Small businesses in Sweden face procurement and policy challenges

Small businesses, which constitute 99% of enterprises in Sweden, face significant challenges regarding public procurement and shifting political landscapes. Currently, only approximately 10% of all public procurements are awarded to small businesses, despite the obligation of authorities to consider small and medium-sized enterprises. Experts suggest that procurement processes can be made more accessible by using clearer requirements, reasonable timeframes, and simplified documentation to allow smaller entities without dedicated legal departments to compete.

Simultaneously, the Swedish small business sector is expressing concern over potential political shifts following elections. Ghassan Ghaziri, chairman of the National Federation of Small Businesses, highlighted that many entrepreneurs relied on promises of business-friendly policies, such as reduced employer contributions and lower regulatory burdens. A survey of over 2,000 small business owners indicates high anxiety regarding potential changes to the '3:12 rules' for dividends, the abolition of the qualifying deduction (karensavdrag), and proposals for shorter working hours with maintained pay, which many believe could threaten their ability to operate.