Finland micro-enterprise formation rises to 52,800 in 2024

Recent data indicates a significant surge in business formation in Finland. According to a statistical review from the University of Oulu, the number of new businesses rose to approximately 52,800 in 2024, up from 36,400 in 2023. Most of these new entities are micro-enterprises, which are defined as companies with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover below two million euros.

There is a notable shift in export trends, as the value of service exports from micro-enterprises is growing and has surpassed the value of goods exports. In fact, service exports to EU countries alone now exceed the total global goods exports of these micro-businesses.

Political sentiment among entrepreneurs shows distinct divides based on business size. The Left Alliance has gained significant support among sole traders, with 17 percent indicating they would vote for the party. In contrast, the National Coalition Party is the preferred choice for larger micro-enterprises (5–9 employees) at 31 percent. The Finns Party remains the most popular party overall among micro-entrepreneurs with 16 percent support. Additionally, 82 percent of sole traders expressed dissatisfaction with the current government's actions.