Gen Z is poised to drive the next wave of small businesses, with nearly half (49%) of those under 25 expressing a desire to start their own company.
New research by Adobe shows that almost two-thirds (64%) of Gen Z plan to start a business in the next three years, reinforcing their reputation as a determined generation. Since 2020, the rise of the creator economy has led to 8 million new entrepreneurs joining the UK workforce, with Gen Z creators particularly attracted to startups that allow them to set their own work schedules—more than a quarter (27%) feel that a traditional 9-5 job would limit their creativity.
As the youngest generation in today’s workforce, this research highlights Gen Z’s strong entrepreneurial spirit. To understand what motivates these young adults to pursue non-traditional career paths, Adobe surveyed 2,000 adults about their attitudes toward starting a business. Forty-five percent of 18 to 24-year-olds say they already have their own ‘innovative’ ideas for going it alone, showcasing the creative and growth potential among these young professionals.
What sets this generation apart? Research by Adobe reveals:
Workplace Must-Haves Are Driving Gen Z’s Desire for Independence
The traditional 9-5 work culture is becoming obsolete, with young professionals preferring to pursue careers on their own terms.
– More than two-thirds (67%) of young adults describe working for someone else as their “worst nightmare.”
– Around a quarter (23%) dislike the idea of a traditional workday, and the same amount (23%) say they have yet to find an employer that meets all their needs.
– 40% of Gen Z say flexible working hours are ‘non-negotiable,’ and 30% require a salary that fits their lifestyle.
Gen Z’s Confidence Sets Them Apart from Previous Generations
Equipped with digital skills and creative confidence, Gen Z has what it takes to succeed.
– 45% of Gen Z believe they have innovative, business-worthy ideas, compared to just 24% of Millennials and 13% of Gen X.
– On average, Gen Z has more available income to invest in a new business (£3,657) compared to Millennials (£2,632).
– 47% of Gen Z prefer a DIY approach to their business, rather than hiring experts, compared to 23% of Millennials and 15% of Generation X.
– 55% would use digital apps like Adobe Express to design their own branded materials, which is almost 20% more than other age groups.
– Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Gen Z are confident in their digital skills, compared to 65% of Millennials and 56% of Gen X.
Entrepreneur Harpreet Kaur started her business journey in her early twenties and inspires those who dare to dream big. Harpreet said: “Starting a business in your twenties is like jumping into a pool without knowing how to swim. It is scary, exhilarating, and you’re bound to make mistakes along the way. Often your passion overtakes your inexperience. I threw myself into the deep end when it came to knowing how to do it, but having that self-belief is what kept me going.”
Young Adults in the UK Are Already Embracing Their Entrepreneurial Spirit
Thriving on independence, Gen Z is actively seeking out business opportunities on their own terms.
– 52% of Gen Z have a side hustle—nearly double that of Generation X (20%) and Boomers (14%).
– Handcrafted goods (23%), opening a restaurant (22%), and sustainable beauty products (21%) are the most popular small business ventures for this generation.
– Online tutorials (41%), digital apps (40%), and social media (35%) are the top resources Gen Z uses when starting a business.
Harpreet adds, “The future for startups is so bright, and I’m thrilled to see so many of this next generation already on their journey to success, whether through creative ideas or side hustles. By embracing new ideas and technologies, the next generation will undoubtedly push the boundaries of what those before them have achieved, and I can’t wait to see it.”
Despite being well-prepared for success, 45% of Gen Z wish they had more motivation to keep going.
For those looking to create standout social or marketing content for their business, Adobe Express offers thousands of beautiful templates to get started.
Next week, Adobe will give 10 small businesses the chance to sell their products on London’s busiest shopping street as part of the latest Small Business Goes Big initiative, powered by Adobe Express. Visit the store at 58 Oxford Street between May 17th and 26th to support these small businesses.
