Current Issues: Preparing for Summer and the Start of the School Year
- While the summer months are a time for both a break and reflection for owners of very small businesses—amid renewed motivation, questions about the future, and preparations for the new school year—managing business operations and vacation time depends heavily on the company’s industry.
- Although employees at very small businesses are generally free to take their vacation whenever they choose, an increasing number are opting for shorter breaks during the summer.
- Between cash flow management and electronic invoicing, the start of the 2026 school year is viewed positively by a majority of microbusiness owners.
The Economic Climate in France and Within Companies
- Against a backdrop of easing international tensions and as the summer season approaches, confidence among microbusiness owners in the government stabilized in the second quarter of 2026, while business owners’ optimism regarding the overall business climate in France rebounded, and the majority expressed optimism about their own businesses.
- Hiring, layoffs, and the number of job openings remained stable in the second quarter of 2026, reflecting a labor market that is losing momentum.
Key Figures
- Optimism among business leaders regarding their own business activity returned to a majority in the second quarter of 2026: 54%
For the first time since the second quarter of 2025 - More than one-third of business owners say they are considering closing their businesses during the summer: 36%
A proportion that has remained stable compared to 20 years ago - A minority of business owners plan to hire seasonal workers during the summer: 9%
A downward trend compared to 21 years ago (-5 points) - Nearly two-thirds of business owners are optimistic about their business in the second half of 2026: 63%
- Maintaining cash flow and preparing for new requirements (electronic invoicing) are the top priorities for the start of 2026, cited by 45% and 42% of business leaders,respectively
