AMTP Proceedings 2026

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

Spring 2026

Abstract

A growing trend in the modern labor market is solo entrepreneurship or self-employment without employees. Advances in technology and the changing nature of socio-economic environments are reshaping the working environments and creating a new form of employment. (Cieślik & van Stel, 2023). This trend is particularly evident in the United States, where 5.2 million applicants filed for new businesses in 2024, with more than 80% of businesses operating without employees (Melhorn et al., 2024). Solo entrepreneurs can offer both financial and non-financial advantages. It is estimated that solo entrepreneurs earn 6.7% more than traditional employees doing a salary or wage-based job (Dvouletý et al., 2021). Individuals are often motivated by non-financial factors such as autonomy, flexibility, and the opportunity of being their own boss (Cieślik & van Stel, 2023; Dvouletý, 2018; Zwan & Hessels, 2019). Entrepreneurs often spend more hours and take a higher risk compared to doing a job traditionally, like a salary or wage-based employment (Dvouletý et al., 2021). Doing business independently poses some financial, human, and institutional constraints, which lead entrepreneurs to difficulties in innovation and competitiveness (Cieślik & van Stel, 2023; Zwan & Hessels, 2019).

Copyright

This work is archived and distributed under the repository's Standard Copyright and Reuse License (opens in new tab). End users may copy, store, and distribute this work without restriction. For all other uses, permission must be obtained from the copyright owners or their authorized agents.

DOI

10.20429/amtp.2026.25

Download

Share

COinS