As Australia marks AI Week, CPA Australia is calling on young Australians to stop worrying about artificial intelligence and start using it to build something of their own. The organisation says now is the moment for young people to turn business ideas into reality, with AI lowering barriers to entry, helping first-time founders scale faster and compete on a global stage.
CPA Australia’s Business Investment Lead, Gavan Ord (pictured above), says that AI is already reshaping business models and creating opportunities young entrepreneurs shouldn’t ignore. “Encouraging more young Australians into business ownership isn’t just good for them, it’s vital for the economy,” he said. “AI gives young entrepreneurs the ability to innovate and scale quickly, which will help revitalise Australia’s small business sector and strengthen our long-term economic vitality.”
The call comes as policymakers continue to push AI adoption, with the federal government’s AI Week aiming to help businesses understand how to bring the technology into their day-to-day operations. CPA Australia believes the government can go even further by promoting entrepreneurship as a viable career path and offering targeted support for young founders, from digital capability training to better access to finance and professional advice.
But Mr Ord says young people shouldn’t wait for perfect policy settings to get started. Instead, they should take advantage of the tools already available. “Embracing AI will be key to boosting productivity and economic growth. Young Aussies should be proactive, leveraging AI, professional advisers and mentors to follow their entrepreneurial and creative instinct,” he said. “AI enables small businesses to automate processes, analyse data and innovate faster than ever before. For young Australians with ambition, AI provides the tools to help them compete locally, nationally and on a global stage.”
He says too much of the public conversation about AI focuses on fear rather than opportunity. “Rather than viewing AI solely through the lens of misuse and workforce anxiety, we should recognise it as launchpad for young entrepreneurs,” he said. “It empowers young people to turn ideas into ventures with unprecedented speed and minimal resources. From branding and market research to customer service and content creation, AI tools are making running a business more accessible than ever. It’s time to shift the narrative. Let’s show how AI can be a force for entrepreneurship and economic opportunity.”
Evidence from CPA Australia’s long-running Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey backs that up. After gathering insights from 50,000 small businesses across the region, the data consistently shows that founders aged under 40 are more likely to grow, hire, innovate and adopt new technologies.
“In Australia, most small business owners are aged 50 and above, so it’s crucial that we get more young people interested in business by promoting the many benefits of business ownership, such as being your own boss, improved work-life balance and pursuing a passion or personal interest,” Mr Ord said.
He adds that many young Australians are closer to entrepreneurship than they realise. “Young Aussies are well-placed to learn the basics of business very quickly – if they are making money from YouTube, Instagram or TikTok, they are effectively a sole trader, even if they hadn’t realised. They are picking up valuable business skills. Used correctly, AI gives young people the perfect opportunity to supercharge their business ideas, which in turn could create jobs and boost the national economy.”
