Especially small businesses were closed in 2024
In 2024, the number of business start-ups was higher than the number of closures in most economic sectors in 2024. This positive balance, which indicates an increase in the number of companies, was particularly evident in the area of scientific, technical and professional services last year. as well as in the energy and water supply sector. In contrast, more businesses closed than opened in the trade sector. There was also a decline in the number of companies in the construction and manufacturing industries (including mining).
Number of business start-ups almost back to pre-pandemic levels
Overall, the number of business start-ups rose to 258,000. This is almost the pre-pandemic level (2019: 266,000). Among these, around 89,000 start-ups were registered in the commercial register or craft register or had at least one employee. These businesses are considered to have greater economic significance compared to small enterprises. By comparison, only 84,000 such businesses were founded in 2023.
In the past year, 270,000 commercial enterprises were closed. Although this was more companies than in each of the four years before, it was fewer than in 2019. The closures of small businesses increased more than the closures of main establishments. While the start-up balance – the difference between start-ups and company closures – is negative for small businesses, more main establishments are still being set up than closed.
Since 1973, the IfM Bonn has been analysing the number of business start-ups and closures based on the total number of business notification. The figures from the business notification statistics of the Federal Statistical Office are adjusted components not relevant to start-ups or liquidations, such as company relocations, conversions or changes of legal form.
