The Work

• Finds and develops new business ideas and opportunities in an effort to be successful and profitable
• Improves on the current available market offerings
• Sources the funding to launch the enterprise
• Follows through and begins a new business
• Operates the business on a day-to-day basis, overseeing all details and nurturing the company to success
• Works long hours and perseveres through tough times
• Generates a profit and becomes more financially secure than depending on a wage from an employer
• Takes a risk and aims for success

Further Information

• Entrepreneur - from: Inspired Startup

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Entrepreneurs develop their skills and business ideas from experience, skills, knowledge, and training. Though there are varied entry points in development. Though not neccesary, some learning and skill building may support and shape your business innovation and development in your path. 

People start their own business at many stages in their life, developing from side line to mainline focus expressing their skills in business creation. Their busienss can be for profit or social enterprise. 

Courses at different levels will prepare an Entrepreneur to develop their business ideas, business plan, and business: 

FET Centre Traineeship NFQ level 5 & 6 Business administration, Finance, management, marketing, and Start your own business search our FET coursefinder

FET PLC Courses Business administration, Finance, management, and marketing NFQ level 5 & 6 search our FET PLC coursefinder

Higher Education CAO Entry: Bachelor or Master's Degree in Business, or in a field related to their enterprise interest. An important support will be the incubator units in Colleges search our CAO coursefinder & supports

Apprenticeship Entrepreneurs often gain training and experience in their chosen enterprise area through, internship, and/or on-the-job training at other companies Search Apprenticeships

Entrepeneur Grants, Training, and Mentor supports for you to develop your business idea: 

Local enterprise office

Partnership enterprise local office

Our Exploring Entrepreneurship section

Local College incubation centre

Social enterprise supports

Setting up your own business 

Last Updated: November, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €17k - €150k

Entrepreneurs might start out by paying themselves under the minimum wages, but the upper rate can be any amount.

Data Source(s):
CareersPortal/ Prosperity/ DEASP

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

Enterprise Ireland, 2022 End of Year Statement.

In terms of indigenous firms, there was also encouraging news from Enterprise Ireland (EI) which reported a net jobs growth of almost 11,000 in 2022, with total employment across their client companies reaching over 218,000. 

• Enterprise Ireland

  • The Plaza, East Point Business Park, Dublin 3
  • (01) 727 2000
  • Click Here

• Local Enterprise Office

  • C/O Enterprise Ireland
  • Click Here

• Chambers of Commerce

  • 3rd Floor, Newmount House, Lower Mount Street Dublin 2
  • (01) 400 4300
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Junior Achievement Ireland

  • 8 Longford Place Monkstown Co.Dublin
  • (01) 236 6644
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• DCU Ryan Academy for Entrepreneurship

  • 3013 Lakedrive Citywest Business Campus Dublin 24
  • (01) 700 6786
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Cairde Teo

  • Armagh City Shopping Centre, Thomas Street, Armagh, BT61 7AE
  • 028 3751 5229
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here