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Starting blocks in athletics

    KfW Research

    KfW Entrepreneurship Monitor

    The KfW Entrepreneurship Monitor is an annual representative population survey conducted by telephone to gather information on start-up activity in Germany. The survey has been carried out by a well-known market research institute on behalf of KfW since the year 2000. The KfW Entrepreneurship Monitor paints a comprehensive picture of entrepreneurship in Germany. In particular the large number of characteristics of the entrepreneurs, as well as their start-up projects, is a defining feature of this database. In addition, business start-up survival in the first three business years can also be determined.

    The wealth of information of the KfW Entrepreneurship Monitor allows a detailed analysis of start-up activity. A number of those results are published in the annual report.

    Edition 2026

    Entrepreneurial activity in Germany: Part-time self-employment is growing; young adults are shaping entrepreneurial landscape

    The number of business starters grew significantly in 2025. In recent years there has been a noticeable shift to part-time entrepreneurship.

    The percentage of hybrid entrepreneurship – where the founder remains employed while running their business – remains high. The entrepreneurial landscape continued to become younger in 2025, with the average age falling again. Young entrepreneurs often start their business while studying. The multi-annual trend to increasing prevalence of digital offerings continues. Many entrepreneurs view their business as a start-up. Bureaucracy is a burden for many entrepreneurs. They spend many hours a week complying with statutory and regulatory requirements. Entrepreneurial activity in 2026 can be expected to continue on a similar level as in 2025 – with moderate upside potential but also with downside risks.

    KfW Entrepreneurship Monitor 2026

    Press release