September brings 1,985 new businesses: trade and tourism lead, one in three run by a woman

In September, 1,985 new businesses opened in Albania, according to data from the National Business Center (QKB) reported by ATSH. The overwhelming majority are sole proprietors, 1,514, while 463 are limited liability companies. The list also includes 4 branches of foreign companies, 3 joint-stock companies and one general partnership.

Tirana dominates

The capital remains the magnet for entrepreneurship: 1,085 businesses, or about 54.7% of the total, were registered in Tirana. It is followed by Durrës with 212, Vlora with 132, Shkodra with 104, Elbasan with 102 and Fier with 100. Together, Tirana and Durrës account for about 65% of the month's registrations.

Where entrepreneurs are investing

Wholesale and retail trade, including vehicle repair, leads with 464 entities. Accommodation and food service, a sector closely tied to tourism, ranks second with 220 businesses. Next come professional, scientific and technical activities with 186, information and communication with 166, and construction with 155. Manufacturing counts 110 new entities, real estate 67, while agriculture, forestry and fishing account for only 29.

Foreign capital and women entrepreneurs

Of the new businesses, 1,717 are fully Albanian-owned, 238 fully foreign-owned and 29 have mixed ownership, while one is state-owned. In total, 267 entities, or about 13.5% of registrations, have foreign capital, either fully or partly.

The data also show the growing role of women in entrepreneurship: 653 of the new businesses are managed by women, about 32.9% of the total, or roughly one in three.

The September figures come as businesses in the capital are also dealing with the aftermath of recent days' protests, while the tax administration is verifying damage reported by dozens of businesses.