NEWS DIGEST
LIFTING THE LID ON THE DYNAMICS BETWEEN AGE & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
table, but can also struggle with financial pressures and competing demands in life. Meanwhile, older and more seasoned entrepreneurs, the research reasons, may have to confront ageist barriers in spite of the extensive expertise and networks at their disposal. Addressing age-related stereotypes in the entrepreneurial ecosystem is therefore of the utmost importance, according to the study. “We need to look beyond traditional narratives and ask how society can better support entrepreneurs throughout their lives,” Lévesque comments. The paper proposes further research on age-related differences in entrepreneurial motivation, how age influences wellbeing and how age-related biases impact both entry and exit decisions in entrepreneurship. “Entrepreneurs in their later years often prioritise intrinsic rewards like fulfilment and autonomy over financial success,” the Schulich professor shares by way of example. “This shift in motivation challenges traditional assumptions about entrepreneurship being a wealth-driven pursuit and suggests that we need to rethink how we support entrepreneurs at all stages of life.” EB
SCHOOL : Schulich School of Business York University, Canada
A new research paper from York University’s Schulich School of Business challenges the long-held myth that entrepreneurship is a young person’s game. Instead, the report, Entrepreneurship, age & the lifespan highlights the unique challenges and advantages of pursuing entrepreneurship at different stages of life. “Entrepreneurship is not a one-size-fits-all path. Age impacts every phase of the entrepreneurial process. Understanding these dynamics can help us foster a more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem, where both young and older entrepreneurs are valued for their unique contributions,” commented Schulich professor and the study’s lead author, Moren Lévesque. A total of 10 themes to help define the complex relationship between age and entrepreneurship are identified in the research. For example, it suggests that younger people entering an entrepreneurial journey might struggle to access resources but are often noted for their resilience and innovation. Mid‑life entrepreneurs are said to bring valuable skills and experience to the
SHARE YOUR NEWS AND RESEARCH UPDATES by emailing AMBA & BGA content editor Tim Banerjee Dhoul at t.dhoul@amba-bga.com
Ambition • ISSUE 2 • 2026 11
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online