Most common industry for young entrepreneurs in 2018 was construction

According to Statistics Finland's employment statistics, 5,700 young entrepreneurs worked in the industry of construction. Around 14 per cent of young entrepreneurs worked in the industry. Construction became the most common industry in 2018. Agriculture, forestry and fishing has previously been the most common industry for young entrepreneurs. The popularity of agriculture, forestry and fishing among young entrepreneurs has been falling steadily throughout the 2010s.

Most common industries for entrepreneurs aged 18 to 34 in 2018

In 2018, there were 39,800 young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 34. Of young entrepreneurs, 40 per cent worked either in construction, agriculture, forestry and fishing, or other service activities. The highest number of young entrepreneurs worked in construction.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of young entrepreneurs were men. The most common industries for men were construction, agriculture, forestry and fishing, and wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles. Women's most common industries were other service activities, professional, scientific and technical activities, and agriculture, forestry and fishing. Within the industry of other service activities, common industries for women were hairdressing activities (2,390 entrepreneurs) and beauty treatment activities (1,253 entrepreneurs).

Construction became the most popular industry among young entrepreneurs in 2018. Prior to this, during 2007 to 2017 ¹⁾ , the most common industry for young entrepreneurs was agriculture, forestry and fishing. The popularity of agriculture, forestry and fishing among young entrepreneurs has been falling steadily throughout the 2010s. In the corresponding period, the number of young entrepreneurs has grown by around six per cent (2,290 entrepreneurs).

Most growth in professional, scientific and technical activities in 2010s

The industry of professional, scientific and technical activities increased its popularity most in absolute numbers in the 2010s, altogether 830 more young entrepreneurs worked in the industry in 2018 than eight years previously. Within the industry of professional, scientific and technical activities, the most common industries were scientific research and development, business and other management consultancy activities and advertising agencies. In agriculture, forestry and fishing, the number of young entrepreneurs fell by 990.

Change in the number of entrepreneurs aged 18 to 34 from 2010 to 2018

Nearly one-third (31%) of young entrepreneurs operated in the region of Uusimaa. The number of young entrepreneurs was next highest in Southwest Finland (10%) and Pirkanmaa (10%). Only 5.7 per cent of young entrepreneurs worked in the industry of agriculture, forestry and fishing in Uusimaa. The number of young entrepreneurs working in agriculture, forestry and fishing was highest (13%) in the region of North Ostrobothnia.

1) The Standard Industrial Classification 2008 has been used by the statistics since the statistical year 2007.

Source: Employment Statistics, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Meri Juuti 029 551 3061, Elina Pelkonen 029 551 3011, info@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Hannele Orjala

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Updated 16.10.2020

Referencing instructions:

Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Employment [e-publication].
ISSN=2323-6825. Background information on unemployed persons 2018. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 6.11.2024].
Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/tyokay/2018/03/tyokay_2018_03_2020-10-16_tie_001_en.html