GLOBAL STARTUP DIRECTORY
Startup ecosystems and resources, country by country.
Building a company is challenging enough without navigating local ecosystems in the dark. Explore trusted accelerators, government grants, and startup support hubs across 32 countries, alongside practical guides to help you validate customer demand, find a cofounder, and launch with confidence.
Curated by CofoundAlly · Updated · Guides in English
Africa
ITIDA’s Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC) offers structured incubation tracks, seed funding grants, and prototyping assistance for tech-enabled Egyptian ventures.
Resource language: English
Read the guideThe Ghana Enterprises Agency provides startup starter kits, hands-on entrepreneurial training, and direct advisory support via regional Business Advisory Centres nationwide.
Resource language: English
Read the guideThe Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) runs the Kenya Innovation Bridge, linking local innovators with institutional partners, commercialization grants, and testbeds.
Resource language: English
Read the guideMorocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade outlines dedicated SME assistance programs, modernization subsidies, and industrial support initiatives for emerging enterprises.
Resource language: French
Read the guideSMEDAN provides vocational and enterprise training, MSME development programs, and access to industrial workspaces for early-stage Nigerian business creators.
Resource language: English
Read the guideRwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) outlines SME policies, export readiness programs, and innovation-friendly regulatory sandboxes across Kigali and regional districts.
Resource language: English
Read the guideThe Western Cape Government business portal centralizes public funding avenues, youth enterprise funds (NYDA), and provincial incubation hubs for early-stage ventures.
Resource language: English
Read the guideAmericas
Sebrae is Brazil’s premier small-business network, providing practical workshops, market viability assessments, and mentorship for early-stage founders.
Resource language: Portuguese
Read the guideCanada’s Business Support portal connects innovators to provincial funding, SR&ED tax incentives, and regional development agencies across the country.
Resource language: English; French version available at source
Read the guideStart-Up Chile runs three core acceleration tracks (Build, Ignite, and Growth) supporting early-stage ventures from initial prototype validation through international scaling.
Resource language: English
Read the guideThe US Small Business Administration (SBA) connects founders with free one-on-one SCORE mentors, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and federal innovation grant opportunities.
Resource language: English
Read the guideAsia
Startup India provides government recognition (DPIIT) granting income tax exemptions, patent fee rebates, seed funds, and access to state-backed procurement programs.
Resource language: English; other language options at source
Read the guideJETRO provides step-by-step guides for international entrepreneurs entering Japan, detailing incorporation, visa options, and local business support hubs.
Resource language: English
Read the guideCradle Fund supports emerging Malaysian tech startups through targeted grant programs like CIP Spark and CIP Sprint, pairing seed capital with commercialization assistance.
Resource language: English
Read the guidePakistan’s Ministry of IT spotlights National Incubation Centers (NICs) across major cities offering workspace and mentorship, alongside venture support via the Pakistan Startup Fund.
Resource language: English
Read the guideEnterprise Singapore and the Ministry of Trade and Industry detail Startup SG Founder grant terms, including capital matching and mentorship access for first-time entrepreneurs.
Resource language: English
Read the guideThe UAE Ministry of Economy’s National SME Programme delivers procurement access, commercialization support, and advisory networks for homegrown and regional startups.
Resource language: English
Read the guideEurope
Startup Estonia provides open-source, founder-friendly legal templates and ecosystem guides designed to help early teams incorporate and govern their companies smoothly.
Resource language: English
Read the guideStartup in Finland (powered by Business Finland) helps founders navigate startup residence permits, soft-landing services, and Finnish tech ecosystem integration.
Resource language: English
Read the guideLa French Tech coordinates nationwide startup visas, deep-tech grants, and a global network of community hubs designed to support founders launching from or expanding to France.
Resource language: English
Read the guideGermany’s EXIST program provides non-repayable living stipends and coaching for university and research-driven spin-offs during their critical early proof-of-concept phase.
Resource language: German
Read the guideIreland’s Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) offer first-stop feasibility grants, agile innovation support, and business mentoring for early-stage founders throughout the country.
Resource language: English
Read the guideInvitalia’s Smart&Start Italia offers zero-interest financing and grant packages designed to support innovative, digital, and deep-tech startups across Italy.
Resource language: Italian
Read the guideBusiness.gov.nl is the official Dutch point of contact for founders, detailing startup visa options, Chamber of Commerce (KVK) registration, and regional development programs.
Resource language: English
Read the guideInnovation Norway provides advisory support, innovation grants, and international expansion resources tailored for green-tech, energy, and digital ventures.
Resource language: English
Read the guideStartup Portugal’s One Stop Shop connects founders with startup visa programs, official certification perks, and direct introductions to local incubators and angel networks.
Resource language: English
Read the guideENISA handles official startup certification under Spain’s Startup Act, giving innovative companies access to tax benefits, streamlined visa processes, and participatory loans.
Resource language: Spanish
Read the guideVerksamt consolidates Sweden’s government resources for entrepreneurs, featuring practical checklists for business registration, company structures, and tax planning.
Resource language: Swedish
Read the guideInnosuisse offers subsidized initial coaching to help early Swiss founders validate market potential, test revenue hypotheses, and refine their business model before raising capital.
Resource language: English
Read the guideThe British Business Bank breaks down debt, equity, and government-backed Start Up Loans to help UK founders understand their funding options without confusing financial jargon.
Resource language: English
Read the guideOceania
The Australian Government’s grants finder lets founders filter federal and state programs by stage and sector, from R&D tax incentives to local incubator support.
Resource language: English
Read the guideNew Zealand’s Regional Business Partner Network pairs founders with growth specialists and capability vouchers to co-fund training, strategy, and business planning.
Resource language: English
Read the guideTips before you apply
Program deadlines, grant criteria, and eligibility rules change often. Always check each organization's official website directly for the latest application details, eligibility windows, and terms.
Remember that programs and grants alone don't build enduring companies; great partnerships do. When searching for a cofounder, take time to compare backgrounds and collaborate on a short, focused trial project to see how well you work together before formalizing long-term equity.