In the first half of this year, 21,128 people in Austria started their own business, according to the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKÖ). That’s a 9.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Most founders, who often cite flexibility, independence, and creative freedom as key motivations, were on average just under 37 years old, and about 45% were women.
The chamber describes the trend as a “wave of entrepreneurs” and says keeping the momentum will require measures like tax relief and a national investment fund to mobilize private capital. WKÖ president Harald Mahrer said the numbers show “we are living not only in a time of major challenges, but also of great opportunities.”
Sharp Rise in Switzerland Too
In Switzerland, which is considered particularly business-friendly, the first half of 2025 also saw thousands more new companies. A total of 27,811 businesses were registered — 2.6% more than in the same period in 2024, according to the Institute for Young Enterprises (IFJ).
