Start-Your-Own-Business
Considering how to Start-Your-Own-Business? Unless you already have enough, ongoing, regular income, to be able to earn a living within-france, will be a critical aspect of your success
There are a number of options you will need to consider for any business startup, to ensure you succeed in identifying the best route to take when you start your own business.
Starting any Business within-france has long had a reputation for being extremely difficult. Traditionalist in outlook, inflexible in its application of rules, regulations and charges with adherence to strict formality being the order of the day
France was decidedly small business unfriendly. There are now, however, more and more realistic business opportunities for people to make an income, you can now start your own business.
The French Government are starting to recognise the need for small businesses to be able to establish themselves, contribute to the french economy and also add to the social mix. Many communities within-france, particularly rural areas, are encouraging people to - start your own business -
This site operated by the French government is full of really useful information on starting your own business. It is regularly updated so you can be sure of the current business conditions, including allowances and developments
It is a good idea to scan the relevant parts prior to any appointments at the Chambre de Commerce et al. You will be able to request specific information and advice on issues concerning you and your immediate circumstances, you will not be sent away with vague generalisations and the official dealing with you will be more likely to be helpful, as you will have carried out your initial research.
French Government Site for Small Business
People relocating from the UK tend to be much more entrepreneurial and flexible in their ‘can do’ attitude than is generally found in France. This tendency makes British people more prepared to go and ‘get on with it’ and leaves them in an excellent position to capitalise on developing business opportunities within this aspect of the economy. If you have the apptitude you can start your own business and succeed within-france these days.
Beware though, you need to get the structure correct at the outset or you will be at risk of haemorrhaging money.
There are a variety of ways to structure your business within- France, all with associated costs, which can be prohibitive. France has recently introduced a string of reforms to make it easier to start your own business, perhaps the most significant is the amendments to micro-enterprises which came into effect on the 1st of January 2007.
Micro-enterprise is one of the simplest structures in the (complicated) small business world of France
The reforms are designed to limit the amount of social taxes (cotisations) which, until now, accounted for almost 50% of gross revenue
Further, these charges were imposed whether or not the business was making or taking any money. Now it is likely to amount to between 14-25%, depending on the business activity, it is now also paid pro-rota, rather than up front!
It is likely that following the french presidential elections there will be further incentives and opportunities for you to start your own business
It may be that you can start your own business and pay no charges in the first year, with smaller increments in the second and third year. This will be conditional on you signing on as a jobseeker at the employment service (ANPE) prior to registering with the chamber of commerce or chamber of works
What ever decision you make about the structure of your business startup in France, always, always register first with the ANPE.
If you are thinking to start your own business there are many points you will need to consider to ensure that you are successful
Follow some or all of the tips below to maximise your chances. Where links are provided, click on them or cut and paste into your browser to open to the relevant links
Most of the links will be in French, add an English to French translator button to your toolbar to automatically translate the information – if you have any difficulty doing this send an email and I will send you the instructions to do this, or translate the relevant information on your behalf
Remember, to generate income within-france you will need to use all the social and business opportunities available.
Interest Free Loans
There are a variety of other schemes within France targetted towards individuals to start their own business, including;
L'aide aux chomeurs ou repreneurs d'enterprise (ACCRE)
Encouragement au development d'entreprise nouvelle (EDEN)
Pret a la creation d'entreprise (PCE)
These loans can be for a period of 1-5 years and will include exoneration from most of the high social charges for between 12-24 months. You will also be eligible for a reduction in your applicable taxes (impots) are the end of the financial year. To qualify you will need to have been registered as a 'job seeker' for at least 6 months. This six month rule will not apply is you are fortunate enough to be receiving some kind of payment of benefits
The following link is for a step by step guide to starting a small business within-france. It really is packed with information and advice which will prove invaluable as you go further along the road to setting up your own business. It is likely that from within this site you will find further ideas and links to ensure you reach your potential within-france
France-wide agency for help in creating your small business
My Top Tips to Starting Your Own Business within-france
- Register as a jobseeker as soon as possible. You may not receive unemployment benefit but it will open up a variety of ‘other’ benefits for you and your family. These can include (free) classes for French language tuition, reduced/free contribution to property taxes and a range of other services, including free advice and assistance to start your own business.
- Visit the Mairie (Town hall) in the area you are living and/or starting your business. There is not much that goes on without the local maire (Mayor) knowing about it. The maire is also incredibly influential and can at times assist in over coming difficulties/obstacles. The Maire will also be aware of all the current and future business opportunities. If you are relocating to a rural area to start your own business, you will be contributing to the local economy, the maire will wish to assist you to succeed, make sure you use him/her (if you have children to go to the local schools as well you will be even more popular). This can also be a good opportunity to find out about future plans of the commune - will you be within an economic assistance zone, are there other issues you need to take into account.
- The correct ‘regime fiscal’ of your business startup is critical. It is easier to step up to the next level than to drop down one, seek professional advice first. This can be done free via the Chambre de Commerce or if appropriate via a free notaire (solicitor). Consider paying for either of these services or an accountant if you think that you will get better advice (or you feel awkward about obtaining services for free
- Have copies of documents that you will need for starting/registering a business (and for most other bureaucratic procedures within-france) Passport, Birth certificate, Proof of address, Health care entitlement (EHIC)
- For all your appointments and fact finding missions, have someone with you who has an excellent knowledge of French, and the likely procedures, not only will this gain additional insights into whatever the purpose of your visit is, but will also earn you points as someone to be taken seriously. Unless you are going to meet a British person, even if told someone can/will speak English you will not obtain the most from your time invested to start your own business.
- Ensure you explore the above links to flesh out your ideas before you spend your time and money on a business cul-de-sac
- Engage my services for an hour or two @35e per hour to truly move your project forward and avoid hours of frustration
If you want assistance to Reach Your Potential Within France use the contact form below to start making a difference today.
John Ewens is an Occupational Therapist registered to practice in the UK and France. All contact is entirely confidential, so if you want impartial, professional advice and assistance that is friendly and gets results, please use the contact form
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