Surveys by Junior Achievement and Ernst & Young Show Teen Girls are thinking about Becoming Entrepreneurs Slightly More than Boys Are; "Fear of Failure" is a Top Concern for Both Groups

Colorado Springs, Colorado – New research from Junior Achievement and Ernst & Young LLP (EY) shows that 41 percent of teens would consider entrepreneurship as a career option, versus working in a traditional job. At the same time, 61 percent of teen girls have thought about starting a business, compared to 54 percent of boys. Additionally, 6 percent of teen boys have already started a business, while 4 percent of girls have done the same. The survey of 1,000 teens, conducted by Wakefield Research between October 15 and 22, 2018, has a margin of +/- 3.1%. The teen survey, and a companion one of adult entrepreneurs, supports JA Launch Lesson, an initiative to bring entrepreneurs into high school classrooms across the United States during National Entrepreneurship Month in November, 2018.

A similar survey of 500 adult entrepreneurs found that 13 percent started their first business at the age of 18 or younger, though the average age entrepreneurs tend to start their first business is 28. "Fear of Failure" is a prime concern of 67 percent of teens, who say it might stop them from starting a business. Interestingly enough, it was also a top concern of 65 percent of the entrepreneurs surveyed, 92 percent of whom say their businesses have turned a profit. To help guide them through their startup journeys, 36 percent of entrepreneurs have sought advice from current or former colleagues, while 32 percent have had an entrepreneurial mentor.