France has arrived where it was least expected: it is now 1st in the European Union in terms of company start-ups, and 2nd in Europe for innovation capital investment.
While often considered far removed fromentrepreneurship, France has succeeded in developing a number of support structures for business leaders, fostering the rise of a new generation of entrepreneurs in higher education establishments.
Although its success is relative to that of the USA and China, France has become a leading European player in business start-ups.
Here is our top list of cities where it's good to do business
The Lyon metropolitan area is determined to create an economic ecosystem conducive to start-ups and innovation.
Above all, the public authorities are working hand in hand with private players to promote economic growth in the region: Aderly, the agency in charge of economic development, has taken part in several trips to Japan and the United States to help local business leaders open up new international opportunities.
The "Grand Lyon, l'esprit d'entreprise" program works in collaboration with local training centers to create new generations ofdynamic entrepreneurs.
France's second-largest research cluster, it has been instrumental in the creation of a number of competitions to reward innovation, such as Lyon Start Up and Big Booster.
Between 2004 and 2014, the number of companies in Lyon increased by more than 120%, and the number of business incubators increased by a factor of 17.
Lille is renowned for its openness to Europe and its entrepreneurial dynamism. As Europe's richest consumer region , with 78 million consumers and 1,500 billion euros of purchasing power within a 300 km radius, Lille boasts a number of economic assets, particularly in the automotive, transport and logistics sectors.
France's third-largest university cluster, more than 80 research and innovation centers drive business activity throughout the region.
It is close to three capital cities thanks to efficient air and rail links: Paris, Brussels and London can all be reached in less than an hour and a half.
The region has set up a number of important support systems , such as Picom, a competitiveness cluster for the retail industry, and i-Trans, which promotes the development of sustainable ground transportation.
The Pink City benefits from the dynamism of the "Entreprendre Midi Pyrénées " business network, and the particularly noteworthy dynamism of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Entrepreneurs will find a number of teams specializing in financing, international development and innovation.
In 2012, it won the "Terre d'entrepreneurs" award , and is buoyed by the creation of several fast-growing tertiary districts (Toulouse Balma, Borderouge, Montaudran Aerospace, etc.), the creation of the Parc des Expositions, and the delivery of almost 10,000 square meters of new office space at the end of 2016. Theaeronautics market is particularly well developed here, with over 800 companies and 25% of French jobs in the space sector.
Bordeaux is reaping the benefits of a vast urban renewal program, whose vitality is spreading to the entire economic sphere. Priority is given to the growth of digital and innovative companies, on which many structures in the digital, aeronautical and laser sectors are surfing.
Happy Capital is one of the leading equity crowdfunding platforms for the real estate sector, alongside mycapital.immo and happylend.com for business loans.
Several major incubators such as 3Entrepreneurs, Héméra and Digit'Halles welcome French Tech start-ups.
According to the rankings compiled by L'Entreprise-L'Expansion and Ellisphere, Bordeaux was the 4th most entrepreneurial city in France in 2016. It still boasts a record business start-up rate of 17.7%, while the French average plateaued at 14% in 2014.
The French capital offers unprecedented business opportunities for new companies. Its size, mix and cohabitation of all business sectors make it an ideal location for a wide range of projects.
The diversity of its population and businesses means that every entrepreneur can find his or her target audience.
The City of Light leads France in terms of business incubators, fund-raising to encourage growth, and support services.
The Entrepreneur #Leader network offers a unique pathway for entrepreneurs to realize their project. Based on a three-pronged support package comprising several hours of advice from a team of specialized professionals, the search for financing and day-to-day business management support, it is free and accessible to all.
Major partners such as the BGE Ile-de-France network, the CCI Paris Ile-de-France, Initiative Ile-de-France, ADIE and France Active Ile-de-France are actively involved in this project.
Often reputed to be a centralized country, France has succeeded in developing multiple growth opportunities for entrepreneurs throughout its territory. Many provincial cities are now even more attractive than Paris.
It all depends on your sector of activity and the vision you wish to develop for the success of your project.
Written by our expert Paul LASBARRERES-CANDAU
December 17, 2019
