Entrepreneurship: hard work has its price!
The KMU Swiss Symposium on October 16, 2025 in Brugg was held under the concise motto "Entrepreneurship - Diligence has its price!" and offered a varied program with top-class speakers, exciting panel discussions and numerous opportunities for personal exchange and networking.
At a time when the Swiss economy is facing a variety of challenges - from digital transformation and social change to the growing importance of sustainability - the symposium was able to provide the 300 or so participants with valuable impetus. The central theme of "diligence" was highlighted as a key driver of entrepreneurial success, but the resulting sacrifices and the responsible use of these were also openly discussed.
Top-class speakers with practical insights
The program began with an inspiring opening speech by Judith Wernli, renowned journalist and radio presenter, who impressively highlighted the importance of community and cohesion in an increasingly networked business world. She emphasized that in addition to individual efforts, collective support and strong networks are crucial for entrepreneurial success.
Fabia Löw, a passionate entrepreneur, took the participants on a journey through her career and highlighted the connection between hard work, perseverance and innovative spirit. She emphasized that sustainable success in the SME sector is not achieved through hard work alone, but also through the willingness to continuously learn new things and adapt to changing conditions.
Hansjürg Emch, a successful entrepreneur and investor, impressed the audience with a well-founded report on his experience in the industrial sector. He explained how slow, sustainable growth and long-term planning create long-term stability - an often underestimated but important counter-trend to the widespread fixation on growth. Willi Helbling from the BPN Foundation then took to the stage for an additional interview with Hansjürg Emch. Together they discussed the topic of social commitment as a responsible dimension of entrepreneurship. Emch showed how and why social responsibility is directly linked to sustainable corporate success and how entrepreneurs can make a targeted contribution to society without losing sight of their business objectives.
Generations of entrepreneurs in dialog
A particular highlight was the joint interview between Dr. Giorgio Behr, an experienced entrepreneur and investor, and the young entrepreneur Tom Morf, a leading figure in the watch industry. In a lively dialog, they reflected on the personal consequences of entrepreneurship, responsibility and the paradoxical fact that the prophet is often misjudged in his own country. This discussion impressively demonstrated the diversity of generations and industries and offered the participants valuable perspectives on different paths to entrepreneurial success.
The overall moderation of the symposium was once again in the hands of Michael Sokoll, whose journalistic experience and communicative talent provided the common thread throughout the day. He ensured that the various topics and voices were linked together in the best possible way and that the discussions remained stimulating and focused.
Digitization as an opportunity for SMEs - practical insights
As a prologue to the symposium, ePost presented innovative solutions for the digitization of incoming mail, invoices and documents. Digitization opens up considerable potential for efficiency and sustainability, especially for SMEs. Digital processing not only saves time and costs, but also conserves resources - black figures for efficient management and environmental protection at the same time. This practical example provided the participants with concrete tools to successfully shape the digital transformation in their own company.
Exchange and networking - the heart of the symposium
Last but not least, the SME SWISS Symposium thrives on the personal exchange between entrepreneurs, leaders and representatives from politics, business and society. Ample breaks and a generously designed networking aperitif after the official program offered guests the best opportunities to make new contacts, discover synergies and deepen discussions. In many cases, initial ideas for cooperation and project collaboration were initiated, which will have an impact far beyond the day of the event.
Especially in an economic environment characterized by uncertainty, rapid change and high demands, the value of such close-knit networking among the SME community becomes apparent. With its symposium, KMU SWISS creates an encouraging space to take responsibility, develop perspectives together and join forces for a sustainable future - and has been doing so in a family atmosphere since 2003.
Satisfied balance of the organizers
The organizers of the SME SWISS Symposium can look back on a successful and intensive day of events. The commitment of the speakers, all participants and partners, who contributed to the success of the event with their presence and active involvement, is gratefully acknowledged. The symposium fully lived up to its reputation as an important platform for inspiration, exchange of experience and entrepreneurial development in the Swiss SME landscape.
The next editions of the Baden Symposium (19.03.2026 - "Industrial Revolution 2026") and Brugg Symposium (15.10.2026 - "Think great again!") are already being planned with great anticipation. Renowned speakers can once again be expected.
