Youth business drought: Young Aussies urged to partner up to increase startup success rates

Daniel Mikus and James Rolph are encouraging more young people to start their business journeys together to pursue life-changing opportunities and improve their pathway to success.
 

According to recent research from Ahead for Business, almost half of all small business owners are over the age of 50, with only 8 percent aged under 30. The number of younger small business owners is decreasing and is now half what it was in the 1970s.
 

Mikus believes the statistics should be going the other way and more needs to be done at business, community and government level to encourage younger people into the business fraternity.
 

"There has never been a better time to start a business in Australia. Despite the economic doom and gloom and negative stories about partnerships that have gone bad, with the right approach and collective goals, starting up a business partnership can be one of the most rewarding things you can do," Mikus said.
 

"There is so much help and support available and so many digital tools and online information that you can access for free.
 

"Our journey is proof that a strong partnership built on trust, resilience and vision can drive extraordinary success."
 

For Daniel and James, what started as a simple conversation over coffee has quickly turned into a multimillion-dollar venture alongside many other businesses and commercial interests as well. They are the highly revered cofounders of MR Roads. They built it from the ground up, proving that the right partnership can transform an idea into a national success story.
 

"Our story all started when I presented a business plan to James, promising that if he backed me, he would one day be joining me in a life of financial success," Mikus said.
 

Just two years later, MR Roads has grown to nearly 70 full-time staff and achieved a $50 million turnover, with its origins rooted in just a truck, a borrowed ute and $100,000 in capital. Today, MR Roads is recognised as one of Australia's leading road construction companies, securing major industry awards and national recognition.
 

Mikus and Rolph have also just been named 29th in the Top 100 Young Entrepreneurs in Australia, solidifying their position as rising industry leaders.
 

"A great business partnership isn't just about shared goals, it's about trust, vision and the ability to execute at the highest level," Mikus said.

The two entrepreneurs have learned that the foundation of a great business partnership is built on five core principles. They share insights with young people across business and industry that they mentor and support to demonstrate that anything is possible if you apply yourself.
 

Trust

"Firstly, trust is everything. A business partnership, like any relationship, cannot function without complete trust in each other's intentions, decision-making and ability to deliver. Both partners must be aligned in their values and commitment, knowing they can rely on one another when challenges arise. Without trust, doubt creeps in and doubt leads to hesitation, which can be fatal for a growing business," Mikus said.
 

"We talk about everything. We raise issues, concerns and doubts with each other so we set the parameters around what we have to deal with and solve."
 

Complementary skills

"It is really important to have complementary skills. Our success comes from balancing different abilities. I bring a deep understanding of commercial strategy and scaling businesses, while James' expertise in operations and execution ensures that everything runs smoothly on the ground. The most effective partnerships happen when both parties bring something unique to the table, allowing each person to focus on their strengths rather than competing over responsibilities," Mikus added.

Communication

"Everyone talks about the importance of communication but they don't embrace it in an authentic way," Mikus said.
 

"Open, honest and frequent communication is the lifeline of any business. We discuss everything, even the uncomfortable topics. If issues are left unspoken they only fester and become bigger problems down the line. Whether it's making tough financial decisions, addressing team dynamics or discussing long-term strategies, keeping the lines of communication open ensures you stay aligned and on track."
 

Resilience

"Resilience is critical for success in business. Business partnerships are not immune to stress, setbacks or unexpected challenges," Mikus said.
 

"A good solid partnership isn't just about celebrating wins but about how well you navigate difficulties together. Whether it's financial strain, staffing issues or market downturns, we have faced it all. Our ability to stay resilient, problem-solve and push forward during tough times is what has helped MR Roads scale to where it is today."
 

Shared vision

"Having a shared vision is what keeps everything moving forward. From the very start we set clear, ambitious goals. We understood where we wanted to take the business and kept our focus on long-term success," Mikus said.
 

"Even when day-to-day operations get hectic, we never lose sight of our ultimate mission. This shared vision keeps us motivated and ensures we are always working towards the same outcome, no matter the challenges in front of us.

With MR Roads now one of the fastest-growing companies in Australia, Mikus and Rolph are looking to share their insights beyond their business and to encourage other younger people to step into the world of entrepreneurialism.
 

"Not everyone has the ability to start a business by themselves. It can be a difficult and gruelling process but when you can tackle it with someone else and join your resources, energy and focus, this is when you can make magic," Mikus said.
 

"We really hope more young people take the plunge. Our country's economic and social future depends on more younger Australians getting involved in business and innovation."