Find the Right Idea – and Don't Get Lost in Perfection
Every successful founder simply started at some point. Your idea doesn't need to be perfect from day 1 – it just needs to solve a real problem.
An average idea with strong execution beats a brilliant idea that never sees the light of day.
The first step into self-employment is often marked by great uncertainty. Many aspiring entrepreneurs in Switzerland block themselves because they are looking for the "perfect," revolutionary business idea. They want to launch the next big tech startup that turns the global market upside down. But the reality of most successful company foundations looks different: they solve everyday, often mundane problems – but reliably, efficiently, and customer-oriented.
The Problem with Perfectionism
If you polish your idea for months in quiet isolation without ever talking to a potential customer, you are building a product for yourself, not for the market. Perfectionism is the biggest enemy of progress in the early stages of a startup.
Instead of thinking about what your company will look like in five years, you should focus on building the smallest possible test (a so-called Minimum Viable Product or MVP). Find out if anyone is even willing to spend money on your service or product.
Startup Assistance from Unemployment Insurance: Art. 71a AVIG
Many people don't know that the Swiss state actively supports taking the step into self-employment if you are registered as unemployed at that time. The promotion of self-employment (FSE) provides an important safety net here:
- Art. 71a AVIG (Promotion of self-employment): The unemployment insurance (ALV) can grant financial support during the planning phase to insured persons who wish to start a permanent self-employed activity.
- Daily allowances during the planning phase: You can receive up to 90 daily unemployment allowances while preparing your project (e.g., writing a business plan, negotiating contracts, setting up infrastructure). During this time, you are exempt from the obligation to apply for other jobs.
- Risk sharing: In addition, the insurance can cover up to 50% of losses from guarantees taken out to finance the project.
The Hurdles of Case Law: BGE 133 V 133
However, receiving FSE daily allowances is tied to strict conditions. The Federal Supreme Court has specified the requirements placed on such a project in constant case law (in particular in the landmark decision BGE 133 V 133):
- Economic viability: The planned project must be based on a realistic foundation and be capable of securing an economic existence long term. A vague draft is not sufficient.
- Targeted planning: The insured person must demonstrate during the planning phase that they are taking concrete steps. BGE 133 V 133 requires active, measurable preparation work.
- Honesty and transparency: Anyone receiving FSE daily allowances must not already be secretly operational (e.g., issuing initial invoices), as this counts as impermissible interim earnings and leads to loss of entitlement.
3 Steps to a Pragmatic Business Idea
To find an idea that convinces both the market and the requirements of BGE 133 V 133, these three steps help:
- Solve an existing problem better, faster, or cheaper: You don't have to reinvent the wheel. Analyze existing offers and identify weaknesses in the competition. Can you offer the service in a more digital, personal, or regional way?
- Leverage your "unfair advantages": What skills, contacts, or industry knowledge do you bring from your previous career? A business idea in your own field of expertise has a significantly higher chance of success and is also approved more easily by the RAV.
- Conduct customer interviews: Before spending money on a website, logos, or notary fees, talk to at least five potential customers from your target audience. Ask them about their biggest everyday problems and whether they would be willing to spend money on your planned solution.
Conclusion: The Idea Is Just the Beginning
The idea only accounts for 1% of success – the remaining 99% is hard work and consistent execution. In the next part of this guide, you will learn how to turn your business idea into an irresistible offer and structure your business plan so that it completely convinces both your future customers and your RAV advisor.
