The microloan is an investment loan, meaning it can be used for tangible investments such as creating a website or online shop, purchasing machinery and office or store furnishings, implementing marketing activities, or building initial inventory. It cannot be used to cover ongoing salaries, rent, or tax debts.

The annual budget and the following documents from the business owner: CV, personal tax return, and a current debt collection report (no older than 2 months; if you have changed your residence in the past two years, a report from the previous location is also required). Additional documents may be requested.