Sales & Marketing
By Olivia Harlow and Alexandra Hruz
There’s a place for everyone in the business world—just ask any one of these nine Chattanooga-area entrepreneurs. Their ages range from 12 to 90, and they prove that in entrepreneurship, it’s never too early—or too late—to take on something new.
Entrepreneurs come from every walk of life. According to one study from the Kauffman Foundation, the average age of a first-time entrepreneur is 43. In tech-industries, it’s a youthful 39. In 2012, 26% of new entrepreneurs were aged 20 to 34, 24% were 35 to 44, 26% were 45 to 54, and 23% were 55 to 64.
The entrepreneurs featured here have an age range that spans nearly 80 years. Some have been at the helm of their own companies for three, four, even five decades. One hasn’t even learned to drive yet. All continue to seek new and innovative ways to build their business.
The takeaway? New business ventures and entrepreneurship can be pursued by anyone.