Over 40 and Still Dreaming of Starting a Business? The Time is Now

Midlife is often characterized by an identity crisis—but what if it’s actually the prime time to build a new identity and career? 

A recent article on CNN.com declared that the U.S.is  on the cusp of another “she-cession”: women are leaving the workforce in droves. In 2025, the number has already climbed to over 455,000. Before you start to feel discouraged about a bleak forecast for working women in our economy, take another look: many of these women aren't stepping back. Instead, they're stepping up to launch their own ventures.

Women now launch nearly half of all new businesses in the United States. And the women leading this charge? Many are over 40, beginning their most successful eras of their career, not despite their age, but because of it. Forbes's 2025 “50 over 50” boasts an impressive list of 200 women entrepreneurs who are “creating their greatest professional impact in their sixth, seventh and eighth decades (and beyond).” 

In fact, recent research revealed that the average age of founders of the highest-growth ventures is 45.  Women over 40 have cultivated skills that many of their younger counterparts are still developing: self-awareness, confidence, decision-making, and life experience are just a few of the “soft skills” that give women in midlife a competitive edge when launching a new venture. 

Without question, starting a business at any stage of life, including midlife, comes with some challenges and risk, especially for women. Ageism, funding inequities,  and complex caregiving responsibilities are realities that women entrepreneurs over 40 may face.  However, with a great business idea, some strategic planning, and the right support, midlife may be the prime time to follow your dreams.

Here are a few tips to consider:

• Be strategic. Most businesses take time to establish a profit, so mapping a well-thought-out business plan, including a financial contingency plan, will set you up for success. If you are currently working full-time, consider negotiating a part-time arrangement to maintain cash flow and free up time for business planning.

• Become tech-savvy. You don't need to be a digital native, but you do need to be digitally competent.  Familiarize yourself with a few social media, project management, design software, and website-building tools.

• Find your people. Reach out to former colleagues, members of your community, or women-run business groups. Build a network of women entrepreneurial mentors who have been there, done that. 

• Worried about going it alone? You don’t have to. The Cheetah Collective, run by two six-figure women entrepreneurs, offers a guided, idea-to-launch business program that offers tailored support for business strategy development, technology know-how, and a built-in community of like-minded, goal-oriented women.

If you're over 40 and have longed to start a business, know that it’s not too late. In fact, the timing may be just right: leaving your standard workforce job for entrepreneurship can be a strategic pivot toward a career and lifestyle of your dreams. With the right support, the right plan, and the right amount of confidence in your strengths and experience, the right time to start your business is now.

About The Cheetah Collective

Founded by six-figure female entrepreneurs Angela Ashurst and Britt Larsen, The Cheetah Collective helps people leave restrictive corporate roles and build thriving businesses. Through coaching, strategy, and community support, members move from dream to income with fewer costly mistakes, more clarity, and greater freedom.