Washington Counts 28,500 Business Owners Under 25 as Seattle Youth Push Through Cost Barriers
Updated
Updated · The Seattle Times · Oct 25
Washington Counts 28,500 Business Owners Under 25 as Seattle Youth Push Through Cost Barriers
2 articles · Updated · The Seattle Times · Oct 25
Summary
28,500 Washington business owners without paid workers were under 25 in 2023, nearly 5% of the state total, as Seattle-area children and teens kept launching ventures despite a post-2021 dip.
Young founders and local advocates said interest is strong, but red tape, taxes, limited capital and Seattle's high costs make starting and scaling a business difficult while many are still juggling school and activities.
Luke Jun, 23, helped launch retailer Hearth in 2022 and has expanded it to 3 storefronts in Washington and Oregon, while Seattle Candle Girl founder Kaylie Gran, 19, has held candle prices near $19.95 after supplier changes.
Other youth-led ventures are spreading through markets and social media: 16-year-old Adalyn Smith ships press-on nails to more than 25 states and Canada, while siblings in Tukwila are building lemonade, toy and event-service businesses.