New Schulich Research Challenges What We Think We Know About When and Why Entrepreneurs Succeed
Groundbreaking Study Shows How Entrepreneurship Changes as We Age
TORONTO – Thursday, January 22, 2026 – New research from York University’s Schulich School of Business challenges the long-held myth that entrepreneurship is a young person’s game, showing instead that age shapes not just when people start businesses, but how they innovate, persevere and define success at every stage of life.
The findings are contained in the paper, “Entrepreneurship, age, and the lifespan: Taking stock and avenues for future research”, which was recently published in the January 2026 issue of the Journal of Business Venturing (Volume 41, Issue 1). The paper is co-authored by Moren Lévesque, Professor of Operations Management and Information Systems at Schulich and the CPA Ontario Chair in International Entrepreneurship, together with Ute Stephan (King’s Business School), Teemu Kautonen (NEOMA Business School), and René Bakker (Tilburg School of Economics and Management).
Professor Lévesque and her colleagues examine the complex relationship between age and entrepreneurship. Their research synthesizes a decade of scholarship on the subject, unveiling new perspectives on how age influences the entrepreneurial journey, from initial intentions to persistence and re-entry.
“Entrepreneurship is not a one-size-fits-all path,” says Prof. Lévesque. “Age impacts every phase of the entrepreneurial process. Understanding these dynamics can help us foster a more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem, where both young and older entrepreneurs are valued for their unique contributions.”
The article identifies ten key themes that define the age-entrepreneurship relationship, highlighting the distinct advantages and challenges that entrepreneurs face at different stages of life. For example, younger entrepreneurs are often marked by resilience and innovation but face challenges around limited resources. In contrast, midlife entrepreneurs bring valuable skills and experience, though they may struggle with financial pressures and competing life demands. Later-life entrepreneurs leverage their expertise and networks but are often held back by ageist barriers.
“Entrepreneurs in their later years often prioritize intrinsic rewards like fulfillment and autonomy over financial success,” Prof. Lévesque adds. “This shift in motivations challenges traditional assumptions about entrepreneurship being a wealth-driven pursuit and suggests that we need to rethink how we support entrepreneurs at all stages of life.”
One of the key findings of the paper is the importance of addressing age-related stereotypes in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Younger entrepreneurs, often perceived as inexperienced, struggle to gain access to critical resources like mentorship and investment. Conversely, older entrepreneurs are frequently sidelined due to ageist biases, despite their vast experience and knowledge.
The authors propose several avenues for future research, including the exploration of age-related differences in entrepreneurial motivation, how age influences wellbeing, and how age-related biases impact both entry and exit decisions in entrepreneurship.
“We need to look beyond traditional narratives and ask how society can better support entrepreneurs throughout their lives,” says Prof. Lévesque. “By understanding how age affects motivation, performance and outcomes, we can create more inclusive ecosystems that foster innovation at every stage of the entrepreneurial lifespan.”
