American Express ran a survey to find out if young entrepreneurs were really all that different from older entrepreneurs and it turns out that we are! The main findings were:

Similarities

• Optimistic about the U.S. economy (64% young, 62% old)
• Both agree that passion, rather than money, drives them towards success

Differences 

• Having fun is a priority in business (75% young, 66% old)
• It is “very difficult” to leave work and go on vacation (39% young, 26% old)
• Put in over 10 hours a day (66% young, 58% old)
• Like to take risks (72% young, 53% old)
• Started business right out of school (27% young, 9% old)
• Immigration is beneficial to the economy (52% young, 44% old)
• Are technology savvy (66% young, 47% old)
• Belief that older entrepreneurs have an edge (59% young, 88% old)

In total 602 small business owners were surveyed – you can read the full results here.

Evan Carmichael