How Many Entrepreneurs Are There in the World?

There are an estimated 582 million to 665 million entrepreneurs worldwide, depending on the source and definition. This means roughly 1 in 13 to 1 in 15 people globally is an entrepreneur. The most commonly cited figure is 582 million from a 2020 analysis, while more recent estimates suggest 665 million. The number varies because entrepreneurship can be measured as early-stage activity, established business ownership, or self-employment.

What Counts as an Entrepreneur?

Defining an entrepreneur is not straightforward. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) uses two key indicators: Total early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA), which includes adults who are starting or running a new business, and Established Business Ownership (EBO), which includes adults who own and manage a business that has paid salaries for more than 42 months. These measures capture different stages of entrepreneurship and yield different counts.

For example, in the United States, the TEA rate was 16.5% in 2021, meaning about one in six working-age adults was involved in starting or running a new business. The EBO rate was lower, around 5.5% in 2025/2026. Globally, the TEA rate varies widely by country, from over 40% in some developing economies to under 5% in others.

Global Estimates: 582 Million vs. 665 Million

The 582 million figure comes from a 2020 article by the University of Notre Dame's Entrepreneur Law Clinic, which stated that about 1 in 15 people worldwide is an entrepreneur. This estimate likely includes both early-stage and established entrepreneurs. A more recent estimate from DemandSage in 2026 puts the number at 665 million, or about one in eight working-aged people. The difference may be due to population growth, changes in measurement, or inclusion of different types of entrepreneurship.

Both figures are approximations. The actual number fluctuates with economic conditions, cultural attitudes, and government policies. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge in new business formation in some countries, as people sought alternative income sources.

Entrepreneurship in the United States

In the United States, there are approximately 33.2 million entrepreneurs, according to DemandSage. This includes both full-time and part-time business owners. The U.S. has one of the highest entrepreneurship rates among developed economies, with a TEA rate of 16.5% in 2021, up from 15.4% in 2020. The GEM report highlights that entrepreneurship is particularly high among younger adults (18-24) and Black Americans.

Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy. According to the Small Business Administration, there are about 3.6 million small businesses (with employees) in the U.S., making up 99.9% of all businesses. However, many entrepreneurs are solo self-employed individuals without employees, which pushes the total number higher.

Demographics of Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship is not evenly distributed across demographics. Globally, there are about 252 million female entrepreneurs, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. In the U.S., women own about 27% of small businesses, and their participation has been growing. Minority groups also show high entrepreneurial activity: 32% of Black adults in the U.S. are entrepreneurs, compared to 12% of White adults, according to GEM data.

Age is another factor. In the U.S., the highest entrepreneurship rates are among those aged 50-59 (35% of entrepreneurs), followed by 40-49. However, the GEM report notes a surge in entrepreneurship among 18-24-year-olds, with 19% engaged in early-stage activity. Education also plays a role: 62% of entrepreneurs hold a bachelor's degree, though 30% have only a high school diploma.

Why the Numbers Matter

Understanding the number of entrepreneurs helps policymakers, investors, and aspiring business owners gauge the health of the economy. High entrepreneurship rates are often associated with innovation, job creation, and economic dynamism. However, entrepreneurship also carries risks: about 20% of new businesses fail within the first year, and only about 10% survive long-term. Despite this, 75% of entrepreneurs report being somewhat or very happy with their businesses, and 66.5% say their motivation is to make a difference in the world.

For individuals considering entrepreneurship, these statistics provide context but not a guarantee. Success depends on factors like market demand, access to capital, and personal resilience. The data shows that entrepreneurship is a viable path for millions, but it requires careful planning and realistic expectations.

Sources and Further Reading

The estimates in this article are drawn from several reputable sources. The 582 million figure is from the University of Notre Dame's Global Entrepreneurship Statistics. The 665 million figure and U.S. data come from DemandSage's Entrepreneurship Statistics. The GEM U.S. report provides detailed demographic insights: GEM USA Report. Additional statistics on happiness, education, and failure rates are from Cake.com's Entrepreneur Statistics and Apollo Technical's Entrepreneur Statistics.