sendependaj

Sendependaj is a European network of independent creators and small‑business owners that was established in 2015 in Berlin. The organization’s name comes from the Esperanto word “sendependa”, meaning independent, and reflects its mission to support self‑sufficient entrepreneurship across diverse artistic and commercial fields.

The network operates as a non‑profit consortium that offers funding advice, shared workspace, legal support, and marketing services to its members. Membership is open to individuals and micro‑enterprises that operate independently of large corporate structures and produce creative or specialized goods and services. Since its inception, Sendependaj has helped launch more than 400 small businesses in the cultural sector, providing them with access to a collective pool of resources that can be difficult to secure as a lone operator.

Sendependaj collaborates closely with university entrepreneurship departments, local city councils, and technology incubators. Its flagship project is the “Indepentech” program, a quarterly series of workshops that focuses on digital tools for small producers, such as e‑commerce platforms, copyright management, and data privacy compliance. In addition, the network maintains an annual publication titled “Independence Quarterly”, which features case studies, industry trends, and expert commentary.

The organization is funded through a mix of membership dues, European Union grants, and sponsorships from technology firms that support sustainability and innovation. It is governed by a board elected by its members, ensuring democratic decision‑making and transparency.

Sendependaj’s impact is measured by its members’ growth in revenue, job creation, and the expansion of local creative economies. Its annual reports demonstrate a consistent upward trend in both the number of active members and the geographic spread of its operations, extending from Scandinavia to Eastern Europe.