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Swiss Entrepreneurship Program

The Swiss Entrepreneurship Program (Swiss EP), launched in 2015 and financed by SECO, is dedicated to strengthening emerging startup ecosystems from the ground up while building a thriving, inclusive global entrepreneurial community. Swiss EP collaborates closely with local incubators, accelerators, co-working spaces, angel networks, VC funds, founder communities, associations, governments, and entrepreneurs. By connecting these local players with experienced international entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders, Swiss EP empowers its partners to enhance performance, refine their programs, and deliver greater value to the startups they serve. Swiss EP's support is practical, strategic, and tailored to the specific needs of each locale. Operating in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Peru and Vietnam, Swiss EP has an in-depth understanding of both the unique challenges and opportunities present in each ecosystem. Local teams and global experts work together to provide meaningful, high-quality support that strengthens partner capabilities and helps startups thrive.
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swisscontact albania
41.3310337
19.8078796
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swisscontact peru
-12.107061
-77.03224689999999
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north macedonia
41.608635
21.745275
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bosnia herzegovina
43.915886
17.679076
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pristina kosovo
42.6629138
21.1655028
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hanoi, vietnam
21.0277644
105.8341598
Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Peru, Serbia, Vietnam
Project duration
2015 - 2027
Financed by
  • State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO

Swiss EP LinkedIn page

Project website

The project

The third phase of the Swiss Entrepreneurship Program builds upon the successes and lessons learned from the first two phases, ensuring continuity and a more profound impact. Swiss EP's work focuses on three interconnected areas:

Accelerating entrepreneurship

Swiss EP supports local startup founders, ecosystem builders and communities in developing a business mindset and strengthening their capabilities to build high-performing, resilient startups and support organizations.

Mobilizing capital

Swiss EP works to strengthen both sides of the startup-investor relationship. This includes building capacities of local investors and angel networks, supporting them with expert guidance and exposure to international best practices. At the same time, Swiss EP helps startups become investment-ready by improving their scaling capabilities.

Catalyzing internationalization

Swiss EP helps startups and support organizations adopt a global mindset from day one. This involves building international connections, showcasing local success stories, and supporting scaling startups in accessing foreign markets. Swiss EP also cultivates local champions who can lead by example and inspire others.

Crosscutting topics

Swiss EP continues to promote the participation of women entrepreneurs in the ecosystem, support policy dialogue, engage the diaspora, and support climate-positive startups. Also, the team is committed to sharing lessons learned through stocktaking and communicating best practices.

Guiding principles

  • Local ownership: Our partners lead their own development—we support, they drive.
  • Indirect approach: We strengthen ecosystems by working through local organizations rather than leading initiatives ourselves.
  • Non-financial support: We provide tailored expertise and international know-how, not funding.
  • Open to all sectors: We support innovation and entrepreneurship wherever opportunities arise.
  • Peer exchange: We foster learning among local partners and their international peers— successful entrepreneurs, investors, and experts.

Project partner

J.E. Austin Associates, Inc.

Project links

News

View all news from Swiss Entrepreneurship Programme
Uganda
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
29.11.2023
Swisscontact contributed best practices in ecosystem development to the latest International Labor Organization report
We were acknowledged for our contribution to advancing knowledge and best practices in entrepreneurial ecosystem development built over the last years in various geographies.
Learn more
North Macedonia
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
25.10.2023
A New Generation of Women Entrepreneurs Emerging in North Macedonia
What makes North Macedonia such a good place for women's entrepreneurship? And what are the lessons we can learn from this example?
Learn more
Serbia
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
27.04.2023
Consolidation of the Serbian Startup Ecosystem
In 2022 the Serbian startup ecosystem became consolidated further through verticalization, decentralization, and more regional exposure. How did it happen, and what does it mean for the main ecosystem actors?
Learn more