10k + Freelancers Union Survey: 'State of Independent Workers'

Is Philly counting your small business? Make sure it, is in less than 10 mins.

BY Alex Hillman Alex Hillman Freelancers Union Freelancers Union

Estimated read time, 3 minutes.

One of the most surprising things about the work we do at the 10k Independents Project is how often we encounter people – often people with a fair bit of power and influence – who hold incorrect and outdated views of what the small business community in Philadelphia looks like.

If you don’t have employees, you’re practically invisible.

And since the very beginning of the 10k Independents project, it’s been our mission to make sure that every kind of small business in Philadelphia is counted and included no matter your size.

The first step to being better supported by our city and state is to become better understood and better recognized.

That’s a big part of why we were so excited to team up with the Freelancers Union to launch the first ever “State of Independent Workers in Philly” survey and report, to help us provide a snapshot of the current & changing realities for people who choose self employment of all kinds.

With the political transitions ahead (and in some cases, already underway), many are rightfully concerned about the future of healthcare access, worker protections, and small business supports. These concerns remind us why having a strong, unified voice is so crucial.

Make your voice count today in 10 mins (or less)

Take (and share) the Survey Now

Note: we promise that your responses, including any personally identifying data, is stored securely, that only aggregated data will be used in our advocacy efforts, and your personal/private information will NEVER be shared, sold, or used for any reasons.

Your insights will help us communicate the real lived experiences and pressing needs of our diverse community here in Philadelphia, especially regarding healthcare coverage and other critical support systems.

And once we’ve collected enough responses, we’ll share a the first annual report of our findings (again, fully anonymized) and everyone who participates will get to preview the report!

So please consider using 10 minutes of your day to complete this survey, which includes a mix of questions that will help us advocate for better policies and initiatives to help small business owners across Philadelphia.

While you focus on growing your business, we’ll continue working with our partners to use these collective insights to build better support systems for all independent workers in the region!

Bonus: $170 worth of savings

Since your time and effort is valuable, we’re offering everyone who completes this survey before December 15th a 20% discount on this flexible coworking punch pass gift set for the Indy Hall Clubhouse, complete with 5 coworking days that you can use anytime in 2025.

It’s perfect for freelancers & entrepreneurs who want to escape their home office without the upfront commitment of a monthly membership. Grab a pass for yourself, or give it as a gift to a friend.

Each punch pass is $99 for $250 worth of coworking days, and when you complete the survey you’ll receive a code for another 20% off to make the pass just $80. Total $170 in savings!

Don’t run a business? Please share the survey!

Many of our followers and supporters are individuals and organizations who support other small businesses, whether or not they are independent workers themselves.

So if that’s you, please consider forwarding this email to the freelancers, solopreneurs, creatives, and small business owners in YOUR community.

It’s crucial that this survey represents the wide range of one person business communities across the region, so please help us ensure that the people in YOUR community are counted.

Take (and share) the Survey Now

And when you do, please be sure to let us know so we can keep you informed of the results. Thank you! 🙏

Independents Work Together

Keep your eyes peeled for more about this survey, and even more resources for independents on the way in 2025.

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