In Sweden the same social safety net applies to everyone, even entrepreneurs (gasp!). There is basically no more risk in starting a company than in being employed.
This is sort-of the case in Denmark as well, though the conditions for what counts as "unemployed" for an entrepreneur are a subject of some discussion. Currently, you qualify on the same basis as someone who loses their job only when your company declares bankruptcy and is liquidated. That's the event that, for a business owner, counts as equivalent to being involuntarily fired or laid off for an employee.
You do also qualify for the base welfare system without any strings, though. For example if your income is too low relative to the cost of housing, you may receive a housing subsidy.
mjn|12 years ago
You do also qualify for the base welfare system without any strings, though. For example if your income is too low relative to the cost of housing, you may receive a housing subsidy.
vincentleeuwen|12 years ago