One in three solo entrepreneurs in Finland earns less than €2,000 a month

A new survey by the Federation of Finnish Enterprises reveals that one in three full-time solo entrepreneurs earns less than €2,000 a month, with the figure rising to 40% when part-time solo entrepreneurs are included.

Floral photographer and artist Kreetta Järvenpää, who has run her own business since 2014, sometimes earns nothing in a month. Last year, her income ranged between €1,000 and €2,000 during the five months she earned anything at all. Financial constraints force her to cut back on cosmetics and food quality. This year, her earnings have improved but still fluctuate with workload.

The survey, conducted by Taloustutkimus between 14 April and 6 May 2026, gathered responses from 2,877 solo entrepreneurs with a margin of error of 1.8 percentage points. It highlights low incomes, working while sick, minimal holidays, and burnout risks. Over half of respondents cited deteriorating work capacity or exhaustion as the biggest risk of entrepreneurship.

Järvenpää, who previously worked as a photographer, says financial uncertainty is her greatest challenge. Her teacher spouse provides some stability. She often forgoes traditional summer holidays, as her busiest period is summer when she photographs Finnish flowers. Work rhythm is irregular, with preparations sometimes taking weeks.

Anu Perälä, a specialist at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, notes solo entrepreneurs often feel compelled to work continuously to secure income, even when ill. Many fear losing clients if unavailable. Social media activity directly impacts Järvenpää’s business visibility and revenue.

Marianne Ruusunhelmi, an expert at the Federation of Finnish Enterprises, warns that the lack of support in decision-making increases burnout risk. While entrepreneurship is seen as meaningful, daily life is stressful with thin safety nets. Many cannot afford employees, leaving all responsibilities to the individual.