February Foundation Report: New business creation shows positive development

In February, a total of 4'816 new companies were founded in Switzerland. This represents a significant increase of 13.05% compared to the previous month. However, compared to the previous year, there is a slight decrease of 0.25%. The figures confirm the expected seasonal rise at the beginning of the year.

Dynamic Growth in Central Switzerland

A particularly strong growth was observed in Central Switzerland. Here, the number of new businesses increased significantly by 37.91% compared to January. The year-on-year comparison also shows a positive trend, with an increase of 14.79%. Most of the new businesses were registered in the canton of Zug, which recorded 318 new companies—an increase of 61.42% compared to the previous month and 23.26% compared to the previous year.

Moderate Growth in French-speaking Switzerland and Northwestern Switzerland

In French-speaking Switzerland, business startups increased by 9.47% compared to January. In a year-on-year comparison, there was also an increase of 2.57%, indicating stable growth in the region. Northwestern Switzerland also recorded solid growth, with 8.97% more startups than in January and a nearly unchanged level compared to the previous year (+0.09%).

Varying Trends in Other Cantons

In Zurich, the number of startups rose by 13.73% compared to January, but fell by 4.88% compared to February of the previous year. The total number of new companies in Zurich was 878. In Eastern Switzerland, the trend was mixed: a slight increase of 5.19% from the previous month was accompanied by a significant decrease of 11.58% year-over-year. The most pronounced decline was observed in Ticino, where the number of new businesses was 4.66% higher than in January but 13.30% lower compared to the previous year.

Outlook

With 4'816 new start-ups, the positive trend continues. The increase of 13.05% compared to January is in line with the typical seasonal trend. A further increase is also expected for March.

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