Economic Outlook for Entrepreneurs in Switzerland

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Switzerland, renowned for its economic stability and business-friendly environment, continues to offer enticing opportunities for entrepreneurs in 2025. Despite global challenges, the Swiss nation demonstrates remarkable resilience and positions itself as fertile ground for innovation and entrepreneurial growth. Let’s explore together the economic prospects available to bold entrepreneurs ready to enter the Swiss market.

Moderate but Stable Growth: The Foundation of the Swiss Economy

The Swiss economy, known for its robustness, shows moderate but stable growth for the year 2025. According to the latest data from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the Confederation’s gross domestic product (GDP), adjusted for seasonal variations and sporting events, grew by 0.8% in 2024, a figure admittedly below the historical average of 1.8% since 1981, but which nevertheless testifies to the resilience of the Swiss economy in the face of global turbulence.

This growth, although slowed compared to previous years, provides a solid foundation for entrepreneurs. It reflects the adaptability of the Swiss economy and its ability to maintain a positive course despite headwinds. For entrepreneurs, this means a predictable and stable economic environment, conducive to developing long-term projects.

The services sector, a traditional pillar of the Swiss economy, experienced below-average growth in 2024. However, this situation opens opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs capable of meeting new market needs and proposing disruptive solutions in this transforming sector.

Proactive Government Support: The Springboard for Entrepreneurship

The Swiss government continues to play a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. The policies implemented aim to create an ecosystem favorable to the creation and development of businesses, particularly in cutting-edge sectors.

The year 2024 saw a record number of 52,978 new businesses registered in the Swiss commercial register, surpassing the previous record set in 2023. This figure demonstrates the vitality of the entrepreneurial spirit in Switzerland and the effectiveness of government measures to encourage business creation.

Swiss authorities have focused on several areas to support entrepreneurs:

• Tax relief for innovative startups
• Research and development support programs
• Facilitated access to venture capital
• Simplified administrative procedures for business creation

These government initiatives create fertile ground for entrepreneurs, allowing them to focus on innovation and growth rather than bureaucratic obstacles.

Emerging Sectors: The New Frontiers of Innovation

Switzerland, recognized for its excellence in traditional fields such as finance and watchmaking, sees new sectors emerging that carry opportunities for visionary entrepreneurs.

Technology and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is perceived as the technology offering the greatest business opportunities by 62% of Swiss entrepreneurs. This booming sector attracts investments and talent, with applications in fields as varied as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

Entrepreneurs positioning themselves at the forefront of AI can benefit from a favorable Swiss ecosystem, combining academic expertise, presence of major technology companies, and government support.

Green Technologies and the Circular Economy

Switzerland has committed to a transition towards a more sustainable economy, paving the way for innovations in clean energy, waste management, and the circular economy. Entrepreneurs proposing ecological solutions find a receptive market and significant institutional support.

Healthcare and Biotechnology

The healthcare sector, already a pillar of the Swiss economy, is experiencing new dynamism with the rise of biotechnology and personalized medicine. Startups in this field benefit from the excellence of Swiss research and facilitated access to funding.

Navigating Between Risks and Opportunities: The Key to Entrepreneurial Success

While offering fertile ground for entrepreneurship, the Swiss economic landscape is not without challenges. Entrepreneurs must be aware of the risks while knowing how to seize the opportunities that arise.

Challenges to Overcome

• Political instability and uncertainty are considered the greatest concern by 53% of entrepreneurs for their sector in the next 12 months.
• Tax increases are seen as a major medium-term risk, with 46% of entrepreneurs considering it the factor most likely to negatively impact their business sector in the next 5 years.
• Major geopolitical conflicts are also a source of concern for 41% of entrepreneurs.

These challenges, although significant, are not insurmountable. They call for careful strategic planning and rapid adaptability.

Opportunities to Seize

• Technological innovation: 67% of entrepreneurs expect AI to significantly improve productivity in their sector in the next 5 years.
• Internationalization: Switzerland’s reputation and trade agreements offer expansion opportunities internationally for Swiss companies.
• Digitalization: Accelerated digital transformation opens new ways to optimize processes and reach new markets.

Entrepreneurs who can navigate between these risks and opportunities will be best positioned to succeed in the evolving Swiss economic landscape.

Long-Term Prospects: Building the Future of Swiss Entrepreneurship

Long-term forecasts for the Swiss economy and entrepreneurship are generally positive, despite short-term uncertainties. Several trends are emerging to shape the future of entrepreneurship in Switzerland:

Investments and Growth

85% of Swiss entrepreneurs expect a typical company in their sector to significantly or slightly increase its total investments in the next 5 years. This confidence in the future demonstrates the perceived solidity of the Swiss economy in the long term and the optimism of economic actors.

• Human resources
• Information technology and digital transformation
• Strategic acquisitions

This orientation towards investment and growth creates a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs, with opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and expansion.

Evolution of the Labor Market

71% of entrepreneurs anticipate an increase in workforce in their sector over the next 5 years. This employment growth perspective is encouraging for entrepreneurs, signaling a dynamic labor market and expansion opportunities for businesses.

However, this growth will likely be accompanied by an evolution in sought-after skills, with increased emphasis on digital skills and adaptability to rapid technological changes.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

The trend towards a more sustainable and socially responsible economy is expected to intensify in the coming years. Entrepreneurs who integrate these values into their business models will be better positioned to meet consumer and investor expectations, while contributing to addressing societal and environmental challenges.

Continuous Innovation

Innovation will remain a key driver of competitiveness and growth. Swiss entrepreneurs will need to maintain a sustained pace of innovation to stay at the forefront of their respective sectors. This will involve not only technological advancements but also innovations in business models and market approaches.

In conclusion, despite short-term challenges, entrepreneurship in Switzerland benefits from a favorable environment and promising long-term prospects. The combination of a stable economy, proactive government support, dynamic emerging sectors, and a culture of innovation creates fertile ground for ambitious entrepreneurs. Those who can navigate this evolving landscape, embracing innovation and adapting to new market realities, will be best positioned to succeed and contribute to shaping Switzerland’s economic future.