Each week the Global Entrepreneurship Network releases a newsletter update of events, programs and partner impact stories, the Startup Nations Atlas of Policies features a policy lever submitted by members to provide insight into proven policy measures.
Since May 2017, GEN has highlighted 11 different policy measures from 10 different countries, that impact millions of potential entrepreneurs from around the world.
To add a policy entry from your ecosystem, visit the Startup Nations Atlas of Policies homepage for instructions.
Portugal Policy Measures Aim to Help Entrepreneurs Flourish
Through the creation of Startup Portugal, the Portuguese government has created a roadmap to encouraging entrepreneurs and startups to flourish in the country. Startup Portugal is a four-year plan that focuses on three areas of operation: ecosystems, funding and internationalization. The program includes 20 different public policy measures, with attention on expanding alternative financing sources via tax incentives, network creation and angel co-investment funds.
Belgium Supports Startup Investment Through Investor Tax Shelter
Belgium has recently implemented an investor tax shelter, for those investors who provide funds for startups in the country. SNAP looks at this innovative lever that provides a tax credit -- a reduction of the investor's Belgian personal income tax. Since February 2017, investments via approved crowdfunding platforms will also be considered for the tax shelter benefit.
Startup India Aims to Support the Next Economic Wave of Startups
Through the creation of Startup India, the Indian government with private sector support has made inroads to help support entrepreneurs through indirect financial support, incubation opportunities and tax benefits and exemptions. This policy lever also helps define what a startup is in India, as a way to better support and encourage innovation and creation of new firms.
Argentina Policy Lever Aims to Attract International Talent
The Argentina Startup and Talent Visa is designed to attract international talent to the country by making it easier and faster for entrepreneurs to start a business in Argentina. SNAP looks at this innovative lever that provides temporary residence to entrepreneurs and their family and employees, a fast-tracked business registration procedure and other benefits such as seed funding and access to incubators.
Brazil Provides e-Learning Platform
Brasil Mais TI is currently the largest e-learning platform project in the country, helping teach people innovation technology skills. The Startup Nations Atlas of Policies looks at this dynamic design of distance learning, which operates in three main points of training: knowledge, skills and opportunities.
Germany's Digital Hub Initiative Helps Strengthen Startup Network, Attract International Founders
In Germany, the Digital Hub Initiative is the country's new governmental instrument to strengthen connectivity and cooperation between startups in a digital age. The initiative was started in 2016 to connect the dots between science, corporates and the digital economy. The program encourages better conditions for the economy in order to improve innovation and investments in digitalization, and to usher in a new age of entrepreneurship.
IN2:BA, Business Angels Co-Investment Fund
Portugal's policy, IN2:BA, is a program where the country co-invests with business angels in innovative startups. The money from the state comes in the form of a loan to investment vehicles owned by business angels that invest in startups. The return of the money follows asymmetric exits to government and business angels. Learn more about how Portugal encouraged the growth and development of angel investing in the country.
Start-Up Chile Provides Funding, Acceleration for Startups
Start-Up Chile annually supports 250 startups each year, with three programs, to help them start and scale globally. Start-Up Chile provides support for innovative early stage entrepreneurs from all over the world to access equity-free funding through three programs of investment: The S Factory, Seed and Scale. Each program gives funding $15,000, $30,000 and $90,000 USD respectively, access to international mentors, investors and corporations in order to help them boost their businesses.
Spain's Rising Startup Spain Provides Acceleration Program to Support, Attract International Talent
Rising Startup Spain is a six-month acceleration program to attract international entrepreneurs and talent to Spain, promoted by ICEX-Invest. Its mission is to reinforce and globalize the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Spain. To help take innovative projects to the marketplace, Rising Startup Spain offers free workspace in Madrid and Barcelona; easier access to visa and residency permits; and mentoring to connect with potential investors.
New Zealand Introduces New Visa to Support Entrepreneurs
The Global Impact Visa is designed to attract those with the drive and capability to launch global ventures from New Zealand who may not be able to qualify for other visa categories. They will have the combination of drive, risk appetite and global connections which enables them to launch or significantly contribute to successful innovation-based ventures in New Zealand. Learn more about steps New Zealand is taking to support entrepreneurs and encourage new business formation.
Colombia's ALDEA Aims to Support, Provide Resources for Colombian Entrepreneurs
ALDEA is a community where entrepreneurs can find mentors, experts, service providers, investors and banks to leverage the growth of startups. Innpulsa Colombia, the innovation and entrepreneurship policy executor of the Colombian government, supports entrepreneurs through financial resources that allow startups to connect with service providers, grants and financial resources.