Requirements
- You want to start a business or have done so within the past 5 years.
- Your residence and/or business location is in the Zurich economic area.
We support entrepreneurs
Stephan Stemminger combines culinary art and entrepreneurship – from the national cooking team to Switzerland’s first vanilla manufactory.
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Free initial consultation for your start-up
Interested in starting your own business? Or have you recently founded a company? Brilliant! We would love to give you a boost by sharing the technical expertise you’ll need to make a success of self-employment. Our Startbox provides valuable information about founding a start-up. In a free initial consultation (up to 90 minutes), our experts will answer your questions, help you with problems and inform you about the next steps.
Analysis and evaluation of your business idea
Discussion of the business model and financial planning
Advice on a suitable legal form
Tips for starting and expanding your company
Online or in-person consultation
Free initial consultation (up to 90 minutes)
Info-Events
All
50 %
female founders
500+
initial consultations per year
98 %
of customers say the consultations were very useful
Voices
«After two years of operation, we were able to benefit from Ahead’s support in financial planning matters. The consulting was very personable, competent, and practical, and it gave me a clear overview as well as a good feeling about the future.»
Meret Diener
Restaurant Roter Delfin
“In working with Ahead Startup Consulting, I found a sparring partner who listens, thinks along, and creates clarity.”
Francesco Miraldi
Miraldi Gastro & Concepts GmbH
“The advisory session gave me clarity: I now know for sure that my gut feeling was right – a sole proprietorship is the right way to start my new ceramics studio with course offerings.”
Nicoletta Wartmann
Diniform Ceramics Studio
“Ahead explained in simple terms which steps are necessary to start a business and what to look out for. That helped me navigate the jungle of information.”
Andri Silberschmidt
Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of kaisin. AG
“Time was of the essence. Thanks to the network and advice from Ahead Zurich, we were able to complete the company formation and secure financing in no time. Within just two weeks, we were operational. The coaching has enabled us to continuously develop and grow our business.”
Patrik Schlüssel
Green Plant Trading
“The consultation was practical and engaging. Through well-targeted questions, we gained valuable insights on how to shape our business partnership in a sustainable and fair way. It was the perfect mix of consulting and coaching — insightful, committed, and genuinely human.”
Max Schönpflug & Florent Aradini
Beckettstone Talentvermittlung
“What is a fair hourly rate? The consultation helped me rethink my pricing and gave me concrete suggestions for my offer. In the end, I was able to set a structure that feels right — for my clients and for me.”
Regina Lang
Personal Support & Administrative Assistance
FAQ
Yes. The start-up consultation is especially helpful in the decision-making process: together, we’ll assess whether your idea is viable and whether self-employment fits your current life situation.
Yes, provided you meet the requirements for a free initial consultation. If you’re registered with the RAV and are aiming to become self-employed, you may be eligible to apply for RAV-funded coaching (e.g., administrative coaching). The application is made through your RAV advisor or the Self-Employment Office.
Yes, many of our clients begin their entrepreneurial journey on a part-time basis. In this situation, a consultation can be especially helpful in identifying potential pitfalls early and taking the right steps.
The consultation takes place either on-site at Sihlquai 125 in Zurich (1st floor) or online via Microsoft Teams. A free initial consultation typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Additional (paid) sessions can be arranged if needed.
Our consultants bring entrepreneurial experience, business expertise, and broad industry knowledge. They support you with all questions related to building your business, outline the next steps, connect you with relevant organizations, and act as your sparring partner on the path to self-employment.
No, a business plan is not mandatory. However, the more specific your questions and preparations are, the more targeted our support can be.
When registering, describe your specific concerns and upload any documents you have questions about. To prepare, we also recommend the Startbox – our free digital self-service tool that addresses many common questions in advance, such as choosing a legal form or taking the first steps in founding your business.
Startbox
The tool for starting your business! From idea to company formation – and beyond!
Analysis
Concept
Incorporation
Responsibility
Implementation