Business owner of new enterprise/company who typically directs all business actions for the enterprise.
Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Liam Regan, Activities Instructor
Liam Regan took the opportunity to turn a hobby into a tourism business when he established Falconry Kerry in 2017. He tells us about the joy of having the opportunity to do what he loves for his career, and share his knowledge of birds of prey with visitors from around the world.
Videos on the Web
- Entrepreneur- from: Youtube Search
- Entrepreneur- from: icould [UK] Video
- Entrepreneur- from: icould [UK] Video
Working Life
- 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
Qualities - Entrepreneur
Risk-taker, adaptable; ability to come up with new ideas and new ways of doing things; good judgement; decisive; ambitious and self confident. A desire to work for yourself, make your own decisions, to feel secure and in control, and to be your own boss with the freedom and flexibility that comes with the role.
Entrepreneurs need good time-management, leadership, and decision-making skills. Communication with a diverse range of people, including staff, clients, customers, investors, suppliers etc, requires good communication skills and an ability be comfortable meeting people, networking, and forming relationships.
Interests - Entrepreneur
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.
Entry / Progression - Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs develop their skills and business ideas from experience, skills, knowledge, and training. Though there are varied entry points in development. Though not necessary, 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 business can be for profit or social enterprise.
Courses at different levels will prepare an Entrepreneur to develop their business ideas, business plan, and business
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business administration, finance, management, marketing, start your own business.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: business administration, finance, management, marketing.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: business.
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 for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: business.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Entrepreneur grants, training, and mentor supports for you to develop your business idea:
Partnership enterprise local office
Our Exploring Entrepreneurship section
Pay & Salary - Entrepreneur
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
Labour Market Updates - Entrepreneur
Useful Contacts - Entrepreneur
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Enterprise Ireland
- The Plaza, East Point Business Park, Dublin 3
- (01) 727 2000
- Click Here
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Local Enterprise Office
- C/O Enterprise Ireland
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- Click Here
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Chambers of Commerce
- 3rd Floor, Newmount House, Lower Mount Street Dublin 2
- (01) 400 4300
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Junior Achievement Ireland
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DCU Ryan Academy for Entrepreneurship
- 3013 Lakedrive Citywest Business Campus Dublin 24
- (01) 700 6786
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Cairde Teo
- Armagh City Shopping Centre, Thomas Street, Armagh, BT61 7AE
- 028 3751 5229
- [email protected]
- Click Here
