Auto-entrepreneurs registered in 2014 54% of those starting up made it their main activity

In 2014, 60% of auto-entrepreneurs who registered in the first half of the year actually started an economic activity before the end of the year; they were mainly involved in specialised, scientific and technical activities (19%), trade (16%) or construction (13%). Among these auto-entrepreneurs who accomplished their project, 54% made it their main activity. The proportion of women increased compared to the 2010 generation and also for conventional sole proprietors. Age, experience or qualifications encouraged people to start their own businesses, but more often in the context of an additional activity. Auto-entrepreneurs in 2014 were mainly unemployed or private sector employees. The former intended primarily to ensure their own employment while the latter were looking more for additional income. Projects were generally modest; half of auto-entrepreneurs had no investments at the time of their registration. Compared to 2010, they were more often setting up their project alone, like other sole proprietors of the same generation. In 2014, however, they more often benefitted from State support than in 2010. Their clientele remained generally local and small. Six auto-entrepreneurs out of ten did not have a dedicated company website and did not use social networks.