To answer these questions, we spoke with individuals who have been freelancing since 2023. Additionally, RTL Lëtzebuerg’s Claudia Kollwelter previously interviewed the Director of Entrepreneurship at the Chamber of Commerce, offering a broader perspective on the figures and trends.
Over 36,000 have been submitted to the House of Entrepreneurship by those eager to start their own businesses. According to Director Stéphanie Damgé, this figure has remained relatively stable, but the profiles of aspiring entrepreneurs have shifted.
“We’re seeing an increasing number of people freelancing as a secondary occupation, often referred to as ‘part-time creators.’ This trend is driven by various factors, such as financial needs, time constraints, or the desire for stability by maintaining a primary job while pursuing personal ventures on the side,” Damgé explained.
There’s not one type of profile, every case is different. When it comes to the sectors people are drawn to, there isn’t a clear winner. However, among younger individuals, social factors and sustainability are becoming more significant considerations. Yet, not every venture succeeds. In the first half of this year, 542 bankruptcies were declared, marking a slight increase from the previous year.
“What we’ve observed, and what we anticipate will continue, is a rise in the number of young entrepreneurs. By ‘young,’ I don’t necessarily mean young in age, but rather those who launched their businesses within the last five years. Many of these entrepreneurs started during or after the pandemic and are now encountering significant challenges, leading some to shut down their businesses,” Damgé noted.
Despite many challenges, the numbers show that there are still many people motivated to launch themselves into this venture, Damgé concluded.
