Handicrafts, engine of the French economy

Composed mainly of small businesses, the craft sector is an economic giant. Present in the sectors of food, building, production and services, the craft industry brings together more than 510 different activities and thus occupies a privileged place in the French economy. By combining traditional know-how and advanced technologies, the craft has developed the conditions to confirm its place as "First company in France".

1.3 million companies, a third of French companies
300 billion euros of turnover
3.1 million assets.
19.9% of entrepreneurs are men between 51 and 60 years old
23% of artisans are women
160,000 young people trained each year, ie
37% of apprentices in France 100,000 French people create or take over a craft company every year Infographics (Source: APCMA figures, 2017)

Definition of the craft enterprise

Craft enterprises are characterized by their size and the nature of their activity. They employ, for the most part, less than ten employees and must carry out a production, processing, repair or service provision activity listed in the Directory of Trades.