What is an Entrepreneur?

An entrepreneur is a person who sets up a business or businesses and often takings on financial risks in the hope of profit. Entrepreneurs usually work in their own businesses and usually employ others to work for them. In many small businesses, family members are often the initial employees.

Entrepreneurs help to create value in the economy by providing jobs and investment. People often start a business out of necessity, possibly as a result of being out of work, or not being satisfied in their current job.

Why Become an Entrepreneur?

Becoming an Entrepreneur gives you the opportunity to become your own boss. Being an entrepreneur gives you the freedom to have control over your life and job. It is not just the ability to say what hours you will work but it also involves every step in the operation of a business. When you are the boss, all decisions from design concept to job creation, sales, business operations and customer relationship management ultimately circle back to you.

Becoming an entrepreneur can potentially give you the opportunity for greater financial success. When you work for someone else, you are contributing to their financial future all of the time and to your own financial future only to the extent that they decide.

Could you be a Successful Entrepreneur?

To be a successful entrepreneur you must begin with a strong desire to start a business, have a good idea, plan carefully, work hard and be committed to stick with it. A supportive family or social network has also been shown to be a contributing success factor.

Successful entrepreneurs have come from all areas of society. Entrepreneurs may be very educated or have little education, but most share a number of personal traits, including: creativity, dedication, determination, flexibility, leadership, passion, self-confidence.

Business instincts are also important. Combining these instincts with acquired knowledge and experience will result in success. Although not all new businesses are successful, entrepreneurship offers the potential for great rewards at a personal, community and societal level.

How We Can Help

The Local Enterprise Office is the dedicated enterprise advisory and support agency for the Laois region. Designed to be a first-stop shop for those thinking of starting a business. We are also a source of enterprise advice and support for existing small firms.