Micro-entrepreneurs registered in 2018: in the transport sector, two in three work via a digital platform

In 2018, sole proprietorships who chose the micro-entrepreneur regime and registered in the first half of the year, preferred specialized, scientific and technical activities (19%), trade (16%) and transportation (12%). As in previous generations, 60% started their activity within the year: 57% of them did it as their main activity, and 43% as a secondary activity.

Even if they are primarily former private-sector employees, the proportion of students or pupils is increasing compared to 2014, while the proportion of unemployed and other people not engaged in active employment is falling. Business creators are therefore becoming younger. They are also more qualified. The proportion of women remains stable (37%).

Almost half of new micro-entrepreneurs (46%) are looking primarily to create their own job. A third still have another paid activity in addition to their business. The projects remain modest, 48% of micro-entrepreneurs did not invest any funds at the time of their registration. The business creators are increasingly receiving assistance with 47% benefiting from an aid scheme to launch their project (+11 points compared with 2014).

In 2018, 16% of new micro-entrepreneurs worked via a digital contact platform; this proportion rised to 65% in transport. Internet use increased compared to 2014 (86%, +16 points) as is the use of social networks (43%, +12 points).