Why are young people encouraged to start a business?

Why are young people so actively encouraged to start a business?I can think of one or two fine reasons; they find it difficult to find employment or are just uncomfortable being an employee, which I can identify with.But other than that, why are there so many (government-funded) organisations pushing young people into the world of business? I write this as someone who earns the majority of my living from helping people start and promote their business but how about letting young people live a bit of life first, gain some experience, have some carefree fun, travel the world! I find it fun working for myself - or I wouldn't do it - but it has responsibilities, so it's not carefree 100 of the time.Just the other week I was asked to mentor (AKA work for free) at a high-profile event to encourage the young into business. I'm all for adding it as a career option at school or university, but it is just another option. For the record, I do mentor university students and others who need someone to encourage them - and love doing it - but I had to say no to yet another young person's event.I love my life and the projects I’m involved in and my biggest aim is for people to love what they do and earn a living from it (never have to work a day in your life). But if some of my tax money is going to help people start businesses, I’d rather my hard-earned cash is going to someone older, say 50+ who has a lifetime of experience to offer and utilise in starting their business. I find these people have to earn a living to keep that well-earned roof over their heads, often not essential for young people still living at home or even in cheap shared housing.Young people will always find a job, whether it’s working in their local fast food joint, in retail or indeed in their nearest (very profitable) pound shop - all businesses we need. Older people with 25+ years of work experience will find it more tricky to settle into any of these and I’ll gladly help them use their skills in setting up their own business with some of my tax ££s.Go travel and/or experience life young'uns, responsibility will be there for you when you get back!@RickieWrites