Czech Republic young entrepreneurs under 20 more than double in a decade

The number of entrepreneurs under the age of 20 in the Czech Republic has more than doubled over the last decade. According to data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, there were 17,270 individuals in this age group conducting business at the end of 2025, compared to 8,243 at the end of 2016.

Most young entrepreneurs operate between the ages of 18 and 20, though dozens of minors are also active in the market. Key sectors of interest include construction (such as plumbing and masonry), information technology, sports, entertainment, transport, advertising, and retail.

Motivations for this shift from traditional part-time jobs to self-employment include the desire for flexibility, spatial independence, and the ability to avoid fixed working hours. Digitalization has also lowered barriers to entry, making it easier to manage marketing, client communication, and order acquisition. Additionally, economic factors play a role, as self-employment offers certain tax advantages regarding business expenses, and some companies may prefer this model to avoid the higher social and health insurance costs associated with standard employment contracts.