Poll Shows Interest in Entrepreneurship Very Strong among Young Americans

A Harris Interactive online poll, conducted on behalf of the Kauffman Foundation, shows that 40 percent of youth (ages 8 – 24) would like to start a business at some point in the future. Young people are overwhelmingly optimistic about owning their own business despite recent economic conditions. Of the 8- to 12-year-olds, 75 percent say they can successfully start their own businesses if they work hard; 62 percent of the 13- to 17-year-olds and 62 percent of the 18- to 24-year-olds agree with that statement.

“The survey findings are good news, because economic recovery hinges on entrepreneurship,” says Carl Schramm, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation.

The survey results also point to the importance of connecting with successful entrepreneurs as a way to inspire young people to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations. The survey shows that youth who know an entrepreneur personally have the strongest interest in starting their own businesses.

The survey was released in conjunction with observations of Global Entrepreneurship Week - marked November 15-21, 2010. Global Entrepreneurship Week was founded in 2008 by the Kauffman Foundation and Enterprise UK. to inspire young people to embrace innovation, imagination and creativity.

President Barack Obama proclaimed Friday November 19th as National Entrepreneurs’ Day in observance of the Week.

For more on the Harris Interactive poll.

For more on the Presidential proclamation of National Entrepreneurs Day.