Since 1989, we have supported more than 200,000 people in fulfilling their dream of starting their own company...
IFJ is the first and still today the leading competence center for founders in Switzerland. At the core of our work is the most widely used service for starting a new business nationwide.
But that’s not all. At IFJ, we have always combined personal advice and commitment with the most modern digital services. Our team is at your side before, during, and after your company formation, answering your individual questions.
Facts & Figures
1989
Founded
8
Locations in Switzerland
3000
Annual Company Formations
30
Employees
As a pioneer and industry leader, we offer:
Startup preparation
Everything around company formation
How is it possible to provide these comprehensive services?
For more than 30 years, we have been successfully collaborating with many renowned partners and public authorities. This enables us to offer comprehensive support and activities for founders free of charge. Among other things, we are mandated to carry out tasks in the field of economic promotion.
Our Vision, Mission & Values
Vision
Our Vision
We create an environment where every founder in Switzerland has the opportunity to successfully build and run a business—regardless of prior knowledge or resources.
Mission
Our Mission
We support founders on their path to self-employment with practical digital solutions, personal support, and a strong network. Through our innovative services, educational offerings, and strategic partnerships, we provide comprehensive support for sustainable success.
Values
Our Values
PERSONAL
At IFJ, you are at the center. Our informal culture fosters personal relationships with our clients, focusing on their needs. Our employees are our greatest asset; we maintain a responsible and family-like environment.
RELIABLE
Our team is committed, dependable, and attentive to the needs of our clients and partners. We communicate clearly and keep our promises.
INNOVATIVE
We constantly work to improve ourselves and our services. Our ability to respond quickly and effectively to changes allows us to develop innovative solutions and offer tailored services and digital products.
Our Brands
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The IFJ Institut für Jungunternehmen is Switzerland's pioneering organization and industry leader in supporting and promoting founders. In addition to long-standing support for entrepreneurs of all ages and industries in building their businesses, some of Switzerland's most important national startup support programs, such as Venturelab, Venture Kick, and TOP 100 Startups, have emerged from IFJ.
In the modern startup space in Schlieren, we offer coworking spaces and offices, a domiciliation service, meeting rooms, seminar spaces, LOX dining, and an event space.
A second startup space is being developed in Eastern Switzerland. Stay tuned…
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An innovative, integrated welcome and statistics platform for dynamic location promotion in Swiss municipalities and cities. start.swiss provides municipalities, cities, economic regions, and cantons with services for an automated, hybrid welcome process for new businesses and local activities. For sustainable and profitable location development and relationship management.
The KMU Leaders Campus offers practical training, networking, and expert input for SME executives. Through seminars and events, the platform supports the development of solutions for business challenges and encourages knowledge exchange. Supported by regional location initiatives, the project strengthens sustainable business strategies and connects SMEs with local economic actors.
Our Certifications
- Since 2024, our education programs and coaching services have been certified eduQua:2021.
- Our digital solutions are ISO certified
Accessibility Through Diverse Learning Formats
To ensure you can learn in a way that best suits your needs and preferences, IFJ offers a variety of learning formats. Discover which format is right for you.
Flexible Learning with Digital Formats
Digital formats easily integrate into your daily routine. They allow you to learn anytime, anywhere—ideal if you have caregiving responsibilities or mobility restrictions:
- Webinars & Live Sessions: Perfect for those who appreciate interactive discussions and real-time guidance.
- Self-Study Materials: Ideal for learning at your own pace—especially suited for individuals who are hearing impaired.
- Videos: Knowledge straight to your ears! A great option for visually impaired individuals and those who are frequently on the go.
- In-Person Courses: Perfect for those who value face-to-face interaction or find video meetings difficult due to technical or personal reasons.
- Networking Events: The right format for improving your entrepreneurial presence and making valuable connections.
In-Person Exchange and Networking
Would you rather meet people in person instead of learning exclusively online? Our on-site events offer just that:
Our Story
2024
35 Years of IFJ Startup Support
This year, IFJ celebrates its 35th anniversary! We started the year successfully with the launch of our new hybrid service, start.swiss for municipalities and cities. In the fall, the new digital domiciliation service with an electronic mailbox will also be available. You can now find IFJ on TikTok as well. Stay updated with our newsletter, as we have many more plans this year.
2023
Winning Cantonal Mandates to Promote Self-Employment
In 2023, IFJ expanded to the "Sonnenstube" – we opened an office in Lugano, bringing our services and activities to beautiful Ticino, now also available in Italian. We won two public tenders for labor market measures (AMM) to promote self-employment (FSE) in Aargau and St.Gallen, enabling us to support even more people in starting their own businesses. Over 10,000 founders and entrepreneurs participated in IFJ’s specialist lectures, webinars, and courses. Additionally, we launched our new "start.swiss" service to actively support economic development in municipalities, cities, economic regions, and cantons.
2022
Launch of New Cantonal Events
We introduced our new cantonal format, "Founders’ Day," in German-speaking Switzerland and Romandy. In the canton of Graubünden, the first Startup Trail took place, taking us into the mountains alongside startups. We also launched the "Startup in a Week" format and opened "The Lounge" in the startup space in Schlieren. Additionally, we launched a new portal (Digital Legal Service) for fiduciary companies to manage business formations, changes, and trademark protection with IFJ.
Our Team
What makes us so unique? Definitely our amazing team. With around 30 creative minds and our office dog, we form the IFJ team. Get to know our employees and their passions here.
Would you like to join our team?
Currently, no positions are open.
Feel free to send us an unsolicited application at info@ifj.ch to introduce yourself.
PREMIUM PARTNERS
Attractive premium discounts
Helvetia supports start-ups with a premium discount up to 50% on individual insurance solutions.
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PostFinance start-up package
PostFinance gives you the tools to get started – Benefit from two years of free account management and discover additional offers that make your business life easier.
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Free months for new start-ups
Swisscom will cover your subscription costs for up to 6 months plus CHF 300.- credited to your Swisscom bill.
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