Who to contact to create a brand?

You've been thinking about it and have decided to take your entrepreneurial journey further by setting up an online business, or perhaps you're looking for ways to make money from home in order to spend more time with family. You may be wondering whether there are any different options available that can help you get started on this exciting new path. In short, yes! There is nothing stopping foreign entrepreneurs from creating their own companies within the borders of France.

However, if you don't already have a lawyer registered at the Notaire's office in France where you will reside, then before doing anything else you need to find out what kind of legal structure you want to use. This article explains how to choose which type of entity one should opt for when creating a limited liability company (Société Anonyme) or a partnership (Partenariat), as well as some other types of structures, such as the "Collective Interest Company" (Compagnie de Responsabilités Limitée).

In general terms, each type of organization has its pros and cons but also requires certain formalities in order to operate legally within the country. The main difference lies in the fact that SAGEPs (the acronym standing for Société d'Auteur et Garanties en Evidences Physiques - Limited Liability Companies) offer greater flexibility than ordinary partnerships because they are not required to follow strict rules regarding capital contributions and dividends. However, these advantages come at the expense of being less reliable since they lack the usual guarantees offered by regular companies. Partnerships can therefore provide better protection against creditors while still offering significant tax savings thanks to specific provisions provided by the law. They too however require careful management so as to avoid running into administrative problems later down the line. Finally, Collective Interest Companies are designed specifically for those who wish to keep control over day-to-day operations without having to worry about complying with complex regulations. As long as they adhere to relevant guidelines, CICs enjoy considerable freedom in operating as they see fit.

So now that we know what type of business we would like to start, let us move onto discussing the most important step in establishing our new venture: choosing a corporate name. Once again, there are various things to consider depending on the nature of the firm. For example, it makes sense to select a name that appeals to customers rather than something generic and bland, especially considering the high level of professionalism expected in today's digital world. Another good reason for picking a catchy moniker is that it helps promote awareness among potential investors. It could even become part of a marketing strategy tailored towards boosting sales through social media channels. After all, people tend to remember names better than words. So, once we have decided upon the name, it’s time to register it with the CNMV (Commission Nationale des Medias Composites – National Media Composite Commission).

The next thing to think about is determining the nationality of the founder(s). If you plan to hire employees, you will need to apply for the right to work under the French labor code. Even though many countries allow dual citizenship, it might not be wise to assume that you automatically retain both nationalities after becoming established in France. Unless you intend to relocate abroad permanently, it is advisable to pick just one nationality and stick to it. Therefore, unless you only ever plan on staying put in Paris, it would probably be wiser to declare yourself as French rather than holding dual citizenship.

Finally, we mustn't forget to decide on the number of shares that we'd like to issue. Ideally, we'll want to go ahead with 100 percent ownership but this isn't always possible due to local laws and restrictions imposed by shareholders. Thus, it's crucial to check with your accountant prior to making any decisions.

Now that we've settled all the basics, we can proceed to selecting the appropriate organizational form. Let's begin with SAGEPs. These entities were created by amending existing legislation, namely articles 4125 and 5114 of the Civil Code. Their foundation stems directly from the principle of equality between owners, meaning that no shareholder can benefit disproportionately from profits generated by the enterprise. Each member receives equal rights regardless of the amount invested. On top of this, SAGEPs are typically managed democratically by members sitting on the board of directors.

Next, we turn to partnerships. Although they bear similarities to traditional non-profit organizations, partnerships differ in two key respects. First, unlike SAGEPs, partners cannot freely withdraw funds whenever they feel like it. Second, despite sharing the same basic principles governing equity, partnerships are governed by very different statutes, including articles 1256 to 1259 of the Partnership Act. Unlike SAGEPs, partners are liable for all liabilities arising from fraudulent activities carried out during the course of the deal.

Moving on, we arrive at Collective Interest Companies (CICs). These forms of commercial organization are unique insofar as they fall outside of the normal regulatory framework covering corporations and partnerships. Instead, CICs rely mainly on self-regulation. Like partnerships, CICs function according to standard Articles de Construction adopted by the founding members. To qualify as a CIC, a group needs to comply with a series of requirements laid down in Article 8051 of the Commercial Codes. Amongst them are criteria relating to governance, transparency, financial stability, etc. Lastly, we reach the final section of this article: opening a company in France. Here we discuss the procedures necessary to establish a private limited liability company or a partnership in France.

To officially launch a company in France, the first thing to do is secure registration at the Courbevoie City Hall via Form UMSQP 008/UIF/RRCF. Next, obtain a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation using the aforementioned form along with proof of payment of incorporation fees. One last piece of advice worth mentioning is to ensure that your documents conform to the latest standards concerning format, style, language, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and overall appearance. Failure to meet these specifications could result in rejection of your application.

Lastly, it goes without saying that it's essential to consult a qualified attorney familiar with the intricacies of forming a business in France. A professional advisor can guide you throughout every stage of the process, from drafting agreements to filing annual reports. He or she will also advise you on matters pertaining to succession planning, employment contracts, intellectual property issues, etc.

As far as obtaining employee status goes, it's recommended that you seek guidance from an independent expert specializing in human resources related matters. By registering a branch establishment in France, you will gain access to numerous benefits aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship amongst young people. Some examples include low taxes, generous maternity leave, childcare subsidies, free education courses, etc. Moreover, under current laws, anyone residing in France for six months or longer qualifies to run his or her own business here. This means that the cost of living in France is comparable to that experienced elsewhere in Western Europe. Of note, the unemployment rate hovers around 9%, compared to 11% in England and 13% in Germany.

Can a foreigner create a company in France?

Foreigners aren't barred from starting businesses in France. However, there are some notable differences between nationals and expats when it comes to organizing themselves. Most notably, foreigners wishing to incorporate a limited liability company or a partnership in France must possess dual citizenship. Furthermore, they must live in France indefinitely. Expats who wish to remain employed locally must either relocate overseas or relinquish their French citizenship. Last, but certainly not least, it's mandatory for everyone participating in the venture to sign a contract stating that he or she won't hold stock in the venture. In addition, it's imperative to draw up a confidentiality agreement outlining the roles played by founders, advisors, managers, and others involved in the project. Without proper documentation, conflicts of interest can arise down the road.

How do I set up a French company?

Setting up a company in France consists primarily of three major stages: formation, administration, and operation. During the initial phase, known as 'formation', a team led by a certified public accountant drafts the Articles de Constitution, sets up bank accounts, obtains licenses, files paperwork, and prepares internal controls. Then, based on the results obtained, the accountants prepare a balance sheet and income statement showing the assets and debts of the newly formed company respectively. Following this, the founding members elect officers and determine voting power. Afterwards, they file additional papers at the Courbevoie City hall. At the end of the second year, the president annually submits an accounting report detailing revenues and expenses incurred over the previous twelve months.

Can foreigners set up company in France?

Yes, foreigners are allowed to set up limited liability companies or partnerships in France. But before proceeding, it's prudent to research the applicable laws and regulations surrounding the matter. Unfortunately, the specifics vary considerably across regions. Foreigners interested in launching a business in the south of France should contact the DSTI (Direction Régionale pour la sécurité du Travail Intérimaire) located in Poitiers. Meanwhile, residents of northern areas should look into contacting the MSAJ (Maison Sociales Assistance Juridique) headquartered in Lille. Since the goal of this article was to provide a broad overview of the topic, we recommend consulting professionals who specialize in advising foreign clients on incorporating firms in France.

When starting an online business, there is one thing that must be done before launching your product or service on the market: register it as a trademark and obtain a patent for intellectual property protection. This will protect both yourself and your customers from any illegal use of your products' name, logo...

But what if you want to launch your own e-commerce website with no legal background? In this case, you need another solution, which allows you to sell without having to apply for patents and trademarks. You may have heard about 'branding', but do not know how to go about creating a brand. Here's everything you need to know.

If you're looking for more information about registering a trademark and obtaining a sirené (sirené number), check out our other articles.

In order to understand the concept of branding, we first have to define its meaning. According to Merriam Webster dictionary, branding means "to make distinctive by special qualities". It also gives two examples : Coca Cola and Kleenex. Brand names evoke certain feelings within us. They often represent a specific image associated with quality. And they allow us to easily identify them. For example when someone says "I like Coke", everyone knows what he/she means even if there was nothing said about the taste.

A branded company has been defined as "one who uses advertising to associate his goods and services in such a way as to create public awareness". A good example would be Apple computer. The famous apple icon represents their company. When people see it, they immediately think of Apple computers. Another definition states that "the purpose of branding is to distinguish companies from competitors through a common identity". To illustrate, Nike creates iconic images to attract attention. Their swoosh is well known worldwide. Whenever someone sees this symbol, they instantly picture Nike shoes.

So why should you care about branding at all? Because once you've established a brand, you'll gain greater control over your sales. Your customers will remember your product, and you won't risk losing them due to competition. Also, since consumers recognize brands, businesses using these tools could increase their profits.

All right so far? Let's now move onto practical applications of branding. How to create a brand? Here are some things worth considering.

1) Choose a unique design based on your niche

This step is crucial because you cannot just take anyone's idea and call it yours. Make sure to choose something original. Think long and hard, don't rush into anything. If you decide to follow trends, try to stay away from clichés. Look at successful websites that stand out from others. Pick up ideas from those sites. Don't copy them completely though! Just incorporate the most relevant parts. Try to avoid anything too similar to existing designs, especially those belonging to big corporations. Remember, you're competing against giants.

2) Research keywords related to your site

You already have a great domain name picked out. Now find out what people search for when trying to reach your site. Use Google AdWords keyword tool to discover popular topics related to your industry. Then focus on building content around these terms. Write blog posts, add videos and pictures. Eventually, visitors will start recognizing your presence. That's called establishing authority. After time passes, these users will come back regularly, possibly converting into buyers.

3) Create a strong USP

Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is essentially your selling point. It identifies exactly why your clients should buy from you rather than your competitor. What makes your offering better than theirs? Why did your client choose you instead of your neighbor? Keep in mind that the stronger your USP, the easier it becomes to compete.

4) Build credibility

According to Harvard Business Review, 80% of buyer decision making process starts after seeing third party endorsements. So establish trust among potential buyers by showing consistency between your actions and words. Credibility comes down to experience. Give testimonials on your landing page. Add social proof, i.e. links pointing to reviews of your work. Post comments on blogs where your target audience hangs out. Provide guarantees. Do whatever possible to convince visitors that you're reliable.

5) Develop a recognizable voice

Brand personality is essential here. Customers tend to remember voices. Hence, you should speak clearly and confidently. Avoid slang language and jargon. Be friendly yet professional. Talk about benefits, not features. Speak slowly and pronounce each word distinctly. Leave space between sentences. Never ramble. Take breaks every 20 minutes.

6) Establish an emotional connection

People respond to emotions. Thus, you shouldn't concentrate solely on facts and figures. Instead, appeal directly to your customer's heartstrings. Show empathy towards your viewers. Tell stories. Share personal experiences. Encourage interaction. Present your goals and achievements honestly. People relate to success stories. Start conversations. Ask opinions. Answer questions. All of these activities help build rapport between you and your followers.

7) Always deliver value

Once you set a goal to achieve, you should keep working toward making it happen. But don't forget to offer extras. Offer free shipping, discounts, gift certificates etc. These perks encourage repeat purchases, and thus, greater income.

8) Treat your customers right

Finally, treat guests respectfully. Respond quickly whenever contacted. Thank them for visiting. Send messages to new subscribers or fans. Return emails promptly. No matter what happens, always stick to your principles. Never compromise.

Now let's talk about four key points of branding. As mentioned above, these points are very important. However, many entrepreneurs ignore them altogether.

The first point deals with the choice of color scheme. Color plays a huge role in attracting attention. Colors act as symbols. Certain colors signify creativity while others connote wealth. Blue suggests calmness and intelligence. Red relates to passion and energy. Yellow communicates friendliness and cheerfulness. Green denotes balance and healthiness. Orange stands for fun and excitement. Black speaks about sophistication and power. Brown indicates stability and security. White conveys purity and cleanliness. Finally, black and white suggest professionalism and neutrality.

Next, pick a font style that suits your needs. Fonts play an equally critical role in deciding whether your message gets read or ignored. Using fonts that aren't readable might discourage readers. On the contrary, choosing ones that are easy to read attracts attention. Serif fonts convey seriousness. Sans serif versions appear modern. Scripted types look elegant. Comic sans appears playful. Fancy fonts show high class. Meanwhile, bold styles grab immediate attention. Thin fonts emphasize simplicity.

Last but certainly not least, pay close attention to your layout and structure. Visual cues provide clues regarding overall tone and feel. Therefore, place all necessary navigation buttons near the top left corner of your screen. Visitors usually spend less than 15 seconds reading web pages. Ensure that this time span is exceeded within 2 seconds max. Place banner ads wherever appropriate. Pay extra attention to aesthetics. Professionalism goes a long way.

After completing these 8 basic steps, you will certainly notice improvements in traffic generation. With proper planning and execution, you will soon enjoy increased revenues.

We hope you enjoyed learning about how to create a brand. Feel free to share your thoughts with us below.

Do you want to set up your own company or become an entrepreneur? Creating a brand can help you find success and bring recognition. It's important that your business has its own identity, but how should you proceed? Who will support you throughout this process? Here are some tips on who to contact when creating a new company.

There are two main ways to start a business in France: by yourself (entrepreneurship) or with a limited liability partnership (SRLP). Depending on your circumstances, there may be other options available depending on where you live. For example, if you need advice about taxation issues, we have a dedicated article here.

If you're ready to go alone, read our articles on what to consider before starting your business in France or learn more about entrepreneurship. If you prefer a partner, see our guide to setting up an SRLP below.

Who to contact for business creation?

You must decide whether you'll work individually or as part of a group. The first step is therefore to choose which approach suits you most. Here are the people you should talk to during your research.

A lawyer experienced in French commercial law will advise you about legal procedures and obligations related to establishing your company in France. You should also ask your accountant about tax matters. To protect intellectual property rights, consult a specialist IP attorney. Finally, if necessary, consult an expert in finance.

Once you've decided on your model, contact the relevant authorities at least one year ahead of time so they don't miss their deadlines. In particular, you must apply within six months after opening your bank account.

The next step is to draft contracts between partners. Drafting these documents is not always easy. An attorney specializing in corporate law or a certified translator can provide assistance. However, make sure that each contract addresses the specific needs of your company. Your lawyer will review them for consistency.

Depending on your requirements, you might also hire a public relations firm to improve media visibility and attract investors. This type of agency typically offers services such as event organization, press releases, social network management, etc..

Note that certain types of companies cannot open without being registered under a trade name. See our article on choosing a trading name for further information.

Finally, you may wish to employ a marketing consultant. Whether you use external agencies or not, we recommend that you engage a professional marketer early on. Marketing consultants generally offer expertise across different areas including website design, SEO, branding, reputation management, PR, digital strategy, social networking... They know how to position your product or service effectively.

For entrepreneurs, we recommend seeking out advisors who specialize in your industry. Most experts charge fees based on hours worked rather than salary. Therefore, you won't pay a fixed price over the course of several years like employees often do.

How do I register my business in France?

Registering a company requires you to submit various forms to the Ministry of Economy, Industry & Trade ("MEIT").

Form AR-1 - Application de Résiliation

This form is used to dissolve old companies that no longer exist. MEIT sends the application directly to the registrar. After completing Form AR-1, you'll receive instructions from the registry.

Form AR-2 - Declaration d'activité Réglementaire

This document certifies that the company exists and lists those involved in the enterprise. Once filled out, send the completed file to MEIT along with a copy of your incorporation papers.

Form AR-3 - Liste des Actionnaires et du Comptable

In addition to listing shareholders, this form details board members and managers. Send a signed version to MEIT.

Form AR-4 - Section déclarative sur l'état fiscal

To avoid incurring taxes later on, fill out this form right away. Fill out this section even if your budget isn't yet finalized. Send a signed version to MEIT.

Form AR-5 - Notice d'inscription au Journal Officiel

After submitting Form AR-4, wait three days to allow MEIT enough time to verify the information. Then sign and date the official notice, which will appear on the Register of Enterprises.

Forms AR-6 - Rapport Fiscal

You must complete and return this report to MEIT. Make sure to include the annual turnover, gross profit margin, taxable income, expenses, salaries paid, contributions made into unemployment insurance funds, and any fines incurred.

Form AR-7 - Déclaration Juridique

Fill out this declaration regarding the activity of the enterprise. MEIT submits it to the Departmental Direction General pour la Recherche Economiques et le Développement Technologique (DRDE), which manages the National Institute for Research and Technology (INRT).

Form AR-8 - Autorisation de présenter les titres aux agences immobilières

Before presenting shares to third parties, obtain an authorization letter from MEIT stating that you meet eligibility requirements. These letters cost €20 per page plus VAT.

Form AR-9 - Dotation de fonctionnaire

When you begin operating legally in France, you may incur costs. As a result, you could qualify for reimbursement through the "Dotation Foncionnaire". Submit a request via the online portal called CIRANO. Note that you must specify reasons why you applied for funding.

What is the creation of a business?

Now that you've chosen a path and registered your company, it's time to actually put together the core team. Start by filling out the sections listed above. From there, continue reading to understand how to run meetings efficiently while drafting agreements.

Meetings play a key role in developing your ideas. On top of offering a space for brainstorming, they enable everyone to participate in discussions. A good meeting format includes clear objectives, minutes, and action items.

Drafting contracts

Contracts define the relationship between partners. While working on formalizing these relationships, keep the following points in mind. First, drafts should address topics such as ownership percentages, decision making processes, financial responsibilities, confidentiality clauses, intellectual property protection, data privacy, and exit strategies. Second, try to resolve problems quickly. Thirdly, ensure that each agreement is updated regularly. Otherwise, you risk having outdated terms once you incorporate.

Setting Up a Board of Directors

Board members are responsible for managing day-to-day activities. Keep the following points in mind while selecting directors. Ideally, select individuals who possess unique skillsets, interests, and backgrounds. Also, look for leaders with whom others naturally gravitate toward. Lastly, seek out someone who takes the same vision seriously.

Choosing a Chief Executive Officer

An officer leads the entire operation. He or she coordinates daily tasks, oversees finances, and sets goals for the future. Before hiring anyone, examine his qualifications. Look for someone with experience leading teams and preferably with experience running similar operations.

Meeting Minutes

Document decisions and actions taken at every meeting. Have participants prepare written notes for upcoming sessions. Even better, record audio recordings of proceedings instead of relying solely on memory. Meeting minutes serve many purposes, allowing you to organize follow-up projects, manage growth, and evaluate performance. Plus, they promote transparency among colleagues and stakeholders alike.

Intellectual Property Rights

Protecting intellectual property rights is essential. When forming partnerships, assign trademarks or patents to businesses. Similarly, establish copyrights for creative works created specifically for your project. Consult an IP attorney to determine which laws govern your assets.

Taxes

As mentioned earlier, you must register your company within six months of incorporating. Doing so ensures that you remain compliant with local regulations. Taxes differ depending on location, so speak to a qualified representative about filing returns properly. Generally speaking, wages fall under Employment Income Tax ("Impôt Social sur L'emploi") whereas profits stem from Capital Gains/Interest Payments Tax ("ISF").

It's worth noting that ISF rates vary significantly depending on personal situation. For instance, dividends received from abroad are taxed at lower levels than domestic earnings.

Lastly, note that companies incorporated outside of France may require additional filings. Contact your local authority to see what rules apply.

How long does it take to get a Siret number?

Your corporation now meets all regulatory standards required to operate legally in France. But now comes the hard part: growing your company successfully! That said, getting started doesn't happen overnight.

First off, you may need to secure financing to fund initial development efforts. Next, plan accordingly to launch products and services effectively. Don't expect customers to come knocking on your door immediately. Consider building an inventory of goods until you gain traction.

At last, remember that customer satisfaction is paramount. Treat clients well so they feel comfortable recommending your products to friends and family.

We hope you enjoyed learning more about how to create a successful business in France. Now it's time to turn entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Continue exploring our site to discover resources designed to boost your bottom line.