Wednesday 21st January
The study of 1,000 aspiring business owners found emotional barriers are stifling entrepreneurial ambition, with nearly a third (31%) of Gen Z citing fear of failure as a major barrier to starting a business and 30% worried about balancing business and personal lives.
The research also shows that more than a quarter of Gen Z (26%) worry about having to manage every aspect of a business alone. Meanwhile, clear guidance or a step-by-step plan is seen as the most likely factor to give them the confidence to start (14%).
Michelle Prance, CEO Mettle by NatWest, stresses the need for support:
“Gen Z doesn’t lack ideas or ambition - what some young entrepreneurs are missing is confidence. Our role is to remove that uncertainty by offering the tools, guidance and encouragement young people need to believe in themselves and turn their ideas into viable long-term businesses.
“As we've helped tens of thousands of businesses get started in 2025, we provide the tools and resources to support them on their journey and manage their finances effectively.”
Mettle by NatWest offers comprehensive support designed to empower young entrepreneurs. This includes a free business account, intuitive financial management tools and access to valuable resources.
Through its integration with FeeAgent, included as standard, Mettle also provides AI-powered accounting software that automates admin and categorises transactions, giving founders more time to focus on growing their businesses.
Chaye Hall, 25, founder of hair and skincare brand Official True Beauty, commented: “At the beginning of running your business, you feel like you’re on your own. You are the finance team, the accountant, the content creator – you wear so many hats when you don’t actually have to. There are so many opportunities for support out there.
“Asking for help was my biggest fear, but over time you become used to it. I think being too comfortable in your own environment can hold you back, so you must learn the business and get used to being uncomfortable – and that’s okay. It’s not just about being steady and sitting in what you already know.
“You’ve got things like the NatWest Accelerator, and lots of different places you can go to get help and guidance.”
For early-stage businesses seeking support, the new NatWest Accelerator app provides access to a range of digital and in person support and the opportunity to connect with an inspiring community of business owners designed to foster success. Discover more details via the website here.
To help aspiring entrepreneurs overcome the confidence gap, NatWest experts offer the following tips:
- Create a business plan. When feeling overwhelmed a simple business plan can provide that crucial step-by-step guidance, transforming ideas into actionable steps and building a confidence to launch.
- Understand your market. Researching your industry and competitors provides clarity, reduces uncertainty, and helps you to make confident decisions, avoiding common pitfalls.
- Know your ideal customer. Understanding your target customers validates your vision, helps you tailor your offerings, and builds confidence that your product or service will resonate.
- Map out your finances. Clearly identifying your startup and operating costs provides financial clarity, reduces anxiety, and builds confidence in your business's viability. Mettle's tools can help simplify this.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. Feeling like you're on your own? You don't have to wear all the hats. Actively seek out support, join a community like the NatWest Accelerator, and leverage tools like Mettle's financial management to boost your confidence and navigate challenges.
About NatWest
NatWest Business is committed to supporting a diverse range of business customers across England and Wales, from innovative start-ups to established small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As part of NatWest’s comprehensive banking services, it helps customers at every stage of life — whether opening a student account, buying a first home, setting up a business, or planning for retirement.
For start-ups, NatWest offers straightforward, accessible banking solutions designed to simplify launching and running a new business. This includes easy account opening, cost-effective banking, and expert guidance to empower entrepreneurs to take confident first steps.
For growing and established SMEs, NatWest provides an extensive suite of business current accounts, lending options such as loans and overdrafts, and digital tools that integrate with popular accounting software. These services enable businesses to manage cash flow efficiently, access flexible financing to support expansion, and streamline operations with user-friendly technology.
Additionally, NatWest offers specialist sector knowledge in key industries like manufacturing and technology, alongside dedicated entrepreneurial support. One key initiative is the NatWest Accelerator, which provides high-growth potential businesses with tailored mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to expert advice to accelerate their development and success.
Committed to building lasting partnerships, NatWest Business combines specialist advice and proactive support with innovative digital solutions, all aimed at helping businesses take action and succeed in a dynamic marketplace.
Discover more about how NatWest Business can help businesses grow at www.natwest.com/business
About Mettle
Mettle is one of NatWest’s business bank accounts, giving everyone the financial empowerment to work for themselves. It’s built for contractors, freelancers and small businesses.
Mettle is recognised as a leader in the digital banking sector, recently winning the Best Business Bank Provider at the prestigious British Bank Awards. Mettle also made a notable debut in the CMA Service Quality Survey in 2025, where it ranked second overall in the league table for service quality in its first year of inclusion.
Customers can apply for a UK business account with a unique sort code and account number in minutes. The account provides essential digital features for cash flow management, including the ability to create and send customised invoices and seamlessly connect with popular accounting software. Customers can also access dedicated support via an in-app chat feature that connects them to real people.
The Mettle platform includes easy-to-use bookkeeping and tax-related tools. This is further enhanced by offering all customers free, full access to FreeAgent accounting software, provided they make at least one transaction per month.
Mettle is driven by a diverse and integrated team of engineers, product managers, and analysts, leveraging the latest technology to continually enhance the user experience. Mettle remains committed to developing features that help customers find the financial empowerment to turn their professional passion into genuine opportunity.
Notes to editor
- The Start Gap Report was commissioned by NatWest and conducted by OnePoll in September 2025.
- The survey polled 1,000 aspiring business owners across the UK.
- Aspiring business owners are defined as individuals who are considering starting or have taken steps to start a business.
* Eligibility criteria apply. NatWest results January to November 2025. To verify email checkit@natwest.com.
