Starting a business

Leasing for companies

Tunisie Leasing & Factoring (TLF) and Arab Tunisian Leasing (ATL) offer leasing services for companies.

You can apply if you need money for investments. Leasing is available for small and medium-sized enterprises. You can also apply for money for very small investments.

You will receive advice and support for your investment.

Investments in companies

The Tunisian American Enterprise Fund (TAEF) supports companies in Tunisia financially. TAEF’s goal is to strengthen the Tunisian economy.

You have to apply for an investment. The following conditions apply:

• Your company is Tunisian.
• Your company has existed for at least 2 years.
• You have more than 4 employees.
• Your annual turnover is at least TND 500,000.

The application form is available on the website.

Money for projects and businesses

The Banque Tunisienne de Solidarité (BTS) is the state bank of Tunisia. It provides small loans to:

• business start-ups
• women and men who would like to start a project.

The annual interest rate for these loans is 5 per cent. The maximum payback period is 3 years. These services are available to everyone.
BTS also advises on how to save on taxes.

Loans and support

The Centre Financier aux Entreprises (CFE) gives loans to small and medium-sized enterprises in and around Tunis.

You have to apply for a loan. The following conditions apply:

• You already have a business.
• You work in or close to Tunis.
• You have six months experience in your particular area.

Microcredits for businesses

Taysir Microfinance, Enda Tamweel, Advans Tunisie and Microcred offer microcredits to small businesses and individual persons.

You can obtain advice from the various providers. Some of the providers have offices all over Tunisia. Further information is available on their websites.

Advice for business start-ups

The Agence Nationale pour l'Emploi et le Travail Indépendant is the national employment and self-employment agency of Tunisia. Its Espace Entreprendre department offers specialised advice to people starting their own business. You can also get advice on finance.

The national employment agency has many offices all over Tunisia. You can call on the phone to ask about addresses and contact persons.

The website is available in various languages.

Training courses for business start-ups

The Création d’Entreprises et Formation d’Entrepreneurs (CEFE) is a state centre. It can help you if you would like to start your own business.

You can take part in various training courses at the centre. Each course lasts 20 days.

You can also get support in developing your idea and preparing a business plan. CEFE can also help you to apply for a loan from the Banque Tunisienne de Solidarité (BTS).

Mentors for business start-ups

You can find a mentor on the MicroMentor website. A mentor can help you if you want to start your own business. He or she already has a lot of experience and can advise you on many different matters. A mentor can also help you with problems. Mentors work on a voluntary basis. You have to register on the website and describe what you are looking for. The service is free of charge.

Starting up an IT business

Tunisian Startups is an association. It helps highly qualified people to start their own IT business. All advisors have already started a business themselves.

If you are a member, you also become part of the network. You can advise other start-ups later on.

Members have to pay a fee.

Help for business start-ups

The Réseau Entreprendre association can help you to start your own business. Advice and financial support are both available. Réseau Entreprendre can help in the following areas:

• internet and communications
• industry
• agriculture
• pharmaceuticals
• finances.

You must apply to become a member of the association. You will then be supported by an advisor. A project can run for up to 3 years.

The support is free of charge. However, if you are a member, you must help other start-ups later on.

Support for business start-ups

The Agence de Promotion de l'Industrie et de l'Innovation (API) is a state agency that helps people to start businesses in industry.

If you would like to start a business in the industrial sector, API will help you with applications and forms. There are also free training courses. You must apply for help. If your application is approved, you will receive advice and support. You can also rent low-cost offices or workshops.

You must have a university or college degree or have completed vocational training.