Increasing qualitative insight into the target group of Utrecht self-employed people and small entrepreneurs affected by COVID-19 to help them avoid debts, work on their resilience and increase a sustainable future perspective.

Cause In recent months, more than 10,000 self-employed people and small entrepreneurs have turned to the municipality of Utrecht for financial help due to the consequences of COVID-19 in the form of a Tozo scheme. Quantitatively speaking, this group of small entrepreneurs is well visible, but numerical data only provide limited insight into this target group. Municipalities are also looking for qualitative information that can help develop policy to support this target group. With this research we want to gain insight into the financial-economic, psychological and social impact of COVID-19 on Utrecht self-employed people and small entrepreneurs so that the municipality of Utrecht can develop policy that offers this target group a sustainable perspective. Results Small entrepreneurs and self-employed people from the Utrecht region have been hit hard by COVID-19; 51% of respondents can only last a maximum of 2 months with their financial reserves. In addition, 41% have debts or payment arrears and a quarter to 59% are barely able to provide for their daily subsistence. On the positive side, these small entrepreneurs and self-employed people appear to have perseverance, creativity and optimism in dealing with the worries and stress that the crisis causes them. In terms of further support, there was a particular need for financial help (64%), retraining (29%) and contact with other entrepreneurs (29%). Based on these results, the municipality of Utrecht has drawn up a three-pronged policy aimed at: 1) Quick help with (initial) debts or payment arrears; 2) Assistance/support in continuing the business; and 3) Guidance towards paid work. These are positively received by small entrepreneurs from the region and additional support needs have been mentioned.