As global labor markets struggle to absorb a rapidly growing youth population, entrepreneurship is no longer a niche career path. It is becoming an economic necessity.

For Will Straw, CEO of King’s Trust International, the scale of the challenge is undeniable. Founded in 1976 by King Charles III, the organization now operates in around 25 countries, supporting young people through employability and enterprise programs. But traditional employment alone will not be enough.

Over the next decade, 1.2 billion young people are expected to enter the global labor market, while only 400 million formal jobs are projected to be created. That gap leaves hundreds of millions without access to stable employment.

“For millions and millions of young people around the world, self-employment is the only way they’re going to earn a living,” Straw says. “Whether they want it or not, young people are becoming self-employed freelancers.”

In this context, entrepreneurship is not about prestige or the allure of being a “CEO at 19.” It is about survival, resilience, and long-term value creation. The goal, Straw argues, is to help young people move from job seekers to job creators, building ventures that can scale, employ others, and generate sustainable income.

At King’s Trust International, that process begins with a mindset shift. Young people are encouraged to see entrepreneurship as a viable and empowering career path, not a risky alternative to formal employment. Through business simulation games, participants test hiring decisions, pricing strategies, rent costs, and marketing plans. They quickly learn what drives profit and what leads to failure.

“It’s about taking an idea, something you’re good at, and turning it into a concept that can scale,” Straw says.

Mentorship is another critical pillar. Connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced business owners from their own communities provides practical guidance and relatable role models. Rather than positioning itself as a lender, the organization focuses on helping young people develop viable business models and the confidence to launch.

Straw believes governments and international institutions must recognize entrepreneurship as central to economic strategy. While charities can play a role, King’s Trust International aims to support one million young people over the next decade. The scale of the global youth employment crisis demands coordinated action.

“The time is now,” he says. “If we don’t address it, the ramifications will be very significant.”

In a world where formal job creation cannot keep pace with demographic growth, entrepreneurship is not simply an option. For millions of young people, it is the only sustainable path forward.