What is an Entrepreneur?
Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will stand in the presence of kings.
He will not stand in the presence of unknown men.
An entrepreneur is someone who sees a problem and creates a solution. The entrepreneurs who succeed are usually those who become highly skilled at what they do. This verse teaches that when we work hard, learn our craft, and pursue excellence, opportunities will come.
An entrepreneur is someone who notices a problem or need and creates a solution that helps others. That solution could be a product, a service, or even a new way of doing something.
Entrepreneurs don't wait for someone else to solve problems. They take action.
Entrepreneurs might:
- Start a lawn care business.
- Sell handmade jewelry or candles.
- Design websites.
- Create artwork or photography services.
- Bake cookies or decorate cakes.
- Develop apps or video games.
- Invent new products.
Every successful business started with someone asking:
"How can I help solve this problem?"
Discussion
Real-Life Examples
Many entrepreneurs started when they were young.
Alina Morse – Zolli Candy
At 7 years old, Alina wondered why stores sold candy that was bad for your teeth. She worked with dentists to create sugar-free candy that actually helps keep teeth clean.
What made her successful?
- Asked good questions
- Solved a common problem
- Kept learning
- Improved her idea
Lesson: Entrepreneurs ask, "How can I make this better?"
Mikaila Ulmer
When she was 4 years old, Mikaila started selling lemonade sweetened with honey. Today, her company sells products across the United States while helping protect honeybees.
What made her successful?
- Solving a problem
- Caring about others
- Creating something different
LITTLE BIG SHOTS -- Season:4 -- Pictured: Ryan -- (Photo by: Flannery Underwood/NBC)
Ryan Hickman – Ryan's Recycling
At 3 years old, Ryan became interested in recycling after visiting a recycling center. He started collecting cans and bottles from neighbors. His recycling business has recycled hundreds of thousands of cans and bottles while helping the environment.
What made him successful?
- Took initiative
- Worked consistently
- Helped his community
- Turned a simple idea into a business
Lesson: Small actions can grow into something big over time.
Local Small Businesses
Not every entrepreneur becomes famous.
Many successful entrepreneurs are your neighbors.
Examples include:
- Landscapers
- Photographers
- Coffee shop owners
- Graphic designers
- Mechanics
- Hair stylists
- Candle makers
- Bakers
- Website designers
Every business started with one person deciding to solve a problem for someone else.
Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs
1. Problem Solvers
Entrepreneurs notice needs that others overlook.
Instead of saying,
"Someone should fix that."
They ask,
"How can I fix that?"
Example:
Students need affordable school spirit shirts.
An entrepreneur designs and sells custom shirts.
2. Risk Takers
Entrepreneurs understand that success requires courage.
They know they may fail, but they learn from mistakes and keep moving forward.
Risk does not mean being careless.
Good entrepreneurs make wise decisions after researching and planning.
3. Creators
Entrepreneurs create value.
They might create:
- Products
- Services
- Art
- Websites
- Clothing
- Food
- Apps
- Videos
- Books
Their creativity allows them to help other people.
4. Hard Workers
Success rarely happens overnight.
Entrepreneurs continue learning, practicing, improving, and serving customers well.
This is exactly what Proverbs 22:29 teaches.
The more skilled you become, the more opportunities YAH can place before you.
What Entrepreneurs Are NOT
An entrepreneur is not someone who:
- Gives up easily.
- Expects success without effort.
- Copies others without adding value.
- Ignores customers.
- Refuses to learn new skills.
Successful entrepreneurs stay teachable.
Class Activity
Kahoot.it
Discuss one of your problems with your group that you wrote about for your homework last week.
Homework
Identify One Entrepreneur You Admire
Choose an entrepreneur you admire. They may be famous, own a local business, or even be someone in your family or church.
Answer the following questions:
- Who is the entrepreneur?
- What business do they own or what product/service do they provide?
- What problem do they solve?
- Which entrepreneurial traits do they demonstrate?
- What is one lesson you can learn from them?
- How does Proverbs 22:29 relate to their success?
Think About It
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to start a business, what would it be?