Too Young or Too Old to Start a Business? Here’s the Truth
What is the right age to start a business? Am I too old? Am I too young?
Cliffnotes for those in a hurry…
The best time to start a business is yesterday, the next best time is now.
There is no wrong age, I've worked with new start-ups owned by 14 year olds and 77 year olds. An up-side to starting while young (or retired) is that the bar to success is very low. The further you get in a career and work your way up the income ladder, the more money your new start-up needs to make to replace it, so youth (or financial independence) has some advantages.
What is the right age to start a business? Am I too old? Am I too young?
These are questions many aspiring entrepreneurs ask themselves, regardless of where they are in life. And they’re valid questions, because society often assigns certain expectations to different age groups. But let’s get one thing straight: starting a business is like planting a tree. The best time to do it was yesterday, but the next best time is today. Age is just a number, and it shouldn’t determine whether you launch your dream. Let’s explore why.
Age is Just a Number: The Myth of the “Right” Age
The concept of the “right” age to start a business is misleading. People have successfully started businesses at every point in life — from teenagers to retirees. In fact, I’ve personally worked with entrepreneurs as young as 14 and as experienced as 77. The truth is, each stage of life brings its own unique set of advantages and challenges when it comes to entrepreneurship.
If you’re young, you might have the advantage of boundless energy, fresh perspectives, a viral social network of peers to market to and a lack of heavy responsibilities. Your financial needs might also be lower, which means you have less pressure to turn an immediate profit. Youth allows for experimentation, bold risk-taking, and the opportunity to learn through mistakes without the weight of significant financial or familial responsibilities.
On the other hand, if you’re older, you benefit from the wisdom gained through years of experience. You might have built an extensive network and learned what does and doesn’t work in your industry. You have the advantage of understanding the nuances of human behavior, and, potentially, a clearer sense of what you want from your life. Moreover, the skills you’ve gained over the years — whether in managing teams, finances, or relationships — can make the path to success smoother.
The Low Bar of Youth and the Freedom of Age
One of the advantages of starting young is that the bar for what is considered “success” can be set quite low. As a teenager or a college student, you’re not necessarily trying to replace a high-paying job — you’re starting from scratch. You may still live with your parents, have minimal expenses, and be more comfortable taking risks that might not pay off immediately. If your business brings in a little extra cash or simply gives you invaluable experience, that’s already a win.
Similarly, older adults, especially those who are retired or financially independent, can also benefit from having a low bar. At this stage, starting a business may not be about maximizing income but about pursuing a passion, keeping busy, or even making a difference in the community. For many older entrepreneurs, the thrill of the challenge and the satisfaction of building something meaningful matters far more than simply paying the bills.
Challenges at Different Ages — And How to Overcome Them
No matter your age, entrepreneurship comes with its challenges. For young entrepreneurs, the biggest hurdle can be a lack of experience or credibility. Potential customers or investors may be skeptical of your abilities. The best way to overcome this challenge is to demonstrate commitment, educate yourself, and perhaps even find mentors who can help you navigate the business world.
For older entrepreneurs, the challenge might be the fear of starting something new when it feels like society expects you to slow down. Or it might be the financial risk, especially if you’ve already been in a stable career for decades. The best way to tackle these challenges is to leverage your life experience, carefully assess risks, and remember that your age can actually be an advantage in terms of resilience, wisdom, and connections.
It’s Never Too Late — Or Too Early
Colonel Sanders started KFC in his 60s. Moziah Bridges launched his bow tie company, Mo’s Bows, when he was just nine years old. These examples remind us that entrepreneurship is not bound by age. It’s bound by action. Your desire to create, innovate, and make an impact is far more important than the year on your birth certificate.
Age should never be an excuse for not following your dreams. If you’re wondering whether you’re too young or too old to start a business, here’s the truth: you’re right on time, as long as you’re willing to begin. The only ‘wrong’ age is the one where you’re still waiting for the perfect moment instead of taking action.
Start Today
Whether you’re 15 or 75, there is no perfect time to start a business except right now. Harness the advantages that come with your stage of life and work through the challenges with patience and creativity. The world needs your ideas — and there’s no time like the present to plant the seed that could grow into something extraordinary.
The right age to start a business? It’s today. And it’s your turn. Join my business support group to fast track your success!
Do you have questions about your business? Book a call with me, Cheryl, Head Business Witch at the Business Witch Academy, or join my business support group.
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