Turning Teen Ambitions Into Business: Why 73% of Young People Want to Start a Venture
The New Age of Ambition
If you’ve ever heard a teen say, “I want to start my own thing”, you’re not alone.
Across the UK and beyond, young people aren’t waiting to “grow up” before launching ideas — they’re already building brands, apps, and online ventures while still in school.
Recent studies show that over 73% of 16–24-year-olds want to start a business in their lifetime.
It’s not about rebellion; it’s about independence. Gen Z and Gen Alpha are driven by creativity, flexibility, and the desire to make a difference — on their own terms.
But while the ambition is real, the know-how often isn’t. That’s where true entrepreneurial education steps in.
Why the Teen Start-Up Boom Is Happening Now
There’s a perfect storm behind this movement:
Digital tools make starting up easier than ever.
Social media gives every teen a potential audience.
Financial awareness is growing — teens want control over their income, not just a salary.
Add to that a world that celebrates creativity and purpose, and you have a generation that believes, “If I can imagine it, I can build it.”
But what they need next is structure — the business basics that turn creative sparks into sustainable ventures.
That’s why IFA’s Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Business course exists: to teach teens the principles of ideation, strategy, and finance in a relatable way.
Because it’s one thing to dream of being a founder — it’s another to think like one.
From Idea to Impact: What Teens Really Need to Learn
Most teen start-ups don’t fail because of lack of passion — they fail because of lack of planning.
Understanding budgets, pricing, customers, taxes, and investing are all part of the entrepreneurial journey.
Through the IFA Series, our three-year flagship programme, students progress from the basics of Financial Planning & Goal Setting to advanced courses like Introduction to Investing and Spending Psychology & Consumer Awareness — the kind of foundation every young entrepreneur needs to build something that lasts.
It’s about combining creativity with clarity.
Parents: Supporting the Next Generation of Builders
Parents often find themselves torn — between pride and worry.
You want your child to explore their ideas, but you also want them to stay realistic.
Here’s the truth: entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting companies — it’s about learning resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Even if your teen never launches a business, entrepreneurial thinking will shape how they approach life, careers, and finances.
By encouraging them to take courses like Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Business or the full IFA Series, you’re not just supporting a hobby — you’re nurturing leadership, confidence, and purpose.
The Future Belongs to the Self-Starters
From bedroom brands to AI-powered apps, the next generation of business leaders is already experimenting — fearlessly.
They’re not waiting for permission, degrees, or funding. They’re learning, trying, failing, and trying again — faster than ever before.
At IFA, we believe every ambitious young mind deserves the tools to turn their ideas into impact.
That means understanding not just how to make money, but how to manage, invest, and multiply it responsibly.
Because the future won’t belong to those who play it safe — it will belong to those who learn, plan, and take action early.
Final Thought
If your teen has a spark of curiosity about business — nurture it.
Entrepreneurship teaches life lessons that school often misses: independence, confidence, and creative problem-solving.
Start with Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Business, or take the full journey with the IFA Series — the three-year ultimate programme designed to shape tomorrow’s leaders.
Because the best time to learn how to build the future… is before it arrives.
