Independent Voices:
Empowering Self-Employment and One-Person Companies in Today’s Europe

Self-employed individuals and one-person companies represent the largest, yet often the least recognized, group in Europe’s economy. Around 60% of all SMEs in Europe are one-person companies (OPCs), and about 14% of the EU workforce is self-employed. They may be the smallest units of our economy – but they are a central force shaping Europe and fostering entrepreneurship. While much of the EU debate focuses on SMEs as “hidden champions”, unicorns or on start-ups as innovation drivers, the self-employed and one-person companies often remain overlooked. Yet they are present across the continent, highly diverse, offering variety to their customers and providing essential services to other SMEs. They keep Europe’s economy running and embody entrepreneurship in its most direct form. Still, they often lack recognition in society – and many people who dream of becoming self-employed hesitate to take the leap, even though this path can bring self-realization and fulfilment. During this evening, we will hear four very different entrepreneurial journeys and have an open exchange with this community and with policymakers about their experiences. The challenges they had to face, and the opportunities, focusing on what their priorities are and what they see as the biggest obstacles for one-person companies in Europe. We will address challenges such as navigating a fragmented Single Market, limited mobility, restricted access to tailored financing or support schemes, lack of knowledge on how to get started, bureaucratic hurdles, and the complexities of digital transformation. At the same time, we will explore the opportunities offered by technology, innovation, individual initiative, and the pursuit of self-realization. This dinner will give them a voice.