HowSBA Financing Can Help Young Entrepreneurs
Learn how younger generations can use small business programs to buy, build, and lead companies.
Millennials and Gen Z are the most entrepreneurial generations in decades — but they face significant barriers, including student debt, rising interest rates, and limited access to capital. Fortunately, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers financing options, mentorship, and resources that can help them turn ideas into sustainable businesses. Empowering young people with the tools to lead companies fosters innovation, job creation, and long-term economic growth.
62% of Gen Z and 50% of Millennials
say they want to start their own business, according to a 2023 NielsenIQ report.
Only 27% Millennials & Gen Z
feel confident they can access the funding needed to start a business.
SBA’s 7(a) loan program
approved over $25 billion in small business loans in FY 2023, helping thousands of new entrepreneurs — but fewer than 15% of applicants were under age 35.
Why It Matters
Empowering younger generations through accessible financing and mentorship builds a stronger, more diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem. With the right tools, Millennials and Gen Z can create the innovative businesses of tomorrow — but they need support today.
Explore how SBA programs can help you buy or build a business:
