Despite increasing digital finance adoption, Poland’s smallest businesses still prefer consulting with people over algorithms for key financial choices.
Micro-Firms Drive the Economy
Microenterprises are the foundation of the Polish economy. Data from Statistics Poland (GUS) indicates that nearly 2.91 million operated in Poland at the end of 2025, representing 95.9% of all firms. Their contribution amounts to almost one-third of the national GDP.
Consequently, how these firms make financial decisions serves as a barometer for the entire economy.
Not Just Clicks – Businesses Choose a Hybrid Model
While automation and digitization might seem to be taking complete control of company finances, the reality is different. A study by NFG shows that only about half of micro-entrepreneurs use financial services (leasing, loans, and factoring) independently online.
The rest either delegate these tasks to specialists or combine both approaches, depending on the situation.
What Do the Smallest Entrepreneurs Expect?
Among those who operate at least partially independently, 53.3% prefer a hybrid model.
“The digitization of finances in micro-firms doesn’t mean entrepreneurs want to hand everything over to an algorithm. Our data suggests that companies want to operate faster and more conveniently, but still need expert help for important decisions. This means the future of financial services for this segment lies in a hybrid model,” says Emanuel Nowak, an expert at factoring firm NFG and Fakturatka.pl.
Practicality Over Unnecessary Extras: What Really Works for Businesses?
Entrepreneurs aren’t chasing innovation for its own sake. The smallest businesses choose what saves them time and money. Digital hits include:
Human Contact Remains Key
Some technology companies assumed entrepreneurs wanted everything “here and now,” without human contact. NFG’s research challenges this thesis.
“Modern fintechs targeting micro-firms heavily base their models on technology and self-service. In many cases, humans have been almost completely removed from these processes, assuming entrepreneurs want everything quickly, remotely, and contactlessly. However, our experience at NFG shows that the need for human-to-human communication isn’t weakening. Moreover, it doesn’t only apply to older entrepreneurs. The study shows that even, and sometimes especially, the youngest market participants need contact with a person at various stages of cooperation – from explaining the offer, through the financial decision, to further service,” says Emanuel Nowak.
KSeF Changes the Rules of the Game
Digitization is no longer just a choice—it’s increasingly becoming an obligation. The introduction of the National e-Invoice System (KSeF) in 2026 forces companies to adapt to new standards.
It initially covered the largest enterprises, and from April 2026, further groups of companies will be included. A temporary deferral is planned for the smallest businesses, but the direction of change is clear—digital documents will become the norm. Consequently, e-invoicing has become one of the most frequently used tools.
Poland Still Catching Up with Europe
Although digitization is progressing, Poland still lags behind the EU average in terms of using modern technologies in business. European data shows that most companies have only reached a basic level of digital maturity, and there is still a long way to go to meet the goals set for 2030.
Technology + Relationships = The Future
The study’s conclusions are consistent: micro-firms aren’t rejecting technology—quite the opposite. They are increasingly willing to use it, but on their own terms. They want tools that speed up work and simplify processes, but they don’t intend to give up human contact where decisions have real financial consequences. This balance between automation and relationship is becoming the key direction for the development of financial services.
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