Outdated systems hold back side hustlers seeking sustainable growth, eBay and Small Business Britain reports
Seven in ten adults run a side hustle, but outdated systems are making it harder for them to turn their ventures into sustainable businesses, according to a report by eBay and Small Business Britain.
Published today, the report also said that accelerating growth among small and medium-sized businesses by just one percentage point a year could add £320 billion to the economy by 2030.
Almost 50% of side hustlers say more reliable income would help them make it their main livelihood: the challenge is turning early demand into a business they can depend on.
Founders have noted that they have fallen between systems that treat them as casual earners or established companies. They also said that banking, regulation and business support have not kept pace with people building a business gradually, around a job or family life.
The report’s central recommendation is the creation of a Micro-Business Lane, calling on government, banks and large businesses to “think micro first”. That means less paperwork, clearer rules, and finance designed for businesses starting small, rather than not expecting a sole trader to navigate systems built for companies with finance directors and legal teams.
The report argues that supporting side hustlers is not simply about encouraging more people to start businesses but helping viable ventures move from experimentation into sustainable growth.
Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain, said systems around entrepreneurship force founders to sacrifice huge parts of their lives, such as their jobs.
“That is a huge opportunity for the UK. A side hustle can be the first step towards greater financial independence, a full-time business, new jobs, and new markets, but we need to make sure our systems help people move forward rather than creating barriers just as they begin to grow,” Ovens said.
She continued: “We should not be asking entrepreneurs to take a blind leap of faith. We should be building the confidence, skills, and support that allow people to take the next step when their business is ready.”
Eve Williams, Vice President and General Manager, eBay UK, said: “Side hustling has become a mainstream way to build a business in Britain, and this speaks volumes about the resilience, ambition, and creativity of UK entrepreneurs.
“We also believe that the opportunity to start and grow a business should be accessible to everyone no matter where you live or what socio-economic background you come from. The Government needs to step up for small businesses where it has the most impact and that’s why we’re backing the call for a Micro-Business Lane – cutting paperwork, improving access to finance, and making it easier for founders to turn early momentum into a sustainable, growing business.”
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