Entrepreneurship: A person who organizes, operates, and assumes the risk for a business venture.
Is this for you?
A note from Nancy Griffiths
(Formerly at SEED - Self Employment and Entrepreneurship Development):
“I can’t find a job so I’ll start a business.” Have you heard people say that? They realize pretty quickly that self-employment is not an easy path. For the right person it can be amazing and fulfilling. The secret to success? I have to tell you that I don’t know it - but there are some things you can do to improve your chances:
- Choose a business idea that you are passionate about – could you see spending every waking moment with that business?
- Decide how you define success. Freedom? Pursuing dreams? Your call.
- If you have a disability – how will you plan your business around your needs? Is it possible? Who can help you?
- Make sure you have a strong circle of supports – friends, family; mentors will make a huge difference.
- Think about the reality of the business – are you prepared to do what it really takes? Is there a demand for your business idea?
- Look at your lifestyle and your needs – do they fit with your small business idea? Be realistic and open-minded.
Self-employment is not for everyone and many people look at the option and decide “No”. To me, that is also success - People making good solid decisions about their future and choosing what’s right for them.
Is self-employment in your future? Here are some great resources to explore:
The Self Employment and Entrepreneurship Development (SEED) program provides counselling and business advisory supports to potential entrepreneurs with disabilities. Call SEED at 519-452-4877 for more information.
The London Small Business Centre is a great place to start.
The resource segment of the SEDI website (Social and Enterprise Development Innovations from Toronto) is a goldmine of information for tools and websites about self employment.
The Canada Ontario Business Service Centre has online supports for small business and has TTY and Braille resources available in both official languages.
Here are some other great sites to look at:
Entrepreneurism as a Career Option
Maze Master - Self Employment
How to Write a Business Plan
Evaluation Process For The Self-Employment Program Exploring and evaluating yourself to see if you would be a successful entrepreneur.
Workink - there are different ways to become an entrepreneur.