Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and one of the key promoters for business in North Africa. The city houses the main port of Morocco for commerce and, along with this, has a rapidly growing financial center. Between its intricate architecture and occupied local markets, it is quickly becoming a main destination for new companies.
If you are a curious businessman about the opportunities in this city, keep reading to find more about Casablanca’s potential and how to start a business there.
Why start a business in Casablanca?
Casablanca constitutes about 64% of the starting ecosystem of Morocco, and there are a couple of reasons why this city in private is attracting so many new companies.
Ideal Location: Casablanca can not only serve the rest of Africa, which is seeing mass growth as a continent, but also in the Middle East and Europe for entrepreneurs who point to international merchandise.
Strong workforce: The city has many technical schools and universities that are producing a constant current of graduates. These students are particularly experts in engineering and technology and are ready to join the workforce of new companies.
Startup-friendly: Casablanca has main steps to accommodate the growth of new new companies in the form of incubators and joint work spaces.
High growth potential industries
If this Moroccan city is at the top of its list for starting destinations, it is possible that it wonders in what industries to consider innovation. While there are opportunities in almost all sectors, they have had a significant success specifically in Casablanca.
Technology: New technology companies have been increasing, Healthtech tension, finance and electronic commerce. As residents become more technology experts, the need for digital services has a great demand.
Logistics: As the central port city, Casablanca is home to a variety of logistics and transport companies, especially those that import and export.
Finance: With the city of Finance of Casablanca, finance have become one of the main industries with a solid financial sector that offers opportunities in Fintech.
Agritech: Agriculture is one of the largest sectors and sectors of Morocco in sustainable food containers or innovative agriculture can prosper.
Accelerator and incubator programs
Accelerators and incubators are an invaluable part of the development phase of a startup. Their network connections, commercial advice and, sometimes, financial support can put the founders on the right path from day to navigate the starting challenges and have the best opportunity to happen.
Let’s take a look at some of the best programs in Casablanca.
Technopark Casablanca: This technological center is supported by the Government and provides the startups training and incubation specifically for green technology companies.
Startup Maroc: This popular non -profit organization organizes launches and events to help start founders to know possible mentors and investors.
Impact Laboratory: An accelerator to help with training and support specifically for social and environmental challenges.
Soloire cluster: An incubator that works with new green energy companies, offering connections and financing of the thematic industry.
Financing opportunities for new companies
Ensuring financing is one of the immediate challenges facing new companies, but there are a variety of financial roads for Casablanca consultant.
Government subsidies: Caisse Centraloe, the guarantee sacrifices to new companies and companies of small to medium size (SME), while the Morocc Investment and Export Development Agency offers orientation to foreign investors.
Risk capital or angels inverters: Outlierz Ventures offers funds for new African companies and Angels4Africa admits new companies in an initial stage.
Banks: There are some Moroccan banks such as BMCE Bank have loans for starting and microfinance options for new founders.
Visa requirements for foreign entrepreneurs
For international entrepreneurs who wish to stay in Casablanca for more than 90 days, a long -term visa of a Moroccan consulate must be requested. This visa will require a valid passport, income test, clear criminal record and health insurance evidence. A business plan is completely optional but beneficial to have too.
To request the residence, the applicants will need their long -stay visa, as well as proof of address, police authorization and the company’s registration details.
How to start a business in Casablanca
Here is a step by step guide with the necessary steps to continue at starting a start in Casablanca. Working with a local advisor can also be beneficial to ensure that everything is in order.
Choose a commercial entity
For new companies, there are two common types of legal structures.
SARL, which is a limited liability company: This is the most suitable for small and medium enterprises.
Which is a joint sharing company: Suitable for larger companies or those that require investors.
Verify the availability of commercial name
You can seek the availability of your desired name with the Moroccan office of industrial and commercial property. If available to use it, you can move on and book it.
Gather your legal documents
The next step is to prepare all your legal documentation for registration. This will include its association articles, passports of any shareholder and its management test.
Record the business
Your company can be registered in the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property and with the tax authorities to obtain its tax identification.
Should you launch a startup in Casablanca?
Casablanca sacrifices a gateway to North Africa and beyond entrepreneurs who seek to turn their commercial vision into a solid reality. The city is certainly cozy of the new companies and, as its infrastructure continues to develop, it has the potential to sacrifice the exponential growth of New Ventures.
For those with bold plans in technology, electronic commerce and agriculture, Casablanca would be a main destination option for their innovative ideas.
Good luck!
