Cultivation of Entrepreneurs

I have been pondering the cultivation of entrepreneurial activity around the world. Most recently I have been considering that cultivation within the United States. I live in the Boulder, Colorado area and in my observation the University does a fantastic job in connecting the students to entrepreneurial activity in the area. I had the opportunity to work with the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic for a year on a project. There are many events hosted at the University for entrepreneurs in the community, a small venture capital fund run by the students and student business plan challenges campus wide. I have seen the proof. I have met several students turning entrepreneurs and building companies rather than take the traditional career path. With these observations and the advent of organizations like StartUp America and incubators around the country, it is clear the opportunity for recent graduates or even current students as entrepreneurs is encouraging.

Where I am discouraged is our cultivation of entrepreneurs across the entire age spectrum. I think lack of know-how, risk adversity and confidence result in many would-be entrepreneurs remaining in the cubicles of corporate America. When equipped, these same individuals could create value and jobs that would benefit the greater community. But instead, with a family and mortgage it is too much risk for a responsible leader. This unfortunately leaves entrepreneurial-ism to a narrow demographic. It appears repeat entrepreneurs are the norm because after selling a company they can afford to take more risk. Or recent University graduates with low expense and responsibility requirements can take a shot for a time. But is that truly a representation of our best entrepreneurs?

Eventually, I believe we will have to coax the entrepreneurs across the entire age spectrum to go beyond the safety of a corporate job to building something great that creates jobs for others. Perhaps someone took a corporate position out of college because that was the expectation at the time. However, the support model for entrepreneurs was very different 20 years ago. With the right support, could this same person have made a great company? And now, today... is this person any less of a great candidate to be an entrepreneur? I would argue maybe today they are even a greater candidate.

I started a LinkedIn group called "Help! I want to be an entrepreneur" in an attempt to let people explore these questions - particularly for themselves. Whether in their twenties or forties in age, explore with others whether or not building something is a passion you should cultivate. Learn to create value, jobs and wealth. In that order. By networking with other entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs. Get involved in the transition of the global workforce.