Yksinyrittäjä

Yksinyrittäjä is a Finnish term that translates to "sole proprietor" or "one-person entrepreneur." It refers to an individual who runs a business entirely by themselves, without any employees. This business structure is common in Finland, particularly for freelancers, consultants, and small service providers.

A yksinyrittäjä typically handles all aspects of the business, including sales, marketing, operations, and administration. They are personally responsible for the company's debts and obligations. In Finland, a yksinyrittäjä can operate as a sole trader (toiminimi) or as a limited liability company (osakeyhtiö) where they are the sole shareholder and director. The former is simpler to set up and manage but offers no personal liability protection, while the latter provides legal separation between the individual and the business.

The motivations for becoming a yksinyrittäjä often include the desire for independence, flexibility, and the ability to pursue a specific passion or skill. However, it also requires strong self-discipline, a broad range of skills, and the willingness to manage all the associated risks and responsibilities. Government support and entrepreneurial networks exist in Finland to assist individuals starting and running their own one-person businesses.