9 answers
9 answers
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Hi Aiyana, A great question. I would say you could start a business at any age that it's 1) legal and 2) safe for you to do so. Important to get input and feedback from entrepreneurs around you who have started a business before or currently runs a business. Remember, knowledge is power. Important to seek out and listen to your customer, as that will help guide you towards providing a service that satisfies your customer. Be sure to set up a commercial bank account and obtain a business permit (in your local area) and follow all the county and state rules of owning a business and paying taxes or other required fees. This of course depends upon the type of business you decide to set up and operate. Get legal assistance if necessary and consult a CPA as the need warrants.
Have fun and I hope you are successful in your venture.
Have fun and I hope you are successful in your venture.
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Heather’s Answer
When you have an idea, now is the time to start. Age ain't got nothing to do with it. Just run toward your passion!
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Jeff’s Answer
Aiyana, age is but a number, and should never be a factor in determining what you want to do. If you have a great idea that you believe can turn into a business opportunity, then it doesn't really matter if you're 14 or 44 years old. What I would suggest, however, is that the less experienced you are running a business, the more you should seek the help of more experienced folks that can provide assistance. And I would not just rely on one person. I would build a group of trusted people with diverse opinions and backgrounds to provide guidance for you and help you along the way.
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Qaysar’s Answer
It all starts with the idea (not age). If you have an innovative idea or you're still working on something creative that could develop into a big project or product there should be no age limitation to your dreams.
Once you have a business idea you move to planning, ask yourself "How can I make this happen?"
It's ok if you can't do it just by yourself, part of your planning should be finding those who can help you with it.
Throughout the whole time you find a business idea, plan, and make it a reality, age should not be limiting you from achieving your dreams.
Once you have a business idea you move to planning, ask yourself "How can I make this happen?"
It's ok if you can't do it just by yourself, part of your planning should be finding those who can help you with it.
Throughout the whole time you find a business idea, plan, and make it a reality, age should not be limiting you from achieving your dreams.
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Deanna’s Answer
Hello Aiyana - I am excited by your question! With how easy it is to start a business, it is not really age limited. One thing that is helpful is to have a mentor to provide guidance and support as you consider your ideas for a business - if you know someone who owns a business or owns one, asking them about there experiences can be a wealth of knowledge.
If you have ideas for a businesses, research those ideas online. It is a great idea to have a place to jot down the ideas and build out the plans as you research and learn more and more. If you identify one that has potential (think 5 P's - Product, Price, Promotion, Placement & People), you can put together a business plan. That may seem a little daunting, but it is really easy to do and can help you think through everything you will need to cover.
There are tons of resources online for this from the Small Business Administration as well as others.
You might also consider looking into a few groups that are focused on entrepreneurship - Junior Achievement is one.
There are a large number of people who started young and created businesses, but also many young people creating non-profits built on ideas that are very important to them (the environment, access to books, etc.)
If you have ideas for a businesses, research those ideas online. It is a great idea to have a place to jot down the ideas and build out the plans as you research and learn more and more. If you identify one that has potential (think 5 P's - Product, Price, Promotion, Placement & People), you can put together a business plan. That may seem a little daunting, but it is really easy to do and can help you think through everything you will need to cover.
There are tons of resources online for this from the Small Business Administration as well as others.
You might also consider looking into a few groups that are focused on entrepreneurship - Junior Achievement is one.
There are a large number of people who started young and created businesses, but also many young people creating non-profits built on ideas that are very important to them (the environment, access to books, etc.)
Excellent Deanna. Very informative!
Steve Swisher
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Namrta’s Answer
There's no age to start a business. If your idea is solving a real-world problem or an unmet need, you should go for it. You may first want to vet the idea with your mentors as well as the group that would be the actual customers of your product. Then start small, almost like a test, before going all in.
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James’s Answer
You can begin a business at any age! How many people have started their own lawn care company by mowing their neighbors lawns at a young age. The important thing regarding starting a business is tackling it in small pieces. What do I want to accomplish, what is my goal, who/what is my target audience and demographic. Start small, talk to other small business owners, see what potential pitfalls are. If nothing else, it is a massive learning experience. Good luck!
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Ross’s Answer
While most business founders (and particularly most successful business founders) are actually 35 and older, many people say you should start a business when you're in your 20s because its the safest time to take risk. You may not have started a family yet, you may not have bought a house yet, and you have more time to rebuild if you go bankrupt. You also have more energy the younger you are. However, finding a mentor before you start a business is also a great idea!