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FREE resources to help you start and grow a successful business

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Find help and support in your local area

Search for your local area to find free business advice, networking groups, funding and local grants.

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Find help and support in your local area.

Search for your local area to find free business advice, networking groups, funding and local grants.

Search your area

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Starting a business is the easy part!

Keeping it going profitably is an entirely different matter.

Start Your Own Business is designed to help anyone running their own business or thinking of doing so. The aim is to increase your chances of success by providing a selection of FREE start-up resources and to highlight the support that is available in each area.

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Welcome from our founder.

Free Startup Resources

It is a common trait amongst entrepreneurs to just want to 'get on with it'.

However, if you want to maximise your chances of success, it is worth putting in time and effort before you start to ensure that you have set-up correctly. This collection of resources has been put together to make the process as straight-forward as possible but also to ensure that you do not miss anything important.

How to start a new business in Cyprus

Start a business in New Zealand

If you are thinking about starting a business in Cyprus, you are not alone! It is claimed that, at any one time, one in three Cypriots of working age are also dreaming about being their own boss.

Total Population: 1.244 million
Businesses in Cyprus: 59,000
0-9 employees: 55,000
10-49 employees: 3,800
50-249 employees: 582
(Source: Statista)

More than 10,000 new businesses are formed in Cyprus each year and we would love to help you join them!

To find friendly support in your local area, including business advisory organisations, business networking groups, and local loans/grants please either find your location by using the search box above.

We also have sections dedicated to each region:

Starting a business step-by-step

Introduction:

Cyprus, located in the Eastern Mediterranean, offers an attractive environment for entrepreneurs looking to establish a new business. With its strategic location, favorable tax regime, skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure, Cyprus has become a popular destination for business-to-business (B2B) ventures. This guide aims to provide you with a detailed roadmap to start a new business in Cyprus, including key statistics, important considerations, and organizations that can assist you in the process.

1. Key Statistics:

Before delving into the details, let's explore some key statistics that highlight the business landscape in Cyprus:

  • GDP: As of 2021, Cyprus had a GDP of approximately $25.9 billion, with a growth rate of 4.2% (source: World Bank).
  • Ease of Doing Business: Cyprus ranks 58th out of 190 countries in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index 2020.
  • Main Industries: Key sectors in Cyprus include tourism, financial services, shipping, real estate, telecommunications, and renewable energy.
  • Corporate Tax: The corporate tax rate in Cyprus is 12.5%, one of the lowest in the European Union.
2. Important Considerations:

When starting a new business in Cyprus, several crucial considerations will contribute to your success:

  • Business Idea and Market Research: Begin by identifying a viable business idea and conducting thorough market research to assess the demand, competition, and potential profitability.
  • Legal Structure: Determine the most suitable legal structure for your business, such as a private limited company (Ltd), partnership, or sole proprietorship. Consult with legal professionals for guidance.
  • Business Plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, target market, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational details.
  • Financing: Evaluate your financial needs and explore funding options. Cyprus offers various incentives and grants for specific sectors, so research available opportunities.
  • Permits and Licenses: Understand the permits and licenses required for your business activities. The Department of Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver and local municipalities can provide relevant information.
  • Taxation and Accounting: Familiarize yourself with the tax system and accounting standards in Cyprus. Consider consulting with tax advisors to optimize your tax structure and comply with regulations.
  • Workforce and Labor Laws: Understand the labor laws, employment regulations, and hiring procedures in Cyprus. The Department of Labor can provide guidance on labor-related matters.
  • Intellectual Property: If your business involves intellectual property, seek legal advice to protect your creations through copyrights, trademarks, or patents.
  • Insurance: Determine the necessary insurance coverage for your business, such as liability insurance, property insurance, or professional indemnity insurance.
3. Organizations and Resources:

Several organizations and governmental bodies in Cyprus offer support and guidance to new businesses. Here are some notable entities:

4. Conclusion:

Starting a new business in Cyprus can be a rewarding endeavor, thanks to its favorable business environment, infrastructure, and tax regime. By considering the key factors mentioned in this guide and leveraging the support of relevant organizations, you can set a solid foundation for your B2B venture in Cyprus. Remember to seek professional advice specific to your business needs to ensure compliance with legal requirements and maximize your chances of success.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is based on general knowledge and research. It is advisable to consult with legal and financial professionals to obtain personalized advice tailored to your specific business circumstances.

FREE startup workshops

If you are thinking about starting a business, our FREE three-hour ONLINE workshop is definitely for you!

Open to everyone, our sole aim is to increase your chances of success. We do that by explaining:

The reality of running a business; the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them; which legal status is likely to be most suitable; funding, grants and managing your money; business planning and cashflow forecasting; finding and keeping customers.

Start-up articles

100's of free startup articles

We have created a collection of 100s of startup articles to help anyone with whatever stage they are on with their business journey. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone before you and we can learn from what they got right and avoid the things that have been proved not to work so well.

You can see the full list of 'articles' at: How to start a business

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FREE business listing in your area.

We are delighted to promote suitable businesses and organisations completely FREE of charge. Your coverage can contain: logo, company name, brief description, special offers, telephone number and link to your website.

Latest free listings

If you can help new business start-ups in your area, we would be delighted to let them know.

One of the aims of SYOB is to raise awareness of the support that is available in each area. Not only does this mean that the new business owner is more likely to succeed, it will also benefit the local economy! Add your free listing

Latest articles

You don't know what you don't know!

The prospect of starting a new business can be incredibly exciting but should be approached with care. You have probably heard scary stories about how many start-ups fail in the early stages. You can make sure that you are not one of them by learning as much as possible before you launch. Over the years, we have collected lots of articles which will show you what has worked well for other start-ups and the putfalls to avoid.