Alter Start Accelerator programme pictogram

Our programmes 2

Accelerator

From first sale to a steady income

From micro-business to a sustainable income. Consolidate and strengthen your independence.

Contact us: info@alterstart.org →Our support is free of charge.
Entrepreneurs in the Alter Start Accelerator programme presenting their business

Who it's for

Who is this programme for?

You have launched your business and made your first sales, but your income is still irregular.

Over 6 months, the Accelerator helps you structure your business development.

Eligibility

The entrepreneur

  • With a migrant background, going through a difficult period and/or running a social impact project
  • Registered with the AVS (Swiss social security)
  • Able to pitch in French
  • Transparent about their financial situation and status

The project

  • A product or service ready to be sold
  • A clearly defined value proposition
  • A viable business model
  • First paying customers (up to 10)
  • The capacity to scale up production

Availability of 2 hours per week required. Programme length: 6 months.

Goals

What you will build

  1. 01

    Business development skills

    Negotiation, quotes, customer relations.

  2. 02

    Commercial contracts

    Contracts made easier with our partners.

  3. 03

    Targeted professional development

    Tailored training, masterclasses and bootcamps.

How it works

How does it work?

  1. Entrepreneurs from the Alter Start Accelerator with the team of a partner company

    30+ Swiss partners

    A network of companies ready to meet you and work with you.

  2. Entrepreneurs from the Alter Start Accelerator working in small groups during a weekly session

    Weekly sessions

    Every week, working on your real challenges.

  3. Aga, founder of Les Pieds Libres, showing a barefoot shoe in her shop in Lausanne

    Relationships that last

    You build professional relationships that continue after the programme.

What's next

After the programme

You build a stable business, with customers, contracts and a strong network in Switzerland, and the possibility of a long-term collaboration.

6 monthsto structure your business development

On the ground

Very real opportunities

  • Boubakar Sallah, a culinary entrepreneur, in chef's whites in front of the “La cuisine de Boubakar Sallah” menu at an Eldora restaurant
    In Eldora restaurantsOur culinary entrepreneurs serve their authentic cuisine in the group's restaurants.
  • An entrepreneur from the Alter Start Accelerator presenting her project to a partner company's teams
    In front of finance professionalsSeven entrepreneurs presented their concepts and received advice to challenge their business model.
  • Around fifty people listening to a speaker at an Alter Start Entrepreneurs' Apéro at La Pépite in Lausanne
    At our Entrepreneurs' Apéros50 people and around fifteen pitches at each edition, at La Pépite in Lausanne.

Read the news →

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much does Alter Start's support cost?

Alter Start's support is free of charge. The programme is made possible by the support of committed partners and organisations.

Can Alter Start fund my project?

No. Alter Start does not fund projects directly. However, the team supports you in building your business plan, structuring your project and growing your business. The aim is to give you the tools you need to launch and develop your project independently.

When does the programme start?

There is no fixed start date. You can join the programme at any time of the year.

Where does the support take place?

In Geneva (Rue Fendt 1, 1201 Geneva) and in Lausanne (Avenue de Sévelin 52, 1004 Lausanne).

Made your first sales? Move up a gear.

In Geneva on Thursday afternoons, in Lausanne on Friday mornings. Our support is free of charge.

Contact us: info@alterstart.org →