Starting And Growing a Business – The Entrepreneur’s Global Guide

14 January 2013

If there’s one thing that Obama and Romney seemed to agree on in the last of their TV debates before the election, it’s that we need more entrepreneurs creating more jobs.

But, to borrow a sentiment from George Orwell’s famous satire, Animal Farm, all entrepreneurs are equal, but some are more equal than others.

Why? Because no matter how great your idea, no matter how much enthusiasm and energy you put behind it, your chances of success or failure may depend on where you choose to set up and develop your new venture. The world is not a level playing field and, whether we like it or not, it’s a fact some countries are much better than others at helping fledgling businesses turn into the Apple, Infosys or Facebook of the future

So which are the most entrepreneur friendly countries around the globe, and which are those most likely to stifle even the most promising new company?

For advice, I asked members of the World Entrepreneurship Forum, one of the most influential global networks of business owners, social entrepreneurs and industry experts created by KPMG and the EM Lyon Business School, along with Nanyang Technological University,  Zhejiang University, Only Lyon and Action Community for Entrepreneurship for in 2008. At the 2012 event, which takes place in Lyon this week, the focus of participants from over 70 countries is on entrepreneurial ecosystems, and the key success factors to promote entrepreneurial spirit in all fields of society.

Their opinions and recommendations may surprise, and even in some cases amuse you. And you never know, their country specific advice might even help you to become the next Jobs, Narayana Murthy or Zuckerberg.

So why not play your own part in building the next generation of global business leaders and social entrepreneurs, and let me have your opinions on what it’s like to set up and run a new company in your country. Send me your answers to the following questions, and I’ll incorporate the best ideas.

– What are the 3 main factors that make your country a good place to set up and run a business?

– What are the 3 main factors that make your country a good place to grow a business?

– What are the 3 main challenges that make your country a difficult place to set up and run a business?

And finally,

– What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking of starting a business in your country?