The city of Arras has a rich history and strong cultural identity, as well as a dynamic economy that’s constantly evolving. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to set up your business in Arras, you’ve made a wise choice. In this article, we’ll look at the steps involved in setting up a business in Arras, as well as the advantages and opportunities the city offers entrepreneurs.
Market research
The first step in setting up a business in Arras is to carry out thorough market research. This will enable you to better understand the needs and desires of your target audience, as well as current market trends. It’s also important to find out about growth sectors and investment opportunities in Arras. Market research can be carried out online, using a variety of platforms and tools, or by visiting the area to meet people and businesses. It can also be useful to contact local trade associations for information and advice.
Business plan
Once you’ve done your market research, it’s time to write your business plan. A business plan is a document that describes your company, its mission, objectives, strategy, business model, financing plan and financial forecasts. The business plan must be clear, concise and complete. It should include information on competitors, potential customers, suppliers and partners. It’s important to highlight your company’s competitive advantages, which set it apart from others in the market.
draw up a business plan
Choice of legal structure
Choosing the right legal structure is an important step in setting up a business in Arras. There are several possible legal forms, such as SARL, SAS, EURL or SASU. Each has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of liability, taxation, formalities and costs. It is advisable to consult a chartered accountant or a lawyer specialized in business law to help you choose the most appropriate legal structure for your company.
Administrative formalities
Once you’ve chosen the legal structure for your business, you need to register with the relevant administrative authorities. This may include registering with the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés, obtaining a SIRET number, taking out professional liability insurance and so on. It’s important to respect deadlines and requirements for administrative formalities to avoid delays or penalties.
Financing your business
Financing is a crucial step in setting up a business in Arras (as elsewhere, of course) and it can be difficult to find the funds you need to launch and grow your business, especially if you don’t have a personal contribution or collateral. There are several financing options for entrepreneurs in Arras, such as grants, bank loans, private investment or incubation programs. Grants can be awarded by local, regional or national authorities to support innovative companies or companies in specific sectors. Bank loans can be obtained from local or national banks, but require a solid business plan and often specific criteria (personal to the manager or linked to the business). Private investment can be obtained from business angels investment funds or commercial partners, but you need to present a promising and convincing project. Incubation programs can offer financial, technical and commercial support to young start-ups, but are often subject to strict conditions.
Some specific local aids
Initiative Grand Arras offers honor loans to entrepreneurs wishing to set up or expand their business in Arras and the surrounding area. Loans range from €3,000 to €25,000, and are repayable over a period of two to five years, without interest or collateral, based on a sound business plan and an assessment of the project’s viability. Initiative Grand Arras also offers personalized support to start-up entrepreneurs, including advice, training and networking. The honor loans offered by Initiative Grand Arras have several advantages for entrepreneurs. Firstly, they enable them to finance part of their project without having to provide guarantees or put their personal assets at risk. In addition, honor loans can be supplemented by other sources of financing, such as grants, bank loans, private investors, etc.
Investor exchanges such as Cigales
CIGALES (Club d’Investisseurs pour une Gestion Alternative et Locale de l’Epargne Solidaire) are associations of investors whose aim is to support local, solidarity-based projects. CIGALES are present in many regions of France, including Arras. CIGALES operate like investment clubs, where members come together to invest their savings in local projects that correspond to their values and convictions. Each month, CIGALES members contribute to a common fund, which is used to finance projects in their creation or development phase. Projects financed by CIGALES must meet certain criteria, such as being innovative, creating local jobs, taking environmental and social issues into account, and so on. Selected projects are presented to CIGALES members, who then decide on the investment to be made. CIGALES offer several advantages for start-up entrepreneurs in Arras. Firstly, they offer access to alternative, solidarity-based financing, which can complement traditional sources of funding such as bank loans or grants. In addition, CIGALES offer support and advice to entrepreneurs, as they are involved in the project as investors.
Artois Entreprendre
Artois Entreprendre is an association that supports entrepreneurs and project leaders in Arras and the surrounding area. The association offers several types of assistance and services for entrepreneurs, including :
- Personalized support : This is an offer of personalized support for start-up entrepreneurs, including advice, training, networking, etc. ;
- Subsidies : Artois Entreprendre can help entrepreneurs find and apply for public or private grants to finance their project. The association can also help entrepreneurs draw up grant applications and follow administrative procedures ;
- Honor loans : The structure can offer honor loans to start-up entrepreneurs to help them finance their projects.
These loans are repayable over a period of two to five years, without interest or guarantee ; - Incubation : The organization can offer incubation programs for start-up entrepreneurs. These programs include financial, technical and business support, as well as access to equipped offices and secretarial services ;
- Training courses : Artois Entreprendre regularly organizes training courses for entrepreneurs on subjects such as financial management, human resources management, communication, marketing and more.
Even for retailers, digital is important
Support for project owners from the CCI, BGE or CMA
The CCI (Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie), the BGE (Boutique de Gestion) and the Chambre de Métiers et de l’Artisanat (Chamber of Trades and Crafts) are organizations that offer support to start-up entrepreneurs in Arras and surrounding towns, whether they are taking over a business, setting up a business or looking for a new job.
- The Arras CCI offers services to businesses of all sizes and in all sectors, including start-ups. The services offered by the CCI include personalized advice, training, networking, market research and more. The CCI can also help entrepreneurs find financing for their projects, by providing information on the various sources of finance available ;
- The Arras BGE is an organization that helps entrepreneurs create and develop their businesses. The BGE offers personalized support, training, advice, contacts with local partners, administrative support and more. The BGE can also help entrepreneurs find financing for their project, by directing them to the sources of funding best suited to their situation ;
- The Chambre de Métiers et de l’Artisanat d’Arras offers support services to artisans and craft businesses. The services offered by the Chambre de Métiers include personalized advice, training, networking and administrative support. The Chambre de Métiers can also help artisans and craft businesses find financing for their projects, by directing them to the sources of funding best suited to their sector of activity.
Location of new company
Your company’s location is a key factor in its success in Arras. The city boasts a number of business parks, such as the Zone Industrielle Est, the Porte Nord business park, the Saint-Laurent-Blangy artisanal park, and more.
It’s important to choose a location that suits your business in terms of accessibility, visibility, proximity to customers, suppliers and partners. It’s also important to consider the costs of renting, buying or building premises, as well as town planning regulations and environmental standards. Always consult the PLU (Plan local d’Urbanisme) if you need to set up a business, and the CUA can also be very useful for a first contact. Arras has a number of shopping streets that attract local visitors and tourists alike. The streets considered the most commercial in Arras are the following:
- Rue Gambetta : Rue Gambetta is Arras’ main shopping street. It is lined with stores selling clothes, shoes, jewelry, perfumes and more. There are also bars, restaurants and cafés ;
- Rue Saint-Aubert : Rue Saint-Aubert is a street where cars travel in the direction of the station (and Rue Gambetta). It’s lined with souvenir stores, bookshops, decorating stores and more ;
- Rue des Trois-Visages : Rue des Trois-Visages is a small pedestrian street linking the Grand’Place to Rue Gambetta. It’s lined with stores selling clothes, shoes, leather goods and more ;
- Rue de la Taillerie : Rue de la Taillerie is a pedestrian street in the historic center of Arras. It is lined with antique stores, art galleries, souvenir boutiques and more.
Of course, other streets are not without interest (rue Baudimont, rue Méaulens in the heart of an original district, avenue Ferdinand Lobedez, etc.).
Focus on the agri-food cluster of excellence
Arras’ cluster of excellence in agri-food is a major opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to create and develop their business in this field. The town is located in a rich and diversified agricultural region, making it an important center for the processing and marketing of agricultural products. The presence of renowned companies such as Bonduelle, Cocorette, McCain, Pasquier, Maître Prunille, etc., in the region creates a favorable ecosystem.
create a favorable ecosystem for agri-food entrepreneurs.
These companies have developed significant skills and know-how in various fields, such as production, processing, logistics, marketing and so on. They can share their experience with start-up entrepreneurs and help them establish partnerships and networks. In addition, the region has a skilled and specialized agri-food workforce, which is an asset for companies looking to recruit talent. Local authorities and professional associations also offer training and advisory programs for entrepreneurs looking to enter the agri-food business.
Finally, the region offers significant logistical advantages for agri-food businesses, such as access to modern infrastructure, efficient transport networks, international ports and airports (with Lesquin nearby), etc.
This enables companies to connect easily with suppliers and customers, as well as to penetrate new markets.
Networking
Networking is an important aspect of setting up a business in Arras. It’s essential to build relationships with other entrepreneurs, professional associations, local institutions and potential partners. There are many networking events in Arras, such as trade shows, conferences, workshops, informal get-togethers, etc., which can be initiated by the city or by private companies. It’s important to take part in these events to exchange ideas, experiences and contacts.
To conclude
Setting up a business in Arras can be an exciting and rewarding adventure for entrepreneurs, and we hope this short guide from our practical life section will help. However, it requires careful preparation, thorough market research, a solid business plan, an appropriate legal structure, rigorous administrative formalities, adequate financing, a strategic location and effective networking. The city of Arras offers many advantages to entrepreneurs, such as its favorable geographical location, economic dynamism, sector diversity, modern infrastructure, cultural environment and network of economic players. So it’s important to take advantage of all these factors to ensure the success of your business in Arras.
R.C.
