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StartUp!: Why Gen-Z is the most entrepreneurial generation

Updated: Apr 12

Join Writer Aadhya as they take a deep dive side hustle culture and explains why, for Gen Z, the entrepreneurial spirit isn’t bound to pass on anytime soon.


"Kylie, you’re doing great, sweetie!” And indeed she is. Kylie Jenner is among the world’s youngest self-made billionaires. Guess what you and she have in common? We’re part of Generation Z—the diverse, competitive, forever-online Gen Z!




If there’s one thing Gen Z is mastering, it’s the art of turning side hustles into main gigs. Boomers worked at one company for 40 years. Millennials mastered the art of job-hopping. Gen Z? We’re out here launching businesses from our bedrooms.



Ask a Gen Z what they want to be when they grow up, and you’ll probably hear something like: “Rich, but also making a difference.” A 2020 survey by WP Engine found that 62% of Gen Zers planned to start their own business or were open to the possibility in the future.[1] But why is it that we are so predisposed to entrepreneurship?



Gen Z has lived through enough varieties of global crises to last a lifetime. Economic downturns? Climate change? A global pandemic? Been there, done that. If there’s one thing we’re great at, it’s adapting. Whether it’s launching sustainable brands, creating mental health startups, or figuring out how to make money from memes, Gen Z is out here turning chaos into profit.



To get a sense of how fellow Gen Z view entrepreneurship, I spoke to a few SMU students to hear their thoughts. One student shared, "Yeah, why not? I love the idea of being my own boss and being financially independent. Plus, it would be cool to create job opportunities in an already difficult job market!”



Another main reason for our predisposition and subsequent skillset is that we are termed as ‘digital natives’ and have grown up with increasingly easy access to resources. Previous generations had to rely on libraries and overpriced textbooks. We have Google, YouTube tutorials, and Reddit threads filled with unsolicited (but usually solid) business advice. With platforms like Coursera and Udemy, we’re going straight to the skills we actually need—like how to go viral in 30 seconds or Drop-shipping 101.



Unlike previous generations that idolised corporate success stories, Gen Z looks up to influencers and young founders. They see relatable role models who prove that turning passion into profit isn’t just possible-it’s happening every day.



" Influencers have for sure shown that it’s possible to turn hobbies or personal branding into a full-time income cough cough* Mr. Beast, which is really cool," says another peer. "Feels like every hobby must become a side hustle-like, if you enjoy baking, suddenly people will ask, ‘Eh, why not start selling?’ Then if you don’t, it’s like you’re wasting potential. But not everything needs to make money. I think it’s important to find a balance ;can hustle, but must also enjoy life a bit.” Take for instance our fellow SMU alumni Spencer Li, founder and managing director of Synapse Trading,  a leading company for stocks and forex education. Spencer calls himself ‘The Travelling Trader’-he used to trade for 15 minutes everyday, while travelling the world, exploring over 46 countries! In this way he gradually gained expertise while preserving his passion.[2]



Now I know not everyone reading this will aspire to start a venture; like this student: "Honestly, I’m not sure. I like the idea of entrepreneurship, but it also feels risky. Right now, I’m more focused on building skills that could help me either in a startup or a more traditional career; so I have options open." This cautious yet open mindset reflects how many in Gen Z approach the idea of starting their own ventures-interested but pragmatic. A survey conducted by MYOB revealed that 63% of 1000 Gen Z individuals are deterred from starting their own businesses due to the current inflation rates, despite three quarters of the sample considering entrepreneurship for their career.[3]



What you can do at the moment, however, is realize your circumstances and take advantage of them,and university is the best place to start. For instance, SMU has an innovation hub that can help a budding innovator every step of the way, right from building a foundation to commercializing your ideas. The Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE) at SMU offers a comprehensive suite of programs tailored to support aspiring entrepreneurs. The Business Innovations Generator (BIG) incubates early-stage startups with mentorship and funding, while Protégé Ventures offers students hands-on venture capital experience. The Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition provides a global platform for aspiring founders, and the Innovation Academy equips students with essential entrepreneurial skills that open possibilities for different career paths in the future.[4] Ultimately, even if you aren’t keen on taking a big risk, your entrepreneurial mindset could help you be more productive and innovative at work.



We’re not waiting for permission or perfect conditions—we’re building the future with whatever tools we have, whether that’s a smartphone, a social media following, or just pure determination. So if you’re reading this while procrastinating on that project, remember: Your next big idea might just be a viral video or a side hustle away. Who says you can’t change the world between classes?



References:

[1] Perna, M. C. (2024b, June 18). Why Gen Z is thriving in the entrepreneur life. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcperna/2024/06/18/gen-z-thriving-entrepreneurship/




[4] Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship. (2025, March 27). Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship. https://iie.smu.edu.sg/

 

 





















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