The number of freelancers is increasing here. Last year, they were 130,000 to get started. A figure constantly rising despite the health crisis. Often, these new independents are young workers. We have met several: they tell us their motivations.
We met Séréna Fiore. She took over a grocery store last October. While she had an indefinite contract for 7 years, she wanted change and independence. “It is a risk, because it is a bit like stepping into the unknown. We don’t know if it will work or if it will not work. But hey, I took my courage in both hands and tried to give it a go“Sérna tells us.
The covid, precisely, it allowed me to get started
Since he was 15, Thomas has worked in the hotel and catering industry. He had always dreamed of having his own restaurant. It was ultimately the coronavirus crisis that allowed him to set up his project. “The covid, precisely, it allowed me to get started. To have a lot of time while being unemployed, to be able to think of everything. Find suppliers, find the location, and then be able to carry out this project“, explains Thomas André, now manager of a restaurant.
Two explanations according to the Neutral Syndicate for Independents
In 2021, there were 130,000 new self-employed people in Belgium. This is 6% more than in 2020. A figure that is increasing every year. “There are two explanations for this. 2020, the last quarters, confinement meant that we no longer launched activity. So we are relaunching in 2021 the projects that we had to postpone in 2020. And at the same time, 2021 is growth and it is economic recovery with a very high growth rate.“, indicates Christophe Wambersie, general secretary of the Neutral Union for Independents in Wallonia and Brussels.
The neutral trade union for self-employed observes that the first 5 years are crucial. About 30-40% of small businesses go out of business within this timeframe.