Entrepreneurs · Alter Start programmes

One goal: your lasting economic independence.

Start a micro-business, accelerate an existing one or find a job, in Geneva and Lausanne.

Entrepreneurs in a group training session in a conference room, Alter Start programme

Who can join as an entrepreneur?

Four conditions to join the programme

The programme is for people who want to launch their own small business or improve their chances of finding a job.

You hold an F, S, B or C permit
2
You are in one of these three situations
- you have a migrant background
- you are going through a difficult period
- you are running an impact project
You have at least a B1 level of French
You are available every week
On Thursday afternoons in Geneva or Friday mornings in Lausanne.

Our programmes

Where are you today?

I have an ideaIncubatorFrom idea to micro-business.Discover the programme →I have made my first salesAcceleratorFrom first sale to a steady income.Discover the programme →I am looking for a jobTalent WorkshopFrom skills development to work placements.Discover the programme →

The people we support

Discover the inspiring stories of the entrepreneurs, artists and career changers we support.

Coming from all over the world, they turn their talents into concrete projects with Alter Start's support. Each journey shows the power of resilience, ambition and professional integration in Switzerland.

A large audience at a presentation of Alter Start beneficiaries in a lecture hall

Entrepreneurs

Aga WiecekBarefoot shoe retail
Almaas FathimaSri Lankan catering
Carmen JimenezTravel agency for trips to Peru
Claudine MwangeleCongolese catering
Cristina FedericoArt workshops for children
Kateryna Yarova and Iryna KondrakCatering
Katia LisboaBrazilian catering
Kübra BaharUpcycled denim bags
Lenira CostaCosmetics retail
Madhurima RoyIndian catering
Samantha WanFounding a youth association
Silvia CruscoFurniture restoration workshop
VictoriaNatural cosmetics retail

Talent Workshop

Bahram KhanlarovLooking for a job as a Business and Data Analyst
Bianca AlvesLooking for a job as a Project Manager and Business Analyst
Charles MvumaLooking for a job in logistics
Isabel GarciaLooking for a job as an Accounting and Finance Officer
Keshav DewanLooking for a job as a Data Analyst
Maryam MirhabibiLooking for a job sewing stage costumes
NamasLooking for a job as a Chef de Partie
Rathika MohananathanLooking for a job in sales
Ziad EidLooking for a job as a cook

Alumni

Ahmad MohammadAMPROD — Photographer and videographer
Alona RieznichekPainter and illustrator
Iryna Piskova
Jemal KahsayComptoir ASMARA
Feime CelaMadame Chocolat
Kateryna Semenko

FAQ

Your questions before you get started

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.

What stage does my project need to be at to start?

You can join the programme at any stage of your project. Whether you simply have an idea or have already started working on your business plan, Alter Start helps you structure your project and take it further.

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?

Support takes place in two cities: in Geneva (Rue Fendt 1, 1201 Geneva) and in Lausanne (Avenue de Sévelin 52, 1004 Lausanne).

You can join us at any time of the year.

Whether you simply have an idea or already have a business plan, write to us: together we will find the right programme.

One goal: your lasting economic independence.

Four conditions to join the programme

You hold an F, S, B or C permit

You are in one of these three situations

You have at least a B1 level of French