Burgundy-Franche-Comté Business Failures Rise: Support for SMEs & Entrepreneurs
More than 2,280 business failures were recorded in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté last year, according to data from the INSEE, a 4% increase compared to 2024. While statistics are not currently available at the employment basin level, the Nord Franche-Comté region – a heavily industrialized area spanning the Doubs, Haute-Saône, and Territoire de Belfort departments – is demonstrably affected. In response, the Urssaf and the Casques Bleues association have signed an agreement to address the difficulties faced by modest and medium-sized enterprise (SME) leaders “as quickly and as closely as possible.”
The agreement aims to strengthen mutual understanding of the missions of both organizations and prevent the worsening of administrative or financial situations. Founded in 2018 in the Belfort-Montbéliard basin following the suicide of a local entrepreneur, the Casques Bleues – whose name translates to “Blue Helmets” – draw inspiration from the intervention spirit of their United Nations counterparts. These volunteer economic professionals mobilize to de-escalate situations of distress among entrepreneurs.
The INSEE’s latest “Conjoncture Bourgogne-Franche-Comté” report, published January 13, 2026, details a broader economic slowdown. The report, co-authored by representatives from the INSEE, the Regional Directorate for Economy, Employment, Labor and Solidarity (DREETS), and the Urssaf, notes that a slight improvement in economic activity observed in the spring of 2025 did not continue into the third quarter. Employment within the salaried sector remained stable or declined across all activity sectors, with temporary work and construction experiencing further losses.
According to data released on March 20, 2026, the total number of salaried employees in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté reached 988,900 in the fourth quarter of 2025. Temporary employment stood at 31,100 during the same period. The unemployment rate was 7.1% as of the fourth quarter of 2025. As of January 29, 2026, 170,520 individuals were registered with France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi) in categories A, B, and C, while 10,600 job offers were available.
The INSEE data too indicates a degree of financial stability among businesses in the region. As of the complete of September 2025, unpaid Urssaf contributions remained relatively low, totaling 55.92 million euros for private companies located in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. However, the increase in business failures suggests underlying pressures. The number of business creations reached 9,170 in the fourth quarter of 2025, while insolvencies totaled 2,280 for the full year.
The Urssaf Bourgogne-Franche-Comté publishes semi-annual reports in partnership with the INSEE, the DREETS, and the Urssaf Franche-Comté, providing further analysis of the regional economic situation. The partnership between the Urssaf and the Casques Bleues aims to provide early intervention and support to struggling business leaders, addressing potential issues before they escalate into formal administrative or financial difficulties.