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EDITORIAL

Portugal sows its future

Seeds of faith are always within us; sometimes it takes a crisis to nourish and encourage their growth.
Susan Taylor

According to an assessment by the Federal Statistical Office, between 2000 and 2004 were incorporated in Switzerland 57,000 new businesses that employ about 120,000 people. This gives an average of 14,250 new companies a year. 80% of businesses survive their first year, 72% in the second. 54% remain after four years. The survival rate in the secondary sector is generally higher than in the tertiary sector.

In Portugal, between January and April 2011 were incorporated 13,124 new companies. In four months Portugal has reached 92% of the Swiss annual average (2000-2004). If this trend continues, it will go in 2011 reaching almost three times the Swiss average for the establishment of new businesses.

Besides the bad news that we currently receive on a daily basis, these figures are encouraging. They are due to a number of factors. One is surely the new measure of the Simplex program to eliminate the need of a share capital of EUR 5,000 for setting up a new business.

Another more profound is the crisis that forces people out of their comfort zone and take them to bet on their own ideas.

In fact, these statistics show the entrepreneurial spirit of a new generation that wants to take the reins in their own hands. This is a reality, although still some political parties continue to live in a world where there are only patrons (= the dangerous guys) and employees (= the oppressed victims).

As the statistics also show, many new entrepreneurs fail. Although these situations always cause a negative impact on the lives of those affected, worse than failing is not trying. Trying and failing is not a shame nor is it an end. It is said that to Americans having experienced failing is even part of a good CV. What counts is the willingness to move from the idea to the action.
Let me cite Susan Taylor again:
Use the missteps stepping as stones to deeper understanding and great achievement.

Gregor Zemp
General Secretary