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Being taken seriously as a young entrepreneur can be difficult at times, but not impossible.

One of the biggest challenges young entrepreneurs continue to face is credibility because when someone in their late teens or early twenties walks into a meeting, people may question whether they have enough business knowledge, financial understanding, or leadership skills to manage a company successfully.

Another challenge is limited access to professional networks since older entrepreneurs often have years of contacts, mentorships, and industry relationships that help them open doors. Young founders usually start with smaller networks and less access to influential decision-makers.

Financial barriers also make entrepreneurship difficult for younger Canadians. High living costs, student debt, inflation, and expensive housing markets can limit the ability to take risks. 

Growing innovation economy

Rent, transportation, and business expenses can also make it hard for young entrepreneurs to survive during the early stages of a business, and coupled with inflation and changing economic conditions, this also create uncertainty for consumers and investors.

Many young entrepreneurs struggle to qualify for loans because they lack credit history, assets, or long-term financial records. Investors may prefer founders who already have proven experience or previous successful ventures.

Despite these challenges, being young also offers advantages since Canada has a growing innovation economy that values creativity, adaptability, and digital skills.

Young entrepreneurs can access grants, start-up incubators, mentorship programs, and loans designed for small businesses.

As well, organizations such as Business Development Bank of Canada and Futurpreneur Canada, help young business owners with financing and advice. Also, joining the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce can provide networking and professional development opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

We posed the following question to several successful entrepreneurs and Chamber members to get their take on the subject: What advice can you offer someone who wishes to be taken seriously as a young entrepreneur?

“Start by building a strong online presence: a polished website, active LinkedIn, and consistent social media, paired with a professional email address at your own domain - make sure these don't seem AI-generated. They should be authentic to you. Know your industry and trends inside and out and have sharp answers ready for tough questions before anyone asks them. Seek out mentors with good reputations and gather reviews or testimonials as early as possible. Practice your pitch until it feels like second nature. 

Be mindful of filler words when you speak (“um”), and always follow up after every meeting or connection you make. Treat your start-up like a real business from day one. Register it properly, use contracts, keep your finances clean, and carry yourself professionally in every email, call, and meeting.

Always show up on time. Lean into the advantages your age actually gives you too, because you likely have a sharper pulse on emerging trends, technology, and younger audiences than most people in the room. Stay curious and ask questions. Surround yourself with more experienced people and prioritize real industry events over just young entrepreneur circles.”

- Carolina Soares, President/CEO Gaslight Events Company

“When I speak to business students and aspiring entrepreneurs, I always remind them of a few key lessons that will take them far. I can't take credit for the creation of these, but they have all served me well in my entrepreneurship journey:

1) Be kind to others. People will remember how you made them feel. 

2) Establish Yourself as an Expert. Be sure your website and socials are robust and professional.

3) Know your strengths and weaknesses. Form partnerships, outsource or hire for tasks where you lack expertise or capacity to excel. 

4) You can't be everything to everyone. Create an avatar for your ideal client and meet them where they are.   

When I started my business in my twenties, I was a young woman in a male-dominated industry. It wasn't always easy, but I surrounded myself with a great supportive community who helped me navigate the business world."

- Stephanie Soulis, President and CEO of Little Mushroom Catering and Dining Lounge

“My advice to a young entrepreneur is to be clear about what business you are really in. For us, Four Fathers has grown into a multi-faceted company, but we are a brewery first, and that foundation matters. Take yourself seriously before expecting others to. Know your product, know your numbers, follow through on what you say, and stay humble enough to keep learning.

I would also say to keep your sense of humour and enjoy the process because building something meaningful takes a lot of hard work, long hours, and patience. There will be setbacks, but if you can stay positive, adaptable, and keep moving forward, people will respect that.  At the end of the day, success is a lot like brewing beer. It takes time, consistency, and if you rush it, everyone notices. Just like in brewing, the people around you matter too. A great team can save a bad day, and a bad attitude can ruin a great product.” 

- Mike Hruden, GM / Co-Founder of Four Fathers Brewing Co.

“Don’t let the date on your birth certificate determine how people perceive your capability. Your age does not define your level of knowledge, vision, or leadership. What truly earns respect is consistency, preparation, and work ethic. Hard work will always speak for itself, so roll up your sleeves, stay curious, and let the quality of your execution do the talking."

- Emily Drouillard, CEO | Modo Yoga Grand River 

“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a young entrepreneur is that credibility comes from consistency, professionalism, and persistence. When I first launched Askawayrecipes, I entered the food and consumer packaged goods industry without prior experience, so I had to teach myself everything from product development and branding to manufacturing and retail distribution.

There were moments when I felt underestimated because of my age or because I was building something outside my professional background, but I stayed focused on delivering quality products and building genuine relationships with customers and partners. 

Over time, people began to take the business seriously because they saw the dedication, hard work, and results behind the brand. I would also encourage young entrepreneurs to stay authentic and confident in their vision, even when challenges arise. It’s important to keep learning, ask questions, and not be afraid to start small. Success does not happen overnight, and there will always be setbacks, but resilience and patience are what truly set strong entrepreneurs apart. Surround yourself with supportive people, remain open to growth, and remember that your passion and unique perspective are often your greatest strengths.”

- Mariam Ayob, Founder/President of Askawayrecipes

“Your age isn't a weakness, it's just evidence that you've started, and most people never do, so consider that pretty amazing! The biggest thing I see holding young entrepreneurs back is the story they're telling themselves about whether they belong. Your confidence has to come before the credentials. People don't take you seriously because of your resume, they take you seriously because of how you carry yourself. 

So, own your story and your mission, and claim your seat at the table. You don't need permission from anyone further along to show up fully.

On the practical side, be someone whose word means something. Do what you said you were going to do, show up on time, follow through, and be genuinely curious rather than trying to look like you have it all figured out. The entrepreneurs who command real respect are the ones asking great questions and staying invested in real growth. Invest in yourself the way you're asking others to invest in you. Your mindset, your self-leadership, your inner work is the foundation everything else is built on. You've got something to offer right now, exactly as you are.”

- Andrea Mondoux, Owner, and founder of Balance + Bliss

“To be taken seriously as a young entrepreneur, you can quickly overcome the ‘age barrier’ by focusing on community, quality, and integrity. First, immerse yourself in your community; showing up consistently to support others shifts the focus from your age to your commitment. Pair this with your product or service at such high quality that you can stand behind it with absolute pride, letting your work speak for itself. Most importantly, always stand by your word. Doing what you promise and holding yourself accountable builds the rock-solid integrity that forces peers and clients to see you as a true professional.”

- Holly Sluiter, Owner and GM of Fedora Media

“To be taken seriously as a young entrepreneur, I think the most powerful thing you can do is let your reliability speak for you. Putting time into a cohesive, high-quality visual brand and a polished presentation is a great start because it immediately builds trust. But beyond appearances, consistency is really everything. When you respect people's time, communicate clearly, and follow through on what you promise, age ceases to be a factor. Ultimately, clients and peers will respect you based on how you treat them and the dependability of your word.”

- Laura Cook, Owner Vision Photography