Business Compass startup programme

Business Compass is a free startup programme for people with a foreign background living in Viken. The programme, which is hosted by Norges Vel / Etablerertjenesten in Follo, includes:

• 4 full-day seminars with topics including company structure, legal requirements and reporting duties regarding taxation and accounting, business development, marketing management, selling and networking in Norway (Viken and Oslo region)

• Access to an online platform for self-study of essential business course modules as well as access to a multitude of startup tools

• Access to a live digital business plan

• Dedicated mentor for close follow-up of participants

• Introduction into network opportunities in Viken

More information: www.businesscompass.no

Næringsfaglig vurdering (Business assessment)

If you are unemployed and receive unemployment benefits, you can apply to keep the unemployment benefits for up to 12 months (9 months if you have an AAP) when you start your own business. In order to apply to NAV for retaining the unemployment benefits during establishment, NAV requires that you must have a so-called "Næringsfaglig vurdering" (business assessment). This is an assessment carried out by Etablerertjenesten in Follo, and the price is NOK 1,250, including VAT.

What kind of requirements are there for "Næringsfaglig vurdering"?

• The business must be new - taking over an existing business is not regarded as the establishment of a new business. The date of registration of the company is not decisive for whether the business can be considered new. If you go from one form of company to another, but operate immediately, this is also not considered a new business.

• Commission-based activities are not supported as this is not considered a new activity. This is considered an expansion of existing business.

• If several people want to establish a new business together, the one or those of the founders who receive unemployment benefits must together have an ownership share in the business of more than 50 per cent.

Næringsfaglig vurdering" (Business assessment) should preferably be made where the business is established, and not where the founder resides. That is, if, for example, you live in the district of Follo and are going to start a business elsewhere, you must check who makes business professional assessments where you intend to establish the business.

How to proceed to apply for a business assessment

This is what the process for carrying out a professional assessment looks like:

• You clarify with your local NAV supervisor that you will be able to qualify for this scheme.

• You order a professional assessment from Etablerertjenesten here. (information in Norwegian only) You must upload a business plan and CV.

• We will meet with you either in a video meeting or in our office to discuss your idea.

• We send an invoice in VIPPS or on EHF of NOK. 1250. When this has been paid, a screenshot is taken of the receipt which is then sent to Etablerertjenesten in Follo via e-mail etablerer@norgesvel.no

• You will then receive the business assessment (næringsfaglig vurdering) sent by e-mail. This will then be used in further communication with its local NAV supervisor

Read more about NAV's scheme Unemployment benefits during the establishment of your own business here (information in Norwegian only)

Information about starting up a business in Norway

Altinn Starte og Drive bedrift

We reccomend you to take a look at Altinn Starte og Drive bedrift website first https://www.altinn.no/en/start-and-run-business/ You will find a lot of relevant and useful information on this site.

The Norwegian tax administration(Skatteetaten)

The Norwegian Tax Administration is responsible for taxes and VAT. You can find more information here: https://www.skatteetaten.no/en/business-and-organisation/start-and-run/

Innovasjon Norge

Innovation Norway support companies in developing their competitive advantage and to enhance innovation. Norwegian enterprises have access to a broad business support system as well as financial means. Innovation Norway provides competence, advisory services, promotional services and network services. The marketing of Norway as a tourist destination is also considered one of the organizations important tasks. By combining local industry knowledge and international networks with the business ideas and the motivation of entrepreneurs, the foundation for new successful businesses is created. Innovation Norway is the Norwegian government's official trade representative abroad.

More info on https://www.innovasjonnorge.no/en/start-page/