Written by Evelyn Mytka, with insights from the Business Link team
Being a young entrepreneur comes with a unique mix of bold ideas, boundless energy, and a steep learning curve. Whether you’re still in school, working part-time, or diving into a full-time venture, starting a business in your teens or 20s can be both thrilling and overwhelming.
In honour of International Youth Day, we’re sharing some hard-earned lessons and honest advice to help you skip a few bumps in the road or at least know they’re normal when you hit them.
Here’s what we wish we knew back then, straight from our Business Strategists, who’ve worked with thousands of entrepreneurs across Alberta.
“Being flexible is just as important as having a plan. Life doesn’t always go according to schedule.”
1. You don’t need to have it all figured out
One of the biggest myths about starting a business is that you need to have a polished, flawless plan before you begin. You don’t. In fact, trying to wait for the “perfect” idea or “perfect” moment might hold you back.
Starting small and testing your idea, whether through a pop-up market, social media sales, or a soft launch, can teach you more than months of planning ever could. You’ll learn what people actually want (not just what you think they want), and you can adjust from there.
Your first idea might not be your final business and that’s okay. Flexibility is one of your biggest assets.
2. Your age isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower
It’s easy to feel like you’re too young to be taken seriously. But your generation brings fresh thinking, digital savvy, and a strong sense of social responsibility to the table. Those are serious business advantages.
Many of today’s successful entrepreneurs got started young and the experience, even with a few stumbles, paid off.
You also have more time to take risks, build skills, and explore different directions before things like mortgages, family time and full-time jobs start to limit your options.
“Before you sign anything — READ IT! If you don’t understand something, ask. You don’t have to do it all yourself.”
3. You don’t have to do it all alone
When you’re young, it can be tempting to try to prove yourself by figuring everything out on your own. But the smartest entrepreneurs know when to ask for help.
Alberta has a strong support network for youth entrepreneurs, from funding opportunities to free business advice. Here are a few places to start:
- Business Link (that’s us!)– Free one-on-one support from experienced Business Strategists.
- Futurpreneur Canada – Loans, mentoring, and resources for entrepreneurs aged 18–39.
- Community Futures – Supports entrepreneurs in rural Alberta, including youth programs.
- Platform Calgary – A hub for innovators aged 17-24 interested in tech, startups, and entrepreneurship. Offers programs, events, mentorship, and access to Calgary’s startup ecosystem.
- Local economic development offices – Many Alberta municipalities offer workshops, grants, and programs to help you start.
Booking a free call with a Business Link Strategist can help you understand what steps to take, what funding might be available, and how to set your business up for success.
“Avoid over-reliance on loans. Show some skin in the game. Lenders want to see that you believe in your business too.”
4. Budgeting matters more than branding
Building a brand is fun and important, but it’s easy to get swept up in logo designs and perfectly curated TikTok posts while ignoring the financial side.
Even a small business needs a clear understanding of how much it costs to operate, how to price products or services, and what cash flow looks like over time.
What we wish we knew sooner:
- Free accounting tools like Wave or spreadsheets can get you started.
- Keep your personal and business finances separate, even if you’re a sole proprietor.
- Learn the basics of GST, business deductions, and invoicing early.
Financial literacy is one of the most underrated skills for young entrepreneurs. Start now, and you’ll save yourself a lot of stress later.
5. You don’t need thousands of followers to start selling
It’s easy to compare your new business to polished brands on TikTok or Instagram with thousands of followers. But most businesses start small and stay small and profitable.
You don’t need a viral video to start building a loyal customer base. What you do need is:
- A clear offering
- A simple way for people to buy from you (website, DMs, online marketplace, in-person, etc.)
- Trust, built through consistency and responsiveness
Focus on the platforms where your audience already hangs out, and don’t stretch yourself too thin. Consistent effort beats flashy trends every time.
Don’t fall into the perfectionism trap. It’s easy to spend hours tweaking your website or obsessing over your social feed when those hours could be spent making connections, building your offer, and actually growing the business.
6. Every experience counts (yes, even the non-business ones)
Not everything you learn will come from running your business. That retail job you hated? It probably taught you customer service, inventory tracking, or time management. A group project at school? That’s collaboration and leadership.
Being an entrepreneur is about more than just launching a product, it’s about learning to communicate, manage your time, and bounce back from setbacks. Your “non-business” life is building those skills, too.
Give yourself credit for what you already know and keep learning as you go. Podcasts, YouTube, and free online courses can help fill in the gaps.
7. It’s normal to feel like an imposter sometimes
Feeling like you’re not “legit enough” or “experienced enough” is something almost every entrepreneur goes through, no matter their age.
But here’s the truth: nobody has your exact mix of ideas, experiences, or perspective. And if you’re passionate about something, there’s a market for it. You just have to find your audience and keep showing up.
If you’re stuck choosing between business ideas, pick the one that lights you up. Passion is what helps you stay committed, even on tough days.
“I wish I’d asked myself: what does a successful business look like to me? Turns out, the answer wasn’t in my profit/loss statement.”
8. Define success on your own terms
When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to latch onto someone else’s version of success, whether that’s six-figure revenue, flashy branding, or endless hustle.
But success doesn’t look the same for everyone. Take the time to reflect on what matters to you. Is it financial freedom? Work-life balance? Creative impact? Time with family? Recognition?
9. Take care of yourself, too
Burnout is real. And in the early stages of business, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “I just need to work harder.”
But taking care of yourself isn’t optional—it’s essential. Make time to rest, unplug, and protect your mental health. If you need to talk to someone, talk to someone. Create boundaries around your time and energy. You don’t have to hustle 24/7 to be successful. You’re allowed to rest.
Youth is a powerful time to explore, take smart risks, and try things out. You might not know exactly where your entrepreneurial journey will take you, but every step you take builds confidence, clarity, and momentum.
And remember, you don’t have to go it alone. Need help turning your idea into action?
Book a free one-on-one meeting with a Business Link strategist. We’ll help you with the basics, connect you to resources, and cheer you on at every stage of your journey!
