One of the most popular work opportunities Gen Z is participating in is becoming an entrepreneur. In today’s world of social media, expanding your connections, being your own boss and making money off passions is no longer as gatekept as it was in the past. Sharing business tips and tricks is common across social media and Facebook groups, not to mention the recent push to help and support local and small businesses. Many universities are even acknowledging the bright ideas of younger generations and helping them harness that energy into something tangible throughout college and after graduation. Hitting close to home, Temple University has the Blackstone Launchpad, “A campus-based program, designed to support and mentor students and alumni to develop innovative ideas - regardless of major, experience or discipline. If you have an idea for a business, or you’re already running your own business, we have the resources and knowledge to help you move your idea forward.” They’re not the only ones to do this either. 45 other schools participate in this specific program, not to mention similar programs. Almost two-thirds (62%) of Gen Z has indicated they have started, or intend to start, their own business, according to data from WP Engine and the Center for Generational Kinetics. So, it is no surprise that we believe that joining the promotional product industry is one of the most lucrative and strategic ways to put Gen Z’s entrepreneurial and innovative skills to work.

Growing up during the height and conception of Etsy, a website designed to foster small businesses and side hustles, can be noted as the catalyst for Gen Z’s entrepreneurial spirit. This entrepreneurial spirit was further emphasized during the pandemic. With more time on everyone’s hands they were given the opportunity to discover, learn and educate themselves on how to run a business combined with their new talents and passions. Travis Walter, the VP of retail at Microsoft, spoke on this phenomenon in an interview saying, “We’ve seen a lot of reimagination during the pandemic and a lot of digital transformation, which I think really has propelled what we see as a bit of a boom in entrepreneurship.” This is free time with maximum access to resources that previous generations where never given – despite the tragedy attached to this time period. During the pandemic, many members of Gen Z started Instagram pages for buying, selling and trading clothes. They branched out into selling tie-dyed pieces, bleached artwork, graphics and so much more. It was a chance to start a micro business that provides a flow of income, while everything else was closed. This alone sparked a deeper passion in many.

To be clear, this does not mean all of Gen Z is giving up on the preestablished 9-5, but it is not the “dream” that many generations before felt it was. In a CNBC article they discussed that, “nearly half of Gen Z, about 48%, have numerous side hustles, compared to 34% of small business owners.” Take one search through TikTok and you can discover a laundry list of small companies. From food to gadgets to products for a cause, there is something for everyone. All of these items can be rebranded for promotional product use to expand sales and business. As a business owner, you can keep your product and company name attached to the product while allowing schools, companies, sports teams and just about any other industry use your product as a canvas for their company gifting, spirit wear, fundraising and so many other options – a win for everyone.

Across all the articles reporting on Gen Z switching up the workplace, the common theme is that Gen Z prioritizes balance and passion. They understand that money needs to be made to survive but they also feel strongly about feeling passionate or fulfilled by the work they are doing. Being an entrepreneur in the promotional products industry is the best of both worlds. There is an opportunity to control what you are passionate about while simultaneously building tactical skills such as time management, delegating and self-starting drive that can easily be translated into the corporate world if they ever wished to make the switch.

In the coming years, business deals and the opportunities to make new lasting clients will include CEOs and members of Gen Z. Promotion products are a great way to leverage being your own boss and preserving personal time – and so many have already.

Look at few Gen Z who are already in the industry:

• Haley Sutton, Box Babe Gift Co. (asi/144160)
• Caleb Krakow, Pacz Promotions (asi/289616)
• Sebastian Edwards, Globo Marketing (asi/208536)
• Mikas and Manav Agarwal, Akran Marketing (asi/115329)
• Maxwell Perry, Beantown Blankets (asi/39138)

It can be expected that new promo will be produced and new industries will be created that require branded promo. The opportunity for Gen Z to enter the promo space will increase dramatically. ASI provides a plethora of knowledge and education to create your own startup and succeed against all odds. It also provides plenty of information on how to best navigate varying types of business relationships and deals which include startups. Being your own boss is not a new idea, but being your own boss in the promo industry is the way to elevate business for the future.