Farewell boss! It's decided, now you'll be the boss! However, going freelance cannot be improvised. Between the many legal statuses, the financial aid available, the administrative procedures and the customers to prospect, there is something to get lost in. Here's a guide to help you get started.
Choose the right legal status
To start a freelance activity, you must first choose between several legal statuses:
- The micro-enterprise:this status has been a great success since its creation in 2009. The reason? It has many advantages:simplified creation and accounting procedures (no balance sheet, no income statement, no VAT), and very attractive tax exemptions. Social charges are calculated based on the turnover generated. In summary:0 € of turnover =0 € of contributions. There are turnover thresholds not to be exceeded depending on the sector of activity (up to €170,000 for a commercial activity, up to €70,000 for a liberal activity).
- Wage portage:this scheme allows you to benefit from all the advantages of employment while being freelance (right to unemployment, paid leave, etc.). The wage portage company on which you depend manages your administrative formalities and your accounting. You receive a monthly salary corresponding to the services provided. On your side, you have to find your customers, establish your prices, manage your schedule...
- The EIRL (individual company with limited liability):unlike the status of micro-entrepreneur, in EIRL, no turnover threshold is imposed on you. In addition, you can separate your personal assets from your business, so you are protected in the event of bankruptcy. The inconvenients ? The formalities of creation are quite complex (sometimes, it will be necessary to call on a notary). In addition, the day-to-day management of the business is more cumbersome, especially accounting. Finally, in an EIRL, it is impossible for a freelancer to associate, which can, in the long term, limit the growth of your business.
- The single-member company (EURL, SARL, SASU):this status allows you to associate with other companies and limit your liability to your contributions alone. However, the creation formalities are complex (drafting statutes, etc.) and often expensive. Without forgetting the keeping of very strict accounts and the obligation to organize general meetings.
Freelance doesn't mean being alone!
It is well known that loneliness is part of daily freelance life. However, joining an entrepreneur club is essential to develop your business. Here are some of them that will be of great help to you:Réseau Entreprendre, Association Jeunes Entrepreneurs or Entre’preneurs d’Actions Solidaires.
Find out about creation aids
There are several devices to help aspiring freelancers get started:
- The ACRE:an exemption or reduction of social charges the first year of activity for all business creators if the turnover does not exceed €39,800. For micro-entrepreneurs, the ACRE corresponds to 3 years of degressive exemptions.
- Pôle Emploi aid such as ARCE (payment of the remainder of unemployment rights in the form of a lump sum) or ARE (maintenance of monthly unemployment benefits calculated on the basis of income from work company).
Other less known means are good to take to help you get started:aid from foundations (such as the Second Chance Foundation for people in precarious situations or the Raoul Follereau Foundation, for people in precarious situations with a project in a rural area), microcredits, grants (Cap'Jeunes grant, Agefiph grant, etc.), crowdfunding.
Starting a freelance business:how to find clients?
When you start a freelance activity, the priority is to find clients. For that, you have to prospect:
- In his personal network (friends, family, former colleagues) and professional (companies in which you were employed, networks of entrepreneurs);
- On professional social networks such as Linkedin or Viadeo;
- On call for tenders platforms (Codeurs.com) or freelance directories like Hopwork or 404works.
Continually train to sustain your business
In the freelancing jungle, competition is fierce. Even if you are a top translator or graphic designer today, how can you guarantee that you will still be one in 1 or 2 years? The answer is simple:by training yourself. Following trends and training in new practices is essential to continue.
Ensure good social protection
As a self-employed person, it is important to protect yourself against the vagaries of life. Having a mutual insurance company to supplement the coverage of your health costs is essential. Do not forget to inquire to benefit from the best social coverage in health and providence.
Starting a freelance activity is attracting more and more French people. Bye bye boss, hello freedom. Yes, but on condition that you are well informed before starting. It's now done!
