Firstborns More Likely To Become Entrepreneurs

A new study shows that taking care of younger siblings may foster business skills.

By Liz Webber | 
 

Older siblings are more likely to start a business than their kid brothers or sisters, according to a recent survey by Barclays Local Business.

The UK-based study of 2,427 small-business owners found that 41 percent reported being the first-born child in their families, while just 27 percent were born last.

"Perhaps the experience of helping to look after younger brothers and sisters early in life is a breeding ground for good management skills giving our oldest children a head start when it comes to business," John Davis, marketing director for Barclays Local Business, said in a statement.

The survey also found entrepreneurship is not necessarily a family trait. Almost two thirds of respondents said they were the only family member to run their own business.

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