Can a light entrepreneur be unemployed?

Yes, an unemployed person can be a light entrepreneur, but the benefit amount depends on how much work you do. At the start of unemployment, during the first four months, the TE Office (TE-toimisto) generally doesn't check whether the light entrepreneurship is a secondary or main occupation, so you can work freely, and unemployment benefit is usually still paid, at least in part. After that, the TE Office assesses whether the light entrepreneurship is a main or secondary occupation. If it's considered a secondary occupation, the benefit continues to be paid, but it may be reduced based on your earnings. If the light entrepreneurship is your main occupation and prevents you from accepting full-time work, unemployment benefit is no longer paid.