A new survey by Junior Achievement USA and EY shows that most teens (58%) would be likely to start a business that addresses a societal need, even if it meant making less money. In total, three-in-four teens (75%) would be likely to consider becoming an entrepreneur. However, more than half (55%) say they would need more information on how to be successful, and nearly a third (32%) would need a role model who is a business owner for guidance. The survey of 1,005 teens between 13 and 17 was conducted by Big Village between September 27 – October 2, 2022.
To respond to teens’ interest, Junior Achievement and EY are offering JA Launch Lesson to high school students across the country in November, which is National Entrepreneurship Month. JA Launch Lesson is an hour-long educational experience built around the theme of entrepreneurship that creates a point of entry for students, volunteers, and educators. It is delivered locally by entrepreneurs in classrooms, after-school facilities, and other student venues around the United States.
“Our research shows that teens are inherently interested in starting a business, especially one that would promote social good, but most realize they need additional information and support to pursue that path,” said Anne Landers, vice president, strategy impact of Junior Achievement. “Thanks to the support of EY, we can provide that information and support through JA Launch Lesson.”
Other key survey findings include:
- While starting a business is attractive to teens, many expressed concerns, with more than one-in-four (27%) saying it was too risky. The same percentage said there wasn’t enough money in it, while fewer (11%) thought it might not fit their personality or skills.
- Most teens (79%) believe it would be ideal to start a business before the age of 30.
- Nearly a third of teens (29%) would be unlikely to start a business that addresses a societal need if it meant making less money.
National Entrepreneur Day is Nov. 15 and JA has several current and former students who have started their own businesses. Calvin, a high schooler, started a wood-working business a few years ago. It’s called CK Woodcraft and he sells handcrafted cooking boards, in local Farmers Markets and online. He learned his business skills and gained confidence from participating in JA.
Methodology
This Youth CARAVAN survey was conducted by Big Village among a sample of 1,005 13-17 year olds. This survey was live on September 27 – October 2, 2022.
Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have volunteered to participate in online surveys and polls. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to multiple sources of error, including, but not limited to sampling error, coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments. It is nationally representative with set quotas based on census data. The 1,005 completes are all who qualified and completed based on the demographic quota requirements. The MoE is +/- 3.1%.
Junior Achievement of Arizona (JA) is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization that equips Arizona students to succeed in work and life by giving them the knowledge and skills they need to manage their money, plan for their future, and make smart academic, career and economic choices. Since 1957, JA has taught kids, kindergarten through high school, about financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. The organization’s hands-on, age-appropriate programs are delivered by more than 8,000 corporate and community volunteers. Despite educational obstacles during the pandemic, JA reached approximately 100,000 students in the 2021-2022 school year.
