Grown Up's Work

When I was in high school, I worked at my parents' small business some during the summer. I filed, answered phones, drove my little brother to swim practice--you know, important stuff. My dad did let me write a few press releases, but I can't remember if he ever sent them to anyone (hopefully not). When I compare my work in a small business to what the teenagers in this StartupJournal.com story do, I'm embarrassed. These young people are doing more than helping their parents--they're running small companies themselves. Far beyond your average lemonade stand, one 15-year-old is even in negotiations to have her product sold at Wal-Mart.

The cover story of the Dec./Jan. issue of MyBusiness explores the link between your childhood and your business. Some researchers suggest that genetics play an important role in whether someone "makes it" as an entrepreneur. But like the young people in the StartupJournal.com story, the small-business owners we spoke to told us hard work and dedication give you a better chance at success than having the perfect small-business genes.

The NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation works to help young people cultivate their entrepreneurial skills. Through programs like Entrepreneur-in-the-Classroom and the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Awards, the YEF is doing its part to ensure that young people have the tools they need to succeed in business—regardless of their DNA.