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Business Solutions Atlantic France, a service of the regional economic development agency Solutions&co, offers quality advice to international entrepreneurs wishing to establish their business in Western France. Discover our expertise, learn how we can help you succeed, and hear what other companies have shared about their experiences with our support.
Starting a business in an unfamiliar country can be incredibly challenging. Entrepreneurs often face obstacles such as language barriers, differences in legal and tax systems, and unfamiliar cultural norms.
Without the right local insights and connections, even the most experienced entrepreneurs may struggle to gain a foothold or to adapt their business strategy effectively to a new environment.
This is where expert guidance becomes invaluable. Partnering with local experts can provide essential support, from navigating complex administrative processes to offering tailored advice on market entry strategies. With their knowledge of the local business landscape, these professionals help entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes, saving valuable time and resources.
Solutions&co: the economic development agency for the Atlantic France region
An economic development agency is an organisation dedicated to stimulating the growth and attractiveness of a specific region by supporting businesses and encouraging investment. Such agencies work to create a favourable environment for companies by providing a range of services, such as market analysis and guidance on local regulations to help with financing and networking opportunities.
Their mission is to attract new companies to the region, support the growth of existing businesses, and ultimately boost the local economy by creating jobs and fostering innovation.
Solutions&co is the economic development agency for the French region Pays de la Loire, known internationally as Atlantic France. Located on the Atlantic coast in Western France, the region’s major cities are Nantes, Angers, Saint-Nazaire, Cholet, and Le Mans. It is already home to more than 1,100 international companies, which collectively employ 66,000 people.
Whether you are looking to set up a new branch, expand operations, or explore partnerships, the agency offers invaluable expertise and resources to ensure successful integration into the local market.
Business Solutions Atlantic France: expert advisory services for international companies
One of the key missions of the Solutions&co agency is to enhance the region’s attractiveness to international companies. The service dedicated to this objective is known as Business Solutions Atlantic France and is led by the Attractivity Department.
We target innovative players that can bring value to the regional ecosystem in industries with significant business opportunities, including:
- Hydrogen
- Aeronautics
- Shipbuilding
- Sailing
- Marine renewable energy
- Vehicles and mobility
- Tomorrow’s therapies and healthcare
- Food & Agrifood
- Plant production and utilisation
- Manufacturing / Industry 4.0
- Industrial automation
- Digital sector
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Electronics and Internet of Things (IoT)
- Artificial Intelligence
- Logistics & Supply chain
A team of specialised economic advisors is dedicated to identifying and attracting relevant businesses. They assist companies in setting up in the Atlantic France region, recruiting staff, and integrating into the ecosystem.
To simplify the process for the entrepreneurs, a single point of contact is assigned to each project. The representative draws on a wide range of expertise both within and beyond the regional agency. The support we offer is completely free, confidential, and tailor-made.
Business Solutions Atlantic France: roles and missions
Entrepreneurs face a wide range of challenges when starting a business, especially when venturing into international markets. From understanding local regulations to managing cultural nuances and navigating logistical hurdles, each step can be complex and time-consuming.
For many, unfamiliarity with foreign business environments can make decision-making daunting and may impact the long-term success of a venture.
Having access to expert support is therefore invaluable for overcoming these obstacles. Specialists in areas such as legal compliance, tax strategy, and market analysis provide essential knowledge, enabling entrepreneurs to focus on growth and innovation.
With the guidance of our local experts, founders can navigate these complexities more efficiently, allowing them to seize opportunities and build a solid foundation for their international business expansion.
Business Solutions Atlantic France offers support in:
- Real estate needs
- Financial measures
- Recruitment support and training
- Connecting with key people and organisations
- French legal, regulatory, and tax information
- Cost estimation for setting up in Atlantic France
Impact Program: special support for international industrial startups and scaleups
Our Impact Program offers a tailor-made comprehensive accelerator designed for your needs. As part of France 2030- a €30 billion national investment plan- €1 billion is dedicated to Atlantic France to invest in innovative technologies and services across the French industrial value chain for sustainable transformation and future development.
If your company is eligible, you can secure up to 15% of your project’s costs (excluding real estate), with a maximum of €1 million. This local funding covers both tangible and intangible expenses, free from tax burdens. You can choose a repayment period of seven to ten years, with deferred capital reimbursement for one to three years, depending on your needs. You receive funding immediately, with no restrictions on allocation.
Submit your project to Business Solutions Atlantic France and Impact Program regional partners to assess eligibility for regional financial support, and you’ll receive a response from the Regional Council within 72 hours. If your project is ineligible, other public financial support options will be explored.
Approved industrial startups and scaleups also receive free, tailored support from Business Solutions Atlantic France’s team, including connections with regional partners, throughout their project journey.
Business success stories in Atlantic France
Last year, Atlantic France was home to 82 new international investment projects, which is equivalent to almost one project every four days. In 2023, international investment in our region allowed for 4,656 jobs to be created or maintained, marking a 35% increase compared to 2022.
The most valuable feedback on our business setup services comes from those who have experienced them firsthand. Entrepreneurs who have benefited from our support emphasise the importance of having a knowledgeable and dedicated team guiding them through each step of their project. Their insights highlight the impact of tailored assistance in navigating local regulations, understanding market specifics, and establishing strategic connections with regional partners.
From quick responses to complex questions to hands-on assistance with administrative processes, our team’s commitment to each project is evident. This direct feedback reassures us that our approach is making a real difference, enabling entrepreneurs to focus on what matters most: building and expanding their business.
“The Impact Program helped us make key contacts in the industrial ecosystem of the western region of France, leading us to establish several partnerships within a matter of weeks. Looking back, the biggest benefit of joining the Impact Program was this access to immediate connections.”
Hugues Gontier, Cofounder and CMO of Vitesse Automation
“We’re delighted to be opening our first branch outside Switzerland, in the Atlantic France region. We were very impressed by the local representatives’ proactive approach and professionalism. The region’s determination to create an entire composites recycling value chain is an essential factor in our success.”
Guillaume Perben, CEO of Composite Recycling
“Many French customers in the offshore wind energy market are based in the Nantes and Saint-Nazaire area of the region. Nantes is less than one hour from the very first offshore wind farms built in France, as well as future wind farms in the Loire, Brittany, and Normandy regions.”
Audrey Leconte, European Business Development Manager of Farra Marine
“In 2021, we decided to settle in France because it was our second largest market. The advisor at the French embassy in Italy suggested we try the Impact Program. All our expectations were exceeded – the support we received was exceptional. They went above and beyond what we expected in terms of support, providing strategic suggestions and challenging our thinking. As a cherry on top of the cake, they even helped us sign a big customer.”
Bruno Gavarelli, CEO and co-founder of XNext
Ready to expand your business into Western France? Learn more about how Business Solutions Atlantic France can support your success!
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