2017 Seller census report Etsy is a global creative commerce platform Powered by technology, these fundamental shifts that builds markets, services, and economic allow for the emergence of the unlikeliest of opportunities for creative entrepreneurs. Within entrepreneurs to truly transform not only the way Etsy markets, millions of people around the world we work, but our basic assumptions about what connect, both online and offline, to make, sell, it means to start and run a business. Certainly, and buy unique goods. We believe that we’re small businesses garner plenty of attention, creating a new economy—the Etsy Economy— but microbusinesses (those with under ten that is powered by the spirit and passion of employees) have very different challenges from millions of creative entrepreneurs. even a ten- or fifty-person business that often go unnoticed. Our 2016 survey of Etsy sellers in the United States, coupled with ongoing interactions with While individually their businesses may be small, our seller community, bring to light a nuanced together these microbusinesses represent look at the changing nature of work. The global significant economic and societal impact. economy is shifting in ways that make it easier for By understanding Etsy sellers’ motivations and anyone with an idea and an internet connection challenges, we can craft policies, programs, to start and grow a global business. Today, more and products that better prepare us for the people than ever work independently, combine future of work and entrepreneurship in the US. income from multiple sources, and pursue work they are passionate about.1 Etsy sellers challenge conventional notions of Etsy sellers represent larger changes in the economy. entrepreneurship. Most Etsy sellers are women (87%), and Today, more people than ever are choosing to work outside they’re more likely to be younger than the typical business of the traditional full-time employment model and combine owner. More than half are operating microbusinesses for the income from multiple sources.2 The majority of Etsy sellers first time on Etsy, and many (28%) live in rural communities. (53%) work independently, and only 32% have traditional full-time jobs. Etsy sellers want to achieve success on their own terms. Most Etsy sellers (74%) consider their shop to be a business, Etsy sellers’ experiences shed light on the challenges of yet they don’t conform to typical stereotypes of mom- the new economy. As internet-enabled microbusinesses, and-pop shops. In their microbusiness operations, Etsy sellers face unique challenges that, while common Etsy sellers prioritize flexibility and creativity in addition among independent workers and the self-employed, differ to the bottom line. from small businesses who may have up to 500 employees. They may be microbusinesses, but they create meaningful It’s time to support the microbusinesses who are driving economic impact. For 32% of Etsy sellers, their creative the new economy. Policymakers can help by supporting business, both on and off Etsy, is their sole occupation. For the issues that matter most to micro-businesses, and enable the rest, their creative business supplements income from the broader creative economy to flourish. other jobs or sources, and supports local manufacturing and retail partners.