Lisbon’s Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: A Guide for Aspiring Business Owners

Lisbon’s Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: A Guide for Aspiring Business Owners

Lisbon has emerged as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs, offering a wealth of resources and programs designed to support the creation and growth of new businesses. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner seeking to expand, understanding the available support systems can be instrumental in your success.

Lisboa Empreende+

One of the cornerstone initiatives is Lisboa Empreende+, a program promoted by the Lisbon City Council aimed at bolstering the city’s entrepreneurial fabric. This inclusive program offers free support to individuals and companies looking to develop profitable activities within Lisbon. Services include business consultancy, assistance in drafting business plans, and facilitation of access to funding and training programs. Notably, Lisboa Empreende+ has supported over 1,700 projects, leading to the creation of more than 198 new companies and over 560 direct jobs. Learn more about Lisboa Empreende+

BGI Accelerator

For startups focusing on deep tech solutions, the BGI Accelerator offers an 11-year international program that provides expert coaching, bootcamps, and mentorship. This accelerator is a spin-out of the MIT Portugal Entrepreneurship Initiative and supports tech-based solutions addressing global challenges. Explore the BGI Accelerator

Made of Lisboa

Another valuable resource is Made of Lisboa, an initiative by the Lisbon City Council to support the community of entrepreneurs and innovators. Made of Lisboa offers a comprehensive platform that maps out the ecosystem, connects entrepreneurs with relevant players, shares trustworthy content, and promotes events to bring people together. Their projects include growth programs, soft-landing programs for foreign entrepreneurs, and support for startup jobs in Portugal. Discover Made of Lisboa

SEED Project

For younger aspiring entrepreneurs, the SEED Project is an innovative initiative that awakens and boosts the entrepreneurial spirit among students from grades 9 to 12. It focuses on developing essential skills such as creativity, autonomy, and teamwork, preparing them for the future by bringing the school closer to the world of work, especially in technological and creative areas. Learn about the SEED Project

Lisbon’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship is evident through these diverse programs and resources. By leveraging these opportunities, aspiring business owners can navigate the city’s dynamic economic landscape and contribute to its thriving business community.