Lesson 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurship Definition of Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship is the process of identifying opportunities, developing innovative ideas, and organizing resources to create and grow a business venture. It involves taking risks to achieve profit, growth, and personal satisfaction. Who is an Entrepreneur? An entrepreneur is a person who initiates, organizes, and operates a business, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit. Entrepreneurs are often innovators who bring new products, services, or processes to the market. Importance of Entrepreneurship Economic Growth – Entrepreneurs create jobs and contribute to national income. Innovation – They introduce new technologies and business models. Social Development – Entrepreneurship can address social issues through sustainable solutions. Employment Generation – New ventures provide job opportunities. Improved Standard of Living – Entrepreneurs offer goods and services that enhance quality of life. Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs Creativity and innovation Risk-taking ability Vision and goal orientation Leadership and decision-making skills Perseverance and resilience Adaptability and flexibility Types of Entrepreneurs Innovative Entrepreneur – Focuses on new ideas and inventions. Imitative Entrepreneur – Adopts successful innovations from others. Social Entrepreneur – Aims to solve social problems. Technopreneur – Uses technology as the core of the business. Small Business Entrepreneur – Runs small-scale enterprises for livelihood. The Entrepreneurial Process Opportunity Recognition – Identifying a market need or problem. Feasibility Analysis – Assessing the viability of the idea. Business Planning – Creating a roadmap for operations and growth. Resource Mobilization – Gathering financial, human, and material resources. Implementation – Launching and managing the business. Growth and Expansion – Scaling operations and exploring new markets. Entrepreneurship in the Modern World In today’s global economy, entrepreneurship drives innovation and competitiveness. Digital platforms, e-commerce, and technology have made it easier for entrepreneurs to reach global audiences and scale their ventures efficiently. Conclusion Entrepreneurship is more than starting a business—it’s a mindset of innovation, resilience, and value creation. Entrepreneurs play a vital role in shaping economies and improving societies through their creativity and determination.