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I’ve long said that government policies are instrumental in facilitating and encouraging small business growth. These two countries are proof of that. According to The World Bank Estonia has the highest rate of new business density on the planet. New business density is the number of limited liability companies per 1000 adults. It shot from 13.2 new LLCs in 2006 to 24.3 in 2022, nearly doubling. Cabo Verde has the most growth over time, exploding 10X from 1.8 new LLCs in 2008 to 18.5 in 2022. What they have in common is that their governments enacted laws that incentivized new businesses. Estonia made it easy for foreigners to access services, such as starting and operating an online business via an e-Residency program. About 20% of Estonian companies registered annually were owned by e-residents from 2019-2022. In Cabo Verde you can register an LLC in one day -- for free. Understand that these reforms took place over time—decades in fact.  Sound decisions, good planning, and sufficient resources are needed to properly execute such programs. But, well, the results speak for themselves. #entrepreneurship #businessenablement #Estonia #CaboVerde https://lnkd.in/eYpJmfKe

A growing number of entrepreneurs are turning to residence and citizenship by investment programs to accelerate business growth, maximize profits, and mitigate tax exposure. Through these avenues, they position themselves in hospitable jurisdictions assuring the security of their personal interests, companies, and capital. Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, discusses investment options for entrepreneurs looking to access the wealthiest cities. #worldswealthiestcitiesreport #wealthiestcities #henleypartners #henleyandpartners #henleyglobal

Deep Reflection: Is Luxembourg’s 🇱🇺 regulatory zeal safeguarding its future or stifling its own growth?🎯 Luxembourg’s reputation as the EU’s 🇪🇺 “model student” in regulation is well-earned, but has this commitment to over-administration become a double-edged sword? 🗡️ By rigorously applying every directive with unmatched zeal, Luxembourg may inadvertently be eroding its own competitiveness, particularly within its financial sector. Could this be the time to consider a new register—one that regulates which banks are allowed to open accounts? 🔮 As financial hubs have shown, there’s a fine line between necessary oversight and excessive control that stifles innovation. Perhaps Luxembourg’s true strength lies not in adding layers of regulation, but in finding a balance that welcomes innovation and responsibility alike. 🤔 What are your thoughts? Has regulation leaned too far at the cost of competitiveness? Share your insights on how Luxembourg might better balance its regulatory rigor with a thriving entrepreneurial spirit. What’s Next? In an era where growth and control often clash, true progress may lie in recognizing that regulation, while essential, should never overshadow the pursuit of innovation and opportunity. Let’s explore the path forward together. Be continued… #DeepReflections #LeadershipInsights #Accountability #Leadership #PublicResources #Europe #Finance #Transparency #Luxembourg #Regulation #FinancialSector #Competitiveness #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #EconomicBalance #OverRegulation

HSBC Global Private Banking’s 2024 Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report found that the UK remains an attractive location for global entrepreneurs, even when considering concerns about higher operating costs, geopolitical instability and regulatory and legislative changes. According to the report, 69 per cent of entrepreneurs are considering moving some or all of their wealth to a new location over the next 12 months, and the UK is as popular a destination as the US, France or Singapore. https://lnkd.in/ePjgP9NR

Lastly, the US is increasing the investment requirements for foreign business owners doing business in the US. The International Entrepreneur Rule's minimum investment, revenue, and other threshold requirements have been revised by the US. The International Entrepreneur Rule's revenue and minimum investment criteria have been raised by the US. The International Entrepreneur Rule is the program of choice for international business owners who want to conduct business in the United States. For an initial application, entrepreneurs must demonstrate the startup entity's substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation by showing at least $311,071 (earlier $264,147) in qualified investments from qualifying investors, at least $124,429 (earlier $105,659) in qualified government awards or grants, or alternative reliable and compelling evidence of the start-up entity's substantial potential. In essence, if a qualifying investor makes an investment, the amount increases from $264,147 to $311,071. If you rely on a government award or grant, the sum will increase from $105,659 to $124,429. The income amount for consideration of re-parole has increased from $528,293 to $622,142.

Entrepreneurs Must Raise their Voices Against Harmful Tax Reforms The UK Government is considering increasing Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and further tightening Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) in the upcoming Budget. Such measures threaten to destabilize the startup ecosystem by drastically reducing the incentive for individuals to start, build, and grow businesses. This would also make it harder for startups to attract and retain talent by limiting the appeal of employee stock options or shares. While these tax hikes might generate short-term revenue, they will inevitably stifle long-term productivity by curbing the growth of future startups. To avoid damaging Britain's innovation engine, entrepreneurs need to speak out. The Entrepreneurs Network is urging you to sign the open letter to the UK Chancellor linked below. Pls read and circulate #UK #startups #tax Mind the Bridge Allied For Startups

Starting a business in Canada can offer several advantages for African and Asian people: Diverse Market Opportunities: Canada's diverse population creates a market for goods and services catering to various cultural backgrounds. African and Asian entrepreneurs can leverage their cultural insights to identify niche markets and cater to specific communities' needs. Supportive Ecosystem: Canada offers a supportive ecosystem for startups, including business incubators, accelerators, and networking opportunities. These resources provide guidance, mentorship, and access to funding, which can be beneficial for entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Government Programs and Incentives: Canada offers various government programs and incentives to support small businesses and startups. These include grants, loans, tax incentives, and immigration pathways for entrepreneurs, which can help African and Asian entrepreneurs establish and grow their businesses. Access to Skilled Labor: Canada's multicultural society contributes to a diverse and skilled labor force. Entrepreneurs from African and Asian backgrounds can tap into this talent pool to recruit employees with diverse perspectives, language skills, and cultural knowledge, enhancing their business operations and competitiveness. Strong Rule of Law and Stability: Canada is known for its strong rule of law, political stability, and business-friendly environment. These factors provide a stable and predictable operating environment for startups, instilling confidence among investors, customers, and business partners. Quality of Life: Canada offers a high quality of life, with access to excellent healthcare, education, and social services. This attracts skilled professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world, creating a vibrant and dynamic business community. Global Connectivity: Canada's strategic location and modern infrastructure provide excellent connectivity to global markets. Entrepreneurs can easily access international markets, suppliers, and business networks, facilitating global expansion and trade opportunities. Overall, starting a business in Canada offers African and Asian entrepreneurs a conducive environment, ample opportunities, and support systems to launch and grow successful ventures. FarniyaNamvar@fndcscorp.com +16474242048

🚀 New Report from Onward: The British Entrepreneur 🚀 Britain’s startups & small businesses are failing to grow, held back by high costs, poor access to finance, endless red tape, and a uniquely British fear of failure. Delighted to have worked with authors Shivani H Menon & Andrew Barclay on this project. The report sets out a roadmap to unlocking a new generation of growth-oriented entrepreneurs to get Britain back in business. Key findings: * 1% of businesses drive over 11% of productivity. * 26,000 businesses are intentionally holding back to avoid VAT costs. * The UK has one of the highest SME loan rejection rates in the OECD at 45%. * The UK has a 20% higher fear of failure compared to global median. With original polling from JL Partners, our report identifies a pipeline of entrepreneurs and those on the brink of entrepreneurship, and we set out what targeted support they need to remove the barriers to scale. Recommendations include: 1️⃣ Reform VAT with a tapered rate and overhaul business rates. 2️⃣ Improve access to finance by expanding community-based lenders and upgrading the British Business Bank’s tools. 3️⃣ Cut bureaucracy by simplifying planning and reducing the regulatory burden on small businesses. Read the report here: https://t.co/q0acNMQrJY

“We need to learn to set our courses by the stars, not by the lights of every passing ship”, Gen Omar Bradley "A business model visualizes your assumptions for how your business will generate revenue and reach profitability. With a 70% failure rate of start-ups in the 10th year, is it possible that these businesses have not had a moment to visualize profitability as a goal? In stating the problem statement, Stefanie Wedenig, in her research titled 'A Business Model for Africa - Does it exist and if so, what is there to consider?' states: “During a conversation between the author of the present research and the bank, it emerged that a major challenge for the OeEB Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank AG - The Development Bank of Austria is the assessment of projects regarding their suitability for financing. Many of the applicants approach the bank at an early stage where besides the basic idea not much is determined or planned. A crucial part of the subsequent project development is the design of the right business model. According to the experience of the bank, this part proves difficult because there are not yet many best practices or examples of successful business models in Africa. From their perspective, one of the major problems is that many Austrian and European entrepreneurs do not see Africa as a destination to be regarded for the establishment of serious and functioning business activities.” The business model sets the stage in terms of capabilities, partnerships, resources, and value proposition. Therefore, in evaluating the business by a potential investor, whether equity or debt, a potential investor would be interested in understanding the business model. The model describes the way a business will take its product, offer it to the market, and drive sales. The end goal within an optimal business model is to increase revenues and cut down on unnecessary costs. Some of the common business models include Retailer, Manufacturer, Fee for service, Subscription, pay-as-you-go, and Brokerage among others. Thinking about these models, how can an existing entrepreneur leverage technology? What other interesting business models come to mind?" Follow my weekly post on entrepreneurship as a vehicle for economic empowerment. #Nonaffiliated #Entrepreneurship #Economicempowerment #Businessmodel Photo credits to Gretty images

In the world of entrepreneurship, time is money. Yet, for many aspiring business owners in Suriname, time seems to slip away as they navigate the cumbersome labyrinth of permit applications. Some entrepreneurs have to wait up to a year just to secure a permit, and to compound matters, the process lacks transparency. However, amidst these challenges, there is hope. The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship, and Technological Innovation is poised for a change. Read more about how the USAID Caribbean Business Enabling Environment Reform Activity is working to digitalize Suriname's business permit process. #digitaltransformation #economicgrowth