Start a business

Photo credit

Jennie Smith/Göteborg & Co

West Sweden is one of the country’s fastest growing regions for new startups. If you have an idea or have noticed a gap in the market, or simply want to create your own job, starting your own business may be something for you. And the process is relatively straightforward.

Where to start

A good starting point is the website Verksamt.se. This is created by several government agencies and has information in English on how to start and run a business in Sweden.

Another is ALMI, which via its IFS Rådgivning, offers free advisory services in English and several other languages – both over the phone and in person. It also offers various financing solutions.

You should also consider visiting Yes Box in Gamlestaden, Gothenburg. This meeting place gathers many of the key organisations that help startups all under the one roof. The actors, which include Business Region Göteborg, Drivhuset, ALMI and Coompanion, offer financing, advisory services and education for entrepreneurs and people with an idea. You can just drop in, but we recommend that you contact the centre first and they can arrange a meeting with the most suitable actor based on your needs: Contact - Yesbox.

Outside of Gothenburg, you can turn to Genväg, for guidance and advice. You should also contact your municipality as it may offer other helpful services and information for entrepreneurs.

Good to know

Some agencies and companies have limited or no English-language information on their websites. You may find web translation tools such as Google Translate and Microsoft Translate helpful, otherwise contact the organisation directly to find out more about their services in English. You will find their contact details under “kontakta oss”.