Over the first three quarters of the year, more than 221,000 applications for registration of sole proprietorships have been submitted to the Central Registration and Information on Business (CEIDG). This is 4.6% less than in the corresponding period last year. Additionally, over 149 thousand applications to renew such businesses have been filed, marking an increase of 7.1% year on year. Experts commenting on the data anticipate that the end of the year should be relatively stable, and there should not be any significant changes in the current market trend.
Decrease in Registration Applications
According to data provided by the Ministry of Development and Technology, in the first three quarters of this year, more than 221,000 applications for the registration of a sole proprietorship were submitted to the CEIDG. This is 4.6% less than the same period last year when there were over 232,000. Grzegorz Kostrzewa, from the restructuring firm ProPrawni, interpreted this as a significant signal of worsening economic conditions and increasing market uncertainty.
Moreover, it is worth noting the increase in wage rates for workers—rising to 4300 zł from 2800 zł, equivalent to a 53.5% increase since 2021. For comparison, Poland’s GDP in the same period increased by about 17.5%, and by January 2025, it will reach a record 4666 zł. Energy costs have increased by about 100-150% during this time. These circumstances have contributed to the decline in sole proprietorships, with such businesses accounting for about 15-20% of GDP and having a significant impact on the economy, including financing healthcare.
Entrepreneurs Don’t Specify Locations
Data from the Ministry of Development and Technology also demonstrate that over 97,000 applications from the first three quarters of this year pertain to businesses that did not specify the region in which the business operates. This change signals a shift in the structure of businesses, with the trend toward increased mobility and digitalization becoming more pronounced. Experts note that regulations do not require the disclosure of a precise location if it is not tied to a physical location.
Investment in IT and Services
When asked about current industries attracting entrepreneurial interest for new sole proprietorships, Gregorz Kostrzewa pointed out information technology and IT, e-commerce, internet marketing, construction and repairs, business consulting, as well as health services and elderly care.
More Applications for Renewal
A significant trend also apparent in the data is that more than 149,000 applications to renew a sole proprietorship were submitted to the CEIDG in the first three quarters of this year. This signifies a 7.1% increase from the same period of the previous year.
Stable End of the Year Predicted
In the coming months, economic experts expect to see an upturn in the retail trade as the festive and New Year period approaches. Typically, this prompts some entrepreneurs to unpause their paused businesses, at least temporarily, while others might suspend their businesses for a few months. Generally, experts expect the last quarter of 2024 to reflect a positive balance and align with the average annual trend.
Source: https://managerplus.pl/w-3-kwartaly-br-zalozono-221-tys-jednoosobowych-firm-to-o-46-proc-mniej-niz-rok-wczesniej-81741