Recent surveys have shown growing interest in entrepreneurship among Gen Z, ages 12-27, in the United States. Around 54% of this generation are considering entrepreneurship as a career, which is a significant increase compared to previous generations. Factors behind this trend include technological advancements, the influence of successful young entrepreneurs, and a desire for innovation and personal freedom. Although there are hurdles, such as limited access to capital and business knowledge, with the right tools, Gen Z can become a powerful entrepreneurial force.
To foster this entrepreneurial spirit, programs like the Daniels Foundation JA Dream Accelerator in Greenwood Village, Colorado, connect local entrepreneurs with high school students who are themselves entrepreneurs. These programs provide valuable insight into business ownership and management. They offer hands-on learning with mentors from successful companies, opportunities to pitch ideas and get feedback, and help develop the next generation of innovators.
The Daniels Fund JA Dream Accelerator program helps Gen Z connect their tech-savvy tendencies to career paths, providing tools like tablets and career assessments to help them find the right career, as well as internships and insights into the technology sector to foster an individual’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Beyond imparting business knowledge, the program focuses on personal growth and the development of the qualities needed to be a successful entrepreneur.
Gen Z’s entrepreneurial ambitions are on the rise
The goal of the program is to motivate and prepare students to achieve their professional goals, so they think creatively, act decisively, and have the resilience to withstand adversity.
In just one year, the Daniels Fund JA Dream Accelerator Program has reached nearly 69,000 high school students. The program’s flexibility and creative opportunities beyond traditional careers have contributed to its popularity, as have the opportunities for personal mentoring and the chance to develop their own business concepts.
Mentors play a key role in guiding young minds. Industry veterans such as Matt Morse, founder of advertising agency Wyth Creative, and successful entrepreneur Jane Kim share their experience and advice. Program Director Jacob Arnold emphasizes the importance of developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In this way, students gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience that will be important for their future careers.
