F/MS Top Startup Cities

5 min read

Tours, France #901

City Scores

City Total Score

0.14

Overall ranking score

Quality Score

0.02

Ecosystem quality rating

Quantity Score

0.01

Ecosystem size rating

Business Score

0.11

Business environment rating

Score Distribution

Score Comparison

MeanCEO Index Click to scroll to details

57

Startup Ecosystem in Tours πŸš€

TL;DR

Tours is ranked as the 901st city in the Global F/MS β€œBest Cities for Startups” Index. Known for its beautiful architecture and a rich cultural heritage, Tours is emerging as a supportive environment for innovative startups aiming to thrive.


Startup-Friendly Stuff πŸ“ˆ

1. Ease of Company Registration

  • Business Registration: Procedures are relatively straightforward, with online registration options available.
  • Startup Incentives: Local policies encourage tech innovation and offer supportive measures for new businesses.

2. Employment Law 🏒

  • Labor Regulations: Comprehensive employee protection laws, but navigating these can be complex for startups.
  • Hiring Foreign Talent: While opportunities exist, work permits are mandatory for non-EU countries.

3. Taxation πŸ’°

  • Corporate Tax Rate: Standard corporate tax rate around 25%, with potential reductions for startups in tech.
  • VAT Regulations: Competitive VAT rates, beneficial for service-oriented startups.

4. Quality of Life πŸŒ†

  • Living Standards: Attractive living conditions with a lower cost of living compared to larger cities.
  • Culture and Leisure: Access to rich cultural experiences, historical sites, and numerous parks.

5. Bureaucracy πŸ—‚οΈ

  • Ease of Navigation: Local bureaucracy is generally manageable, although some permits can be time-consuming.
  • Government Support: Various regional initiatives aimed at fostering local startups.

6. Visas for Entrepreneurs 🌍

  • Startup Visas & Permits: Procedures are streamlined for acquiring business visas for dynamic entrepreneurs.
  • Residency Options: Several options available for long-term stays, especially for foreign entrepreneurs willing to invest in local initiatives.

Startup Community 🀝

7. Networking Events

  • Regular local meetups, entrepreneurial workshops, and pitching competitions encourage collaboration and innovation.
  • Events often attract local investors and support from business networks.

8. Subsidies and Funding πŸ’΅

  • Government grants and assistance programs are in place specifically for tech and creative startups.
  • Additional funding programs and incentives available for early-stage companies.

9. Venture Capital (VC) Presence

  • Investments: While VC activity is less intense compared to larger cities, there are promising local investors looking to support startups.
  • Major Firms: Emerging local VC firms focused on technology and creativity sectors.

10. Incubators & Accelerators πŸš€

  • A growing number of incubators that offer services including mentorship and initial funding.
  • Programs often designed to assist startups in niche industries like culture, creativity, and tech.

Technology & Industry Priorities πŸ”§

  • Focus Areas: Emphasis on creative industries, digital technology, and sustainable development initiatives.
  • Government Initiatives: Supportive measures to encourage innovation in technology and social enterprises.

Business Culture πŸ™οΈ

  • Language: French is the primary business language; however, English is increasingly adopted in startups with an international focus.
  • Work Environment: Collaborative and community-oriented; there’s a supportive atmosphere for both new businesses and entrepreneurs.

General Pros and Cons βš–οΈ

Pros:

  • Lower cost of living compared to larger cities.
  • Strong community support and government initiatives.
  • Rich cultural heritage enhancing quality of life for locals and expats alike.

Cons:

  • Limited access to extensive venture capital compared to bigger cities.
  • Need for further development in infrastructure for high-tech industries.

Initiatives for Female Entrepreneurs πŸ‘©β€πŸ’Ό

  • Initiatives emerging that focus on empowering women in startup environments.
  • Networking events and funding opportunities tailored for female-led ventures.

Tours provides a unique blend of cultural richness and startup potential, making it an appealing choice for entrepreneurs looking for a supportive and dynamic place to establish their business. πŸš€

MeanCEO Index for Tours, France πŸš€

Tours is carving its niche as a supportive startup hub while offering a unique blend of culture and quality of life. Let’s delve into the MeanCEO Index score based on ten essential criteria that shape the entrepreneurial landscape for female entrepreneurs in Tours.


1. Weather β˜€οΈ

  • Score: 6/10
    • Tours enjoys a temperate climate with moderate sunshine throughout the year. Winters can be chilly, but the overall weather conditions are pleasant enough to facilitate outdoor networking events.

2. Location 🏞️

  • Score: 5/10
    • While not immediately coastal, Tours is located near the Loire River and is a short travel distance to the Atlantic coast. Access to nearby swimming spots is reasonable, but beach availability is limited compared to cities on the sea.

3. Women Friendly πŸ‘©β€πŸ’Ό

  • Score: 7/10
    • France, in general, has a progressive stance towards gender equality, with various initiatives supporting women in business. However, cultural nuances may still influence opportunities, and regional stereotypes persist.

4. Foreigners Friendly 🌍

  • Score: 6/10
    • Tours offers a generally welcoming atmosphere for foreigners, albeit with some challenges in integration. Social circles can be somewhat insular, making it more difficult for newcomers, especially women, to break in.

5. English as a Business Language πŸ“š

  • Score: 5/10
    • While many young professionals and entrepreneurs speak English, the primary business language remains French. This language barrier can pose challenges for non-French-speaking entrepreneurs.

6. Delicious Cuisine 🍷

  • Score: 9/10
    • Tours is renowned for its exceptional cuisine, reflecting rich French culinary traditions. The region is famous for its wines, and the local fare is generally healthy and flavorful, with a focus on fresh ingredients.

7. Ease of Getting Married and Starting a Family πŸ’

  • Score: 7/10
    • Tours offers a charming atmosphere for dating and family formation, with many attractive options. The relaxed lifestyle and cultural significance of family in France contribute positively to this criterion.

8. Medicine πŸ₯

  • Score: 6/10
    • Access to healthcare is adequate, although appointment availability may vary. France’s healthcare system is highly regarded but can sometimes have longer waiting times for non-urgent care.

9. Ease of Transportation & Traveling 🚍

  • Score: 6/10
    • Tours has decent public transportation options, including buses and trains linking to larger cities, but lacks extensive services like subways. An international airport isn’t directly in the city, and travel often requires connections.

10. Startup Mindset πŸ’‘

  • Score: 7/10
    • The startup culture is growing, with a supportive community ready to embrace innovation. However, there remains a traditional mindset in some sectors, which can occasionally inhibit risk-taking.

MeanCEO Index Score: 57/100 πŸŽ‰

Tours, France presents a quaint yet promising environment for female entrepreneurs. While it has its challenges, such as language barriers and moderate access to venture capital, the strong cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and supportive community create a charming backdrop for launching and growing businesses. As the local startup ecosystem continues to evolve, Tours has much to offer for those seeking an inspiring place to innovate.

Happy entrepreneurship! πŸš€