What if the onboarding process began well before the signing of the sales contract? During his presentation, Bruno Robert, director of Giphar’s Onboarding, Development, and Entrepreneurial Experience division, chose a symbolic image to describe the transition to permanent employment: the ampersand. 

This typographical symbol, which connects the letters “e” and “t” to form the word “et,” perfectly illustrates the reality of being a pharmacy owner. Setting up a practice means bringing together two worlds: healthcare and business. Pharmacists must continue to support their patients while also taking on the roles of manager, business owner, and steward of their pharmacy’s financial performance. 

This transition cannot be improvised. It hinges on three key questions: How should you prepare? How do you choose the right pharmacy? And what strategy should you implement to make your plan a reality? Preparation must begin early enough to understand the various stages of setting up a practice and to assess the many responsibilities associated with being a pharmacy owner. 

Seeking information is an essential first step. It’s important to talk with established pharmacists, learn about their day-to-day routines, and gain a better understanding of the realities of the profession. Prospective pharmacy owners can also rely on a network of professionals—including certified public accountants, lawyers, transaction advisors, and financing specialists—who can guide them through the various stages of their project. At Giphar, this support includes meetings, after-work events, preparatory seminars, webinars, and a network of nearly 350 advisors and experts. 

But before taking the plunge, it’s also important to know yourself well. Why do you want to open your own practice? What are your skills, experiences, and areas of interest? What is your timeline: in six months, two years, or five years? Should you consider setting up shop on your own, in partnership, or alongside a pharmacist who is already in practice? These considerations will help you develop a coherent plan that aligns with your ambitions. 

The issue of the down payment is also key. It can consist of personal savings, family support, donations, assistance from France Travail such as ARCE or ACRE, as well as personal loans or interest-free loans. The latter can be considered quasi-equity, particularly when they include a sufficiently long grace period. As a general rule, banks expect a down payment representing approximately 15 to 20 percent of the total project cost. 

Setting up a practice is therefore not merely a financial transaction. It is a true bridge between a career plan, an entrepreneurial ambition, and a new way of practicing pharmacy. The more thoroughly it is planned in advance, the more likely this transition is to become a lasting success. 

If you are registered for PharmagoraPlus 2026, you can watch the recording of this conference by clicking the following link: HERE