Starting a business can feel like walking a tightrope—full of risk, uncertainty, and the looming possibility of failure. But failure, it turns out, doesn’t always mean the end. In fact, some of the world’s most iconic companies started with stumbles, near-collapses, and flat-out failures. Their journeys to success are not just tales of triumph but invaluable lessons for small business owners on navigating adversity. Keep reading as we spotlight six legendary companies – and one beloved author – that failed first but eventually made it big—and what you can learn from their stories.
Walt Disney: Turning rejection into magic
Walt Disney didn’t have an enchanted beginning. His first venture, Laugh-O-Gram Studios, crumbled into bankruptcy in 1923. Despite his creative vision, the studio faced poor financial management and couldn’t stay afloat. Penniless, Disney packed his bags and moved to Hollywood, determined to start over.
Out of this disappointment came Mickey Mouse, the character that changed everything. The massive success of Mickey allowed Disney to build a company that would revolutionize entertainment and define childhood for generations to come.
Apple: Reinvention through innovation
Apple’s road to success wasn’t a smooth one. After early success with the Apple II, the company struggled throughout the 1990s. Products like the Newton were expensive flops, and co-founder Steve Jobs was ousted in a boardroom power struggle. By the time Jobs returned in 1997, Apple was weeks away from bankruptcy.
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