eBay and Small Business Britain back UK’s side-hustle economy

UK – Small Business Britain and eBay have launched a free six-week online programme offering digital training, expert-led modules and peer support to 500 aspiring entrepreneurs across the UK.

The Side Hustle Lab backs early-stage founders in turning passion projects into future powerhouses. According to new research from Small Business Britain and eBay, 39% of today’s small businesses begin as side hustles.

While side hustling cements itself as the UK’s dominant route into entrepreneurship, this rise in multi-stream income reflects a growing culture of resourcefulness, as individuals navigate ongoing economic pressures, a value state we explored in our New Codes of Value report.

‘As millions of Brits turn their passion projects into income, particularly during the cost of living crisis, we need more support for this section of the economy to accelerate the next generation of businesses and growth for the UK economy,’ said Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain.

Economic conditions are continuing to reshape how and why people launch businesses. Initiatives like this offer a blueprint for building more inclusive, adaptive entrepreneurial eco-systems. Keep an eye on our Work States topic for more.